Kicker Rock, known locally as León Dormido or Sleeping Lion, is an eroded tuff cone rising about 150 metres from the sea off San Cristóbal. From one side it looks like a boot, from another a lion at rest, and a narrow channel splits it in two. That channel is the draw. The current carries nutrients and fish through, and snorkelers float the length of it while Galápagos sharks and white-tipped reef sharks, rays, turtles and schools of fish pass beneath, with sea lions often playing nearby. Overhead, Nazca and blue-footed boobies nest on the cliffs and frigatebirds hunt. The site lies about ninety minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of San Cristóbal, and can only be visited with a licensed guided tour. You do not reach it from Santa Cruz in a day: you take the ferry to San Cristóbal, which takes about two hours, and join a tour from there, so plan at least one night on that island.
What the experience is like
The snorkel is in open water with a current, so it suits confident swimmers who are comfortable with fins and a wetsuit. The guide leads the group and boats pick you up at the far end of the channel, so you float rather than swim hard. Sharks are common but unthreatening to snorkelers, and many visitors say the first time a shark glides beneath them is the moment of the trip. Most tours also stop at a beach or bay for a second, calmer swim and lunch.
Planning
Ferries run from Puerto Ayora to San Cristóbal in the morning and afternoon, typically for a fare of a few tens of dollars, and take about two hours, with a small water taxi at each end. Book the ferry a week or two ahead in busy months, and arrive early. Once in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, pick a tour for the following morning, bring a rash vest, a hat, sunscreen and motion sickness tablets, and expect a full day. The water is cooler in the dry season, so wear a wetsuit, which operators usually supply.
Costs and rules
The national park entry fee, paid in cash on arrival at the island airport, is separate from the tour price, and a tour typically includes snorkel gear and lunch. Currents can be strong and conditions change, so listen to the guide and stay with the group. If you are not a confident swimmer, consider a calmer site such as Santa Fe instead. A night or two on San Cristóbal also lets you see sea lions on the town waterfront and the island's quiet highlands.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day snorkeling tour by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal, with a float through the Kicker Rock channel and a beach stop.
Best time
Any season has wildlife; the dry season is cooler with stronger currents, so use a wetsuit.
How long
About eight to nine hours on the day, plus the two-hour ferry from Santa Cruz the day before.
Tips
Book the ferry early, stay at least one night on San Cristóbal, wear a wetsuit and listen to the guide about currents.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Confident swimmers who want to snorkel with sharks, turtles and rays.
- Families
- Best for older teens and adults who are strong swimmers; the open-water current is not for small children.
- Couples
- A thrilling shared day, easy to follow with a quiet evening on San Cristóbal.
- Pair with
- A night in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and the Isabela day trip from Santa Cruz.
- Time needed
- A full day on San Cristóbal plus a ferry day; plan at least one overnight.
Good questions
How do I get to Kicker Rock from Puerto Ayora?+
Take the ferry from Puerto Ayora to San Cristóbal, which takes about two hours, then join a guided boat tour from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It is not practical as a day trip from Santa Cruz.
Is the snorkeling safe?+
It is open water with a current, so you should be a confident swimmer. Sharks are common but not a threat to snorkelers, and guides stay with the group.
What will I see?+
Galápagos and white-tipped reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions and schools of fish in the channel, with boobies and frigatebirds overhead.
How long is the boat ride?+
About an hour and a half each way from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, so tours take most of a day and usually include a beach stop and lunch.
Do I pay the park fee separately?+
Yes. The national park entry fee, paid in cash on arrival at the island airport, is separate from the tour price.
