GALAPAGOS AGGRESSOR III
Baltra, Ekvador
Raziščite Baltro
Otok Baltra, znan tudi kot Južni Seymour, je pogosto prva postaja obiskovalcev, ki priletijo na Galapagos z ekvadorske celine. Majhen, raven otok ima bogato zgodovino, saj je med drugo svetovno vojno deloval kot letalska baza ZDA in varoval Panamski prekop. Zdaj je na njem glavno letališče arhipelaga, čeprav ljudje na tem pustem otoku ne bivajo.
Ker ni potapljaških centrov ali drugih turističnih destinacij, obiskovalce prepeljejo do pristanišča, kjer bodo obiskali naseljene otoke ali nadaljevali križarjenje po Galapagosu. Plovila Liveaboards so najbolj priljubljen in najboljši način za ogled potapljaških lokacij v okolici Baltre, ki vključujejo otoka North Seymour in Daphne Minor.
Najboljši meseci za potapljanje v Baltri
Potapljanje v Baltri in na preostalih Galapaških otokih je mogoče vse leto, pri čemer se razlikujeta dva letna časa. Od decembra do junija je topla sezona, ko blagodejni južni vetrovi prinašajo toplejše vode (26 °C) in mirnejše oceanske razmere. Čeprav je več nalivov, ta sezona prinaša mante in večje število kladivarjev.
Hladni Humboldtov tok teče skozi otoke od junija do novembra in prinaša hladnejšo vodo (22 °C) ter bolj razburkano morje. To je tudi najboljša sezona za opazovanje kitovskih morskih psov.
Potapljaški 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.