Cousins Rocks, located northeast of Santiago Island near Bartolomé Island, is a small rocky formation that emerges from the sea, the remains of an eroded crater. The eastern side of the rock features cascading ledges adorned with vibrant black coral, glowing bright green underwater. Within these recessed ledges, divers may find a hidden world teeming with marine life, including seahorses, frogfish, octopus, turtles, and the elusive Longnose Hawkfish. Cousins Rocks is also known for its pelagic sightings, with mantas, eagle rays, mobulas, and hammerheads often cruising by. Playful sea lions and fur seals add to the excitement of diving at Cousins. Depending on the divers’ preferences, one to two dives can be enjoyed at this site.

This famous dive site offers a wide variety of marine encounters in a single dive but is best suited for moderate to advanced divers due to depths ranging from 10 to 90 feet and moderate currents. The underwater terrain consists of sloping rock plate formations and a breathtaking wall that descends into the depths. Among these rocky formations, divers can observe seahorses, endemic Galápagos black coral, octopus, a plethora of tropical fish, and sightings of Galápagos sharks and hammerheads. Friendly sea lions are often seen playing with divers, while elegant green turtles gracefully glide past. With visibility ranging from 30 to 60 feet depending on the season, Cousins Rocks promises an unforgettable diving experience filled with fascinating marine life encounters.