Santiago is dominated by Cerro Cowan (907m), a large volcano in the northwestern side of the island. There is much evidence of volcanic activity such as lava flows, boulders and black volcanic sand on the beaches. I was specially impressed with the large lava field in the Sullivan Bay and Bartolome, where a very liquid type of lava has covered large stretches and forms interesting whirls, waves and bubbles). Santiago Geology - Santiago (Global Volcanism Program)
Albany Rock lies in the northwest of Santiago a short distance south of the well known Bucaneer's Cove (mainland Santiago with saltwater lagoons where flamingos live), Piedra Blanca and James Bay (Puerto Egas) which are also dive sites. Albany Rock is a small crescent shaped island. You dive at a protected cove with little current. There is a sloping rock wall covered with sea fans and yellow black coral and large boulders, rocks, and underwater pinnacles with many crevices. Marine turtles, barracudas, golden and spotted eagle rays and Galapagos shark have been seen here and on the rocks live groupers like the common flag cabrillas and on the sandy plateau red lipped bat fishes have been found.
James Bay has a large fur seal colony. Fur seals and sea lions are seen underwater on most dive sites. Here they are extremely playful, come close to the diver, play with you, literally swim hoops around you, going straight for your head and turning aside at the last possible moment. Then they hover close by and seem to imitate you by letting air out of their mouth, push you a little here and there and check out your fins. While the females come close, the males patrol more on the edge of the group and try to keep their females together. Fur seals and sea lions can also be seen while snorkeling.
Cousin's Rock is a well known dive site and is situated off the east coast of Santiago (north of Bartolome). It is a triangular rock that rises about 10m out of the water and is made up of many layers of volcanic rock. You dive on a series of ledges and overhangs alternating with steep slopes and walls of black coral. Here you will find different species of hawkfish, nudibranchs and other small animals hiding. Cousin's Rock is also known for the large groups of spotted eagle rays seen here and there are a lot of sea lions which like to chase the schools of salemas. White tipped reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta ray and barracudas have been seen here.
