Golden cownose ray

Rhinoptera steindachneri

In the waterNear threatened

The golden cownose ray is an eastern Pacific ray that swims in large schools over sandy flats and shallow bays. It sometimes glides near the surface and is seen along the Galápagos coast. It ranges from the Gulf of California to Peru, and the IUCN lists the species as near threatened.

Best time to see it

Seen year-round over shallow flats and bays; schooling can vary locally but there is no single citable seasonal peak for the Galápagos.

Where to see it

Black Turtle Cove
Santa Cruz · Occasional sighting
Elizabeth Bay
Isabela · Likely sighting
Punta Cormorant
Floreana · Likely sighting

Cruises to see this species

B SOUTHVisits 6 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"E" itineraryVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
8 days (A)Visits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Born of FireVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"A" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"B" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B5 SOUTHVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
"D" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
"F" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
A - North Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary BVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CM/V: Española & Floreana ExpeditionVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (D)Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A NORTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B - West Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Epic Galápagos Expedition Northwest & Southern LoopVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"C" itineraryVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
4 Days (A)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
5 days (B)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (B)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A5 NORTHVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos