Bartolome and Cousins Rock - Galápagos Islands

Bartolome and Cousins Rock is a good spot for a few reasons. We usually drop onto a series of terraced steps here, descending to about 30 meters, then it slopes to a sandy bottom at 40. The soft black coral is a real highlight, giving you plenty of chances to find Pacific seahorses tucked away. Keep an eye out for whitetip reef sharks resting on the sand, green sea turtles cruising past, and big moray eels peeking from the cracks. If you drift off the steps a bit, you might catch a glimpse of a manta ray or a hammerhead shark passing through. It's a relaxed dive, good for taking your time and spotting the smaller stuff as well as the larger pelagics.

Location
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-0.273611, -90.550550
Maximum Depth
30-40m

Marine Protected Area: Galápagos

Best Time to Dive in Galápagos Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Galápagos Islands occur in March, averaging 27.3°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 22.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 25.2°C
  • February: 27.0°C
  • March: 27.3°C
  • April: 26.9°C
  • May: 25.4°C
  • June: 24.3°C
  • July: 23.8°C
  • August: 23.0°C
  • September: 22.7°C
  • October: 23.1°C
  • November: 23.6°C
  • December: 23.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Galápagos Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Bartolome and Cousins Rock

Marine Life in Galápagos Islands

Home to 141 recorded species including 108 reef fish, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 hard corals, 3 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bartolome and Cousins Rock

Based on average water temperature of 24.7°C, currents 34 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Bartolome and Cousins Rock?
Divers at Bartolome and Cousins Rock can expect typical diving depths ranging from 30 to 40 meters. The site features terraced steps that descend to 30m, eventually leading to a sandy bottom at 40m.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Bartolome and Cousins Rock?
At Bartolome and Cousins Rock, divers will explore a vibrant reef featuring terraced steps covered with soft black coral. The site is excellent for spotting diverse marine life such as Pacific seahorse, whitetip reef sharks, green sea turtles, large moray eels, octopi, and barracuda. Additionally, manta rays and hammerheads are often sighted off the steps.
How challenging are the dives at Bartolome and Cousins Rock, considering currents and overall conditions?
Dives at Bartolome and Cousins Rock are classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while the site offers incredible experiences, divers should be prepared for conditions that may require a moderate level of skill and experience.
What is the best time of year to dive Bartolome and Cousins Rock for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for Bartolome and Cousins Rock does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal variations in the Galápagos Islands, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Bartolome and Cousins Rock?
The specific scuba diving certifications required for Bartolome and Cousins Rock are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty and depths ranging from 30-40 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is typically recommended for such sites. Always confirm with your dive operator for precise requirements.
What are the usual current strengths and water conditions like at the Bartolome and Cousins Rock dive sites?
The provided data for Bartolome and Cousins Rock does not detail specific current strengths or water conditions. However, as an intermediate dive site, divers should anticipate conditions that may include moderate currents or other factors requiring a good level of diving proficiency.