Snorkeling at Kicker Rock, San Cristóbal: Sharks and sea turtles

Dive into waters around a volcanic pinnacle where sharks and rays patrol

Snorkel at Kicker Rock (León Dormido), San Cristóbal's most iconic marine site, where hammerhead sharks, rays, sea turtles and sea lions move through the water around a dramatic volcanic formation. A certified naturalist guide leads the activity. Mask, fins and wetsuit are provided, along with lunch, snacks and coffee. The day runs 6 to 7 hours and includes time on white-sand Cerro Brujo beach to walk and rest between water time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and beach relaxation

• Snorkel at Kicker Rock
• Visit and relax at Cerro Brujo beach

The experience

Kicker Rock is a volcanic pinnacle that rises from the ocean floor and draws marine life in numbers most snorkeling sites cannot match. You enter the water with a guide who knows where the sharks and rays tend to move, and the sightings depend on what's active that day: hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles and schools of fish are all regular. The water is clear enough to see the rocky bottom and the fish moving through it, and the formation itself is the draw: you're snorkeling around something that looks like nothing else in the islands.

After Kicker Rock, the boat moves to Cerro Brujo, a white-sand beach backed by volcanic cliffs. This is where the pace shifts. You have time to walk the shoreline, wade in calmer water, and watch sea lions and coastal birds move through their day. Lunch happens here, along with coffee and snacks, so the afternoon is built around recovery and observation rather than exertion. The guide stays with the group throughout, pointing out details about the wildlife and the landscape that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Snorkeling gear (mask, fins and wetsuit) is included and fitted before you leave the dock. The boat has WiFi on board, so you can upload photos or check messages between sites. The whole day is structured around the idea that marine adventure and beach time belong together, not one after the other as separate things.

What’s included

• Snorkeling mask, fins and wetsuit.
• lunch and snacks.
• coffee and tea.
• certified naturalist guide in English.
• boat transport to both sites.
• WiFi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except ThursdayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

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 if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Galapagos Sharksky Travel & Conservation

Is this one for you?The day asks for a moderate level of physical fitness and comfort entering the ocean, so it suits snorkelers who are at ease in deeper water and can manage 6 to 7 hours split between activity and rest. The guide handles navigation and wildlife spotting, so you focus on what you see rather than where to go.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What kind of sharks and rays will I see at Kicker Rock?

Hammerhead sharks and eagle rays are the most common sightings at Kicker Rock, along with sea turtles, sea lions and schools of reef fish. Wildlife encounters depend on natural conditions and the time of year, so sightings are never guaranteed, but the site is known for consistent activity.

How long do I spend in the water snorkeling versus on the beach?

The day runs 6 to 7 hours total. You snorkel at Kicker Rock for the main marine portion, then move to Cerro Brujo beach where you have time to rest, walk the sand and wade in shallower water. Lunch and refreshments break up the schedule.

Is snorkeling gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Mask, fins and wetsuit are all included and fitted before departure. You don't need to bring or rent your own equipment.

What is Cerro Brujo like compared to Kicker Rock?

Cerro Brujo is a white-sand beach surrounded by volcanic cliffs and clear shallow water. It's calmer and more suited to wading and beach walking than active snorkeling, and it's where the group relaxes and eats lunch after the main snorkeling site.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience to join this activity?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The guide leads the snorkeling and stays with the group, so experience helps but is not required. Infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap during boat travel.