GALAPAGOS AGGRESSOR III
Baltra, Ekvador
Istražite Baltru
Otok Baltra, također poznat kao Južni Seymour, često je prva stanica za posjetitelje koji do Galapagosa dolaze avionom s ekvadorskog kopna. Mali, ravni otok ima bogatu povijest, služio je kao američka zračna baza i štitio Panamski kanal tijekom Drugog svjetskog rata. Sada je dom glavne zračne luke arhipelaga, iako ljudi ne borave na pustom otoku.
Bez ronilačkih centara ili drugih turističkih odredišta, posjetitelji se trajektima prevoze do pristaništa, gdje mogu posjetiti naseljene otoke ili nastaviti svoja krstarenja Galapagosom. Plovidba na brodu najpopularniji je i najbolji način za razgledavanje ronilačkih lokacija oko Baltre, koje uključuju otoke North Seymour i Daphne Minor.
Najbolji mjeseci za ronjenje u Baltri
Ronjenje u Baltri i ostatku Galapagosa moguće je tijekom cijele godine, a postoje dva različita godišnja doba. Od prosinca do lipnja je toplo godišnje doba, kada blagi južni vjetrovi donose toplije vode (26°C) i mirnije uvjete na oceanu. Iako ima više pljuskova, ovo godišnje doba donosi mante i veći broj čekićara.
Hladna Humboldtova struja teče kroz otoke od lipnja do studenog, donoseći hladniju vodu (22°C) i burnije more. Ovo je ujedno i najbolje godišnje doba za vidjeti kitopsine.
Ronilački centri
Top Baltra Dive Sites
1. North Seymour
Located just north of Baltra, North Seymour is ideal for beginner to intermediate scuba divers. The rocky slope reaches depths of around 18 meters and is teeming with eagle rays, Galápagos sharks, hammerheads, and large fish schools. Boobies can also be seen diving from above, creating a thrilling atmosphere.
2. Daphne Minor
West of Baltra, this advanced dive site features a dramatic wall dive with small caves, descending between 25 to 60 meters. Calm currents and excellent visibility make it perfect for spotting manta rays and occasional hammerhead sharks. It's a scenic dive suitable for experienced scuba divers.
3. Mosquera Islet
Positioned between Baltra and Seymour, this sandy islet is known for its playful sea lion colony. With a depth range of 15–21 meters and mild currents, it’s great for both beginners and intermediate scuba divers. Encounters with eagle rays, hammerheads, and marine iguanas are possible.
4. Itabaca Channel
This channel near Baltra is popular for check-out and training dives due to its shallow depth and calm waters. Suitable for beginners and freedivers, it offers sightings of sea stars, parrotfish, and the occasional sea turtle. Its sheltered nature makes it a year-round diving spot.
5. Baltra North Wall
This site features a steep wall dive that descends beyond 30 meters, appealing to advanced scuba divers. Stronger currents attract pelagics such as barracudas, reef sharks, and jacks. The wall is covered in sponges and corals, adding to the site's dramatic visual appeal.