Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kicker Rock, Popular Dive Site
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Gordon Rocks
Another important dive site are the Gordon Rocks, a formation close to Santa Cruz Island
where more hammerheads are waiting to swim with you. The ones here are known for be-
ing curious and getting up close and personal with divers. Many rays also gather there
(Manta, sting, eagle, marbled) along with a lengthy list of fish. Hammerheads, however,
steal the show. Visibility is low and currents are strong, so discuss your experience level
with an outfitter beforehand.
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Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente is a cove created by half a volcano on Isabela Island that eroded and fell in-
to the sea (only on the Galápagos!) It's very cold - in the teens - here so sufficient equip-
ment is a must. You get to dive down to the sea floor and see all manner of strange marine
life crawling on its surface, like red batfish that use their fins like feet to flop around on
the land or the absolutely freakish Mola Mola fish. From there you can fin along a ridged
wall filled with slipper lobsters, spider crabs and shrimp that crawl all over your hands.
Puerta Ayora
Puerto Ayora is a beautiful town on the central Galápagos Island Santa Cruz that has the
largest population, most-developed tourist infrastructure and the archipelago's main port
where you can easily catch boats to other islands. The port hosts beaches at
Tortuga
and
Academy Bays, the Darwin Foundation and their research Station where the famous giant
Galápagos tortoise breeding program is in process. From the town center, Padre Julio Her-
rera Avenue takes you to the Santa Cruz highlands where lava tubes, placid lakes and for-
ested crater pits resemble the backdrop to a Jurassic Park movie. Santa Cruz is one of the
greenest and oldest islands on the archipelago.
Almost all cruises stop at Puerto Ayora while it counts as the best base for an overland
Galápagos trip due to its affordable prices and service accessibility: nearby airport, banks,
hotels, pharmacies, supermarkets, etc. Its tropical climate fluctuates between the sunny
