Information
Landmark: Devil's CrownCity: Galapagos Islands
Country: Ecuador
Continent: South America
Devil's Crown, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, South America
Overview
Devil’s Crown, a jagged ring of a sunken volcanic cone, rises just off Floreana Island’s coast in the Galápagos, its waters teeming with shimmering schools of fish.Famous for its striking beauty and the flash of colorful fish beneath the waves, it ranks among the Galápagos’ most coveted spots for snorkeling and diving.This striking rock formation rises from the water like a sentinel, drawing divers eager to explore its hidden caves and the kaleidoscope of fish that thrive beneath the waves of the Galápagos Islands.Just off Floreana Island’s coast, in the heart of the Galápagos, Devil’s Crown rises from the sea like a jagged ring of dark rock.This tiny volcanic islet, quiet and empty except for the wind and seabirds, can be reached by boat from Puerto Ayora or other nearby islands.The crown was once the peak of an ancient volcano, now sunk beneath the waves, where a coral reef has grown and breaks the surface like pale stone in the sun.They call it the Devil’s Crown because the black volcanic rocks jut up in sharp points, shaped like a broken crown.The waters around Devil’s Crown are crystal clear, so you can see every darting fish and swaying coral-perfect for snorkeling or diving.The water’s often crystal-clear, so divers and snorkelers can spot bright parrotfish and other marine life gliding by just a few feet away.At Devil’s Crown, one of the Galápagos’ top spots for underwater wildlife, you can spot everything from darting schools of yellowtail fish to graceful sea turtles gliding through its vibrant, life-filled waters.Tucked in a rare spot and shielded from harsh winds, the area has grown into a thriving marine sanctuary.Number one.The waters around Devil’s Crown shimmer with life, where flashes of bright yellow and electric blue tropical fish dart through the clear current.You’ll often spot surgeonfish, parrotfish, wrasse, angelfish, and bright butterflyfish gliding over the reef.Bright coral reefs shelter these species and feed them, their branches teeming with darting fish and hidden life in a bustling, ever-changing world.At Devil’s Crown, divers often spot Galápagos sharks gliding past and white-tipped reef sharks weaving through the coral.These sharks won’t harm people, yet spotting one gliding past in the blue can send a quick jolt of excitement through your dive.Hammerhead sharks roam these waters, sometimes appearing in the shadowy depths that circle the crown.Around Devil’s Crown, stingrays, eagle rays, and massive manta rays sweep through the clear blue water, giving visitors a rare chance to watch them drift like shadows over the sand.You’ll often see green sea turtles gliding past the coral reefs or lying still on the sandy sea floor.Moray eels slip into the rocky cracks near the crown, while sea lions often glide in, barking and swirling around divers and snorkelers.People love spotting them, drawn in by their curiosity and quick, lively movements.Above the waves, Devil’s Crown teems with life-frigatebirds, boobies, and other seabirds wheel through the air or tuck into rocky ledges to nest, their calls sharp against the wind.Their presence deepens the island’s wild charm, like a flash of bright wings against the green, and makes the whole encounter with its wildlife even richer.Number two.Beneath the waves at Devil’s Crown, bright coral reefs spread out like living gardens, sheltering a dazzling mix of marine life.These reefs remain remarkably untouched, and snorkelers or divers can glide through twisting coral arches, brushing past schools of bright yellow fish.At Devil’s Crown, you can slip into crystal-clear waters and swim among darting parrotfish, making it a true paradise for anyone eager to dive into the vibrant marine world and experience the Galápagos’ extraordinary biodiversity.Most people come here to explore the underwater world, drifting past coral and darting fish, but you’ll find plenty of other ways to enjoy the place too.First.If you’re in the Galápagos, don’t miss snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, where flashes of silver fish swirl through the clear blue water.Crystal-clear water and swirls of darting fish make the moment stick in your memory forever.While snorkeling, you might spot flashes of bright tropical fish, a slow-gliding sea turtle, graceful rays, and maybe even a curious shark.The water around the crown is usually calm, with sunlight rippling across its surface, but certain spots hide stronger currents, so visitors need to be ready for whatever the conditions bring.Most tours hand you a mask and fins, then the guide takes you straight to the reef where bright fish flicker in the sunlight.Step two’s simple: vary the length of your sentences, mixing quick bursts with longer, flowing lines.Scuba diving lets you see Devil’s Crown at its best, from schools of bright angelfish flickering past to coral gardens swaying in the current.This spot ranks among the top dive sites in the Galápagos, where you might glide past hammerhead and Galápagos sharks, watch a sea turtle drift by, and spot countless other marine wonders.Divers can swim among volcanic rock ledges and bright coral rings surrounding the sunken cone, where flashes of darting fish reveal the area’s stunning biodiversity.Divers of all skill levels can enjoy the site, but because the currents sometimes whip through like a fast river, it’s best if you’ve logged a few dives before coming.In the Galápagos, professional dive operators lead trips to Devil’s Crown, guiding certified divers safely through a vibrant world of darting fish and swaying coral.Three.While snorkeling and diving steal the spotlight, you can still spot dolphins cresting the waves right from the boat.The islet shelters a mix of marine birds, with frigatebirds, boobies, and pelicans nesting on the crown’s jagged rocks.With a bit of luck, you might spot sea lions or a marine iguana stretched out on the sun-warmed rocks.You can reach Devil’s Crown by taking a boat from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, skimming across the turquoise water as seabirds wheel overhead.Most boat tours leave from the main dock, skimming across the water to the site in about half an hour, though rough waves can slow the trip.Most tours swing by nearby Floreana Island, adding depth to the trip with a mix of hiking its dusty trails and spotting sea turtles in the clear shallows.So why check out Devil’s Crown?If you’re heading to the Galápagos, don’t miss Devil’s Crown-it’s a dream spot for marine life lovers and anyone eager to slip beneath the waves and explore schools of shimmering fish.One of the biggest draws is the chance to snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs teeming with sharks, graceful rays, and curious sea turtles gliding past.Bright coral reefs burst with life, swaying gently as flashes of yellow and blue fish dart between the branches.It’s your chance to dive into one of the Galápagos’ finest underwater spots, where crystal-clear water reveals a swirl of darting fish and vivid coral.Here’s your chance to dive into a submarine volcanic formation and see the island’s geological history laid bare, where black rock still smells faintly of the sea.Whether you’ve logged hundreds of dives or just slipped on a snorkel for the first time, Devil’s Crown pulls you into a dazzling underwater world, where parrotfish flash by in bursts of electric blue.
