Champion

Champion is a dive site located off Floreana Island, in the Galápagos, to the south of Santa Cruz Island. It is one of several islet dive sites in the area, formed from eroded cone formations and characterised by rocky terrain featuring slabs, ledges, overhangs, and areas of sand, with the rock surface overgrown by endemic black coral and pebble coral. The site reaches a maximum depth of 18 m and does not normally present strong currents, making it suitable for Open Water Diver-certified beginners while remaining a comfortable dive for more experienced divers.

The terrain at Champion and the surrounding Floreana sites provides rocky outcrops, small caves, and sandy areas that serve as resting and hiding places for marine life. Divers can expect large schools of black-striped salema that envelop the diver, as well as the distinctive red-lipped batfish with its leg-like fins and cherry-red lips. Sharks present include white reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and hammerhead sharks. Other species regularly encountered include green sea turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, sea lions (including playful juveniles), sea horses, and colonies of garden eels, alongside long-nose hawkfish, barracudas, and large shoals of reef fish.

The waters around the Floreana sites, including Champion, are characterised by relatively calm conditions with little current, contributing to good visibility and relaxed diving. Access is by boat.