San Cristóbal: Kicker Rock Snorkel & Sea Lions Day Trip

Kicker Rock's Twin Peaks Rise from the Water, and the Snorkeling Below Matches the View

You board a boat in San Cristóbal, snorkel twice at Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos with a naturalist guide spotting sharks, sea turtles and sea lions, eat lunch on a secluded beach, and pass Darwin's historic landing site. All gear, food and guide expertise are included. You bring only a swimsuit and sunscreen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kicker Rock2h
2. Isla Lobospassing by

Full-day Kicker Rock adventure tour

• Stop at Lobo Island to check gear
• Snorkel or dive at Kicker Rock
• Disembark at Manglesito or Cerro Brujo beach
• Lunch and rest at secluded beach
• Pass by Cerro Tijeretas viewpoint for photos

The experience

The boat cuts through the channel toward Kicker Rock, and León Dormido appears suddenly: two volcanic spires jutting from the ocean like a giant's broken teeth. You're heading out from San Cristóbal with a Galápagos National Park naturalist guide who knows exactly where the reef sharks patrol and which coves hold the sea turtles. The water is clear enough that you can see down before you even jump in. A full-day snorkel tour here means you're not rushing between three islands or squeezing in a quick dip. You're spending real time at the rock itself, then anchoring at either Manglesito Beach or Cerro Brujo depending on the day's conditions, with lunch and a second snorkel stop built in.

The gear is provided (mask, snorkel, fins, and a life vest), so you show up with nothing but a swimsuit and sunscreen. You'll stop first at Isla Lobos to get comfortable with the equipment in calmer water, and your guide will point out the smaller species: tropical fish, rays, sea lion pups that are curious about you. Then it's back to Kicker Rock itself, where the real action happens. Reef sharks, hammerheads, sea turtles, invertebrates, and reef fish move through the water around you. It's not a petting zoo (these are wild animals in their habitat), but the guide keeps you informed about what's moving where and why. The snorkeling at Kicker Rock is the centerpiece, but the day also includes a pass by Cerro Tijeretas (Darwin's Hill), the actual landing spot where Charles Darwin stepped ashore in 1835, so you're literally following his route through the archipelago.

Lunch happens on the beach, and the boat carries vegetarian, vegan, and regular options, plus coffee, tea, bottled water, and snacks throughout the day. There's a restroom on board, clean towels, and enough time between snorkel sessions that you're not exhausted by the afternoon. The boat itself is the transport (no separate pickup arrangement needed if you're staying in San Cristóbal town), and the whole day runs from morning until late afternoon, which is long enough to feel unhurried but short enough that you're not spending twelve hours at sea.

What’s included

Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life vest), lunch with vegetarian and vegan options, bottled water, coffee and tea, snacks, clean towels, restroom on board, and a Galápagos National Park naturalist guide throughout the day. The boat departs from San Cristóbal and visits Kicker Rock (León Dormido), Isla Lobos, and Cerro Tijeretas (Darwin's Hill).

Options for this experience

3 options

Full-day adventure tour to Kicker Rock (León Dormido), privateGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30

Discovery DiveGuide in English or Spanish · 08:3045-minute discovery immersion with scuba: a briefing, a short class aboard, and an experience led by a certified scuba diving instructor. Follows the same Kicker Rock route, so you travel alongside friends who aren't diving.

Two-dive scuba excursionGuide in English or Spanish · 08:302 immersions at the main spot, lasting 2 hours. Follows the same route to Kicker Rock on the same yacht as your friends. Divers have their own guide, and snorkelers have theirs.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Galapagos Local

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day in the water without arranging your own boat, guide or gear: the naturalist guide and fixed itinerary handle the logistics and wildlife spotting, leaving you to focus on the snorkeling itself.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos?

Kicker Rock is the main snorkel site with larger species like reef sharks and hammerheads. Isla Lobos is a calmer stop where you get comfortable with gear and see smaller tropical fish, rays and sea lion pups.

Is the snorkeling suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour includes a gear familiarization stop at Isla Lobos before the main snorkel, and all equipment is provided. It's recommended for all fitness levels, though not for people with poor cardiovascular health.

What animals will I definitely see?

Sea lions, tropical fish and rays are common. Reef sharks, hammerheads, sea turtles and frigate birds are frequently spotted but not guaranteed on every trip.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on the beach, with vegetarian, vegan and regular options available.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Mask, snorkel, fins and life vest are all provided. You bring only a swimsuit and sunscreen.

How long is the full day tour?

The tour runs from morning until late afternoon, with two snorkel sessions, lunch and a scenic pass by Darwin's Hill included.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board, plus clean towels and fresh water throughout the day.