DAY 2
AM: Punta Carrion – Diving Site
Punta Carrion, also known as Carrion Point, unveils a stunning site with its clear turquoise waters. Diving enthusiasts will be treated to a rich diversity of marine life, from vibrant tropical fish to graceful rays, and the occasional sighting of the harmless white-tip reef shark. Situated on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island at the entrance of the Itabaca Channel, this spot is accessible only by boat, making it perfect for exploration directly from the dinghy.
With moderate currents, Punta Carrion beckons adventurous divers to discover captivating lava and rock formations alongside an abundance of marine species. Descending to depths of around 20 meters (60 feet), you may encounter white-tip reef sharks, pelagic fish, reef fish, rays, and turtles. Throughout the dive, playful sea lions accompany your journey, making appearances upon entry and during safety stops. Keep a keen eye out, as the occasional sighting of hammerhead sharks adds an extra thrill to the experience. The area between Santa Cruz and Baltra offers two distinct dives, one to the north and the other to the south, ensuring a varied and exciting underwater adventure.
PM: North Seymour – Diving Site
North Seymour Island offers diverse diving experiences suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. While currents can vary from moderate to strong, making it an ideal spot for drift diving, the site is generally accessible to all levels of divers. The underwater landscape features gradual steps descending from the island shoreline to a beautiful rock reef at around 8 meters deep, then dropping further to a sandy bottom at 16–18 meters. Here, divers can encounter white and blacktip reef sharks, green sea turtles, and occasional sightings of hammerhead sharks swimming along the currents.
The rich marine life of North Seymour includes large schools of barracuda, snapper, and various reef fish, making it a vibrant underwater habitat. Among the rocky reef, divers can also search for well-camouflaged octopi and marvel at the graceful movements of spotted eagle rays gliding through the channel above the sandy bottom. Occasionally, devil and manta rays join the spectacle, adding to the excitement of exploring this underwater paradise.