Galapagos: Kicker Rock Snorkeling Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Snorkel with sea turtles & sharks at León Dormido Galapagos

You’ll ride out from San Cristobal with a local guide, gear up for snorkeling at Kicker Rock among turtles and reef sharks, then relax over lunch on a quiet beach. Expect playful sea lions at Isla Lobos and stories about Darwin’s first steps in the Galapagos—plus plenty of time to just float and watch the world move underwater.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a wetsuit before I’ve even had my coffee. The boat’s engine is already rumbling, and our guide—Luis, who grew up right here on San Cristobal—grins as he checks everyone’s fins. There’s this salty breeze that wakes you up better than caffeine. I can hear sea lions barking somewhere behind the pier, but we’re already pulling away, heading for Kicker Rock (León Dormido). Luis points out Isla Lobos as we pass, says it means “sea lion island”—makes sense since there are pups flopping around everywhere. I fumble with my snorkel mask; he laughs and shows me how to tighten it properly. Didn’t expect to feel nervous about snorkeling again, but here we are.

The water around Kicker Rock is colder than I thought—kind of shocks you awake when you slide in. But then it’s just quiet bubbles and the sound of your own breath. Suddenly there’s a shadow below—a sea turtle gliding by like it owns the place. And then reef sharks, just hanging out near the bottom. Someone in our group squeaks through their snorkel when a hammerhead passes (I swear it was bigger than me). Luis floats nearby, pointing things out underwater with these slow hand signals. At one point I look up and see frigate birds circling overhead, black against the bright sky.

Lunch happens on the boat while we’re anchored off Manglesito Beach or sometimes Cerro Brujo—it depends on the day, apparently. The food is simple but good (I went for the veggie option), and everyone’s hair is sticking up from saltwater and wind. There’s this moment where nobody talks much; just eating quietly while looking at the weird blue color of the ocean here. Later we stop by Cerro Tijeretas—Darwin’s Hill—and Luis tells us Darwin landed there first in 1835. He tries to get us to say “Tijeretas” right; I definitely butchered it and got a laugh from him.

I still think about that feeling of floating between those two cliffs at Kicker Rock—just fish everywhere and sunlight slicing down through green water. It’s not something you really plan for, but it sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Kicker Rock adventure tour

• Stop at Lobo Island channel
• Check and familiarize snorkeling gear
• Boat trip to Kicker Rock
• Snorkel with sea turtles and sharks
• Visit secluded beach for lunch
• Disembark at Manglesito or Cerro Brujo beach
• Pass by Cerro Tijeretas viewpoint
• Take photos and enjoy scenery

Top questions

Is snorkeling gear included on the Kicker Rock tour?

Yes, mask, snorkel, fins, and life vest are provided for all participants.

Are meals or snacks offered during the day trip?

Yes, snacks and lunch are included onboard with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Can children join this Galapagos snorkeling tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Do you visit beaches during the Kicker Rock excursion?

Yes, you’ll stop at either Manglesito Beach or Cerro Brujo depending on itinerary.

Is there a restroom available during the boat tour?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard for guest use throughout the trip.

How long does it take to reach León Dormido from San Cristobal?

The boat ride typically takes under an hour each way from San Cristobal port.

Will a certified guide be present during snorkeling?

Yes, a Galapagos National Park Naturalist Guide accompanies you throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from San Cristobal pier by boat crew, all snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, life vest), clean towels after swimming, bottled water plus coffee or tea onboard, snacks and lunch with vegetarian or vegan options if needed—and always a local naturalist guide leading every step along Kicker Rock and nearby beaches before returning in the afternoon.