Cousins Rock

Cousins Rock is a small triangular volcanic islet off the east coast of Santiago Island near Bartolomé in the Galapagos. Underwater it is a steep, terraced volcanic reef with bench-like shelves and ledges to about 30-40 m, heavily encrusted with black corals, gorgonians, sponges and red algae. Playful Galapagos sea lions and green sea turtles are commonly encountered on the reef, and reef sharks and larger pelagics such as manta rays, spotted eagle rays and occasional hammerheads may be seen in the blue beyond the reef edge. Dives are conducted from a boat by rolling or launching and typically begin on a broad reef platform around 10-15 m, following the sloping reef benches to roughly 30 m with sheer walls and sand around 35-40 m; many routes are drift dives as currents move around the islet. Visibility is generally 10-20 m but can be reduced by nutrient-rich upwelling. Water temperatures range from about 18°C in the cool season (June-November) to 24-26°C in the warm season (December-May). Briefings emphasize good neutral buoyancy to avoid contact with fragile corals; there is no overhead environment or wreck penetration, and standard Galapagos Marine Reserve no-touching rules apply.