San Cristóbal: Kicker Rock Snorkel & Sea Lions Day Trip

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Travelers' pick

1/18

Duration7h–8h

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

7h–8h

Step-by-step itinerary

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).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

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.