Sea Lions Perform For Divers At Galapagos Islands

“Hey Rudder, hey Fluke, do you hear that?” Asked Gerald as the three sea lion buddies frolicked beneath the waves near Bartholome Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. “I think it is an approaching ship, maybe there are some of those funny looking creatures that wear rubber suits and blow bubbles down here!” “Possibly, since you are usually correct Gerald “ gurgled Rudder the California sea lion.

Within minutes the three sea lion buddies had the audience they had been waiting for days. “Okay, Gerald, let’s show these guys a show they will never forget!” And so the show began. They had been working tirelessly on a new performance and could hardly wait until the scuba divers descended into the theater the sea lions call home. Karl the videographer at this location of Cousins Rock at Bartholome Island made the long journey from Quebec, Canada.

Taking three flights and over twelve hours of travel to arrive. Cousins Rock is a small rock island which is the remains of an eroded crater. On the eastern side of the island, the rock cascades down in a series of recessed ledges strewn with black coral, which happens to appear bright green under the water. Taking cover in the coral is Cousins claim to fame in diving - stunning seahorses.

On site just past 6:15 am made for an early start from the dive resort for Karl and his buddies. Along with many sea lions, divers can also experience many more incredible sea creatures here. Located North-east of the coast of Santiago Island and North of Bartolome, Cousins Rock offers opportunity to watch seahorses, frogfish and nudibranchs. Seahorses can be spotted taking cover in the coral at depths of around 50 feet. Long nosed hawkfish, turtles and many other types of fish are plentiful as well. Eagle rays, golden rays, mobulas and numbers of giant mantas also enjoy getting up close and personal with divers here. Ranging from the surface to approximately 90 feet, this can be a great dive site for all skill levels of diver. At the time Karl was at Cousins Rock the water temperature was a chilly 68 degrees Fahrenheit with visibility ranging from 30 to 60 feet approximately. Not quite tropical but an amazing site nonetheless. Karl mentioned that the sea lions were quite amazing. “If we ignored the sea lions, they would come in close to grab our attention and continue to swim all around us, getting very up close and personal at times” mentioned Karl. Nibbling and biting on the divers fins was not uncommon from the sea lions. Karl and his buddies mentioned this is an amazing location to dive, so if you are considering visiting Galapagos, don’t pass up the opportunity.

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