Kicker Rock San Cristóbal Island
Iconic volcanic rock formation offering world-class snorkeling and diving with abundant marine life, including sharks and sea lions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Increased hammerhead shark sightings
Kicker Rock San Cristóbal Island
Best Time
Increased hammerhead shark sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic volcanic rock formation offering world-class snorkeling and diving with abundant marine life, including sharks and sea lions.
"One of the most memorable parts of our trip to the Galapagos. We saw plenty of turtles and fish."
🛡️ Bring an Anti-Jellyfish Suit
Small jellyfish can sting. A full-body suit offers protection and warmth in cooler water pockets.
🤿 Ask for Snorkel Support
If nervous, request a life jacket or life ring for added security while snorkeling.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kicker Rock Snorkeling
Off the coast of San Cristobal Island
Dive into crystal-clear waters to swim with hammerhead sharks, sea lions, turtles, and vibrant fish.
Marine Life Encounters
Around Kicker Rock
Witness playful sea lions, graceful sea turtles, schools of fish, and majestic hammerhead sharks in their natural habitat.
Unique Rock Formation
Off the coast of San Cristobal Island
Marvel at the imposing volcanic rock formation, a dramatic natural arch rising from the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for Open Water Snorkeling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛡️ Bring an Anti-Jellyfish Suit
Small jellyfish can sting. A full-body suit offers protection and warmth in cooler water pockets.
🤿 Ask for Snorkel Support
If nervous, request a life jacket or life ring for added security while snorkeling.
📸 Capture the Magic
GoPro or waterproof cameras are essential for capturing the incredible underwater world.
💰 Consider the 360 Tour
This popular tour circles the island, often including Kicker Rock and other key sights. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🛡️ Bring an Anti-Jellyfish Suit
Small jellyfish can sting. A full-body suit offers protection and warmth in cooler water pockets.
🤿 Ask for Snorkel Support
If nervous, request a life jacket or life ring for added security while snorkeling.
📸 Capture the Magic
GoPro or waterproof cameras are essential for capturing the incredible underwater world.
💰 Consider the 360 Tour
This popular tour circles the island, often including Kicker Rock and other key sights. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kicker Rock is a breathtaking snorkeling and diving spot, celebrated for its incredible marine life, including sharks, turtles, and sea lions. While the open water can be choppy and small jellyfish are present, the sheer abundance of wildlife makes it a truly unforgettable experience for most visitors.
"Nice for snorkeling, the view is quite limited. You can see hammerhead sharks, rays, turtles and sea lions. There are also skin burning little jelly fish so be sure to wear an isoprene suit!"
Herwig Rehatschek
"One of the most memorable parts of our trip to the Galapagos. We saw plenty of turtles and fish. Even saw a shark in the distance."
Spencer Q
"Hundreds of turtles here! Sea lions and hammerheads if your lucky. It’s really something special.
However, snorkeling here does mean jumping from a boat into open water which can be a bit choppy. It is intimidating!
My advice if you are a bit nervous or not the strongest swimmer but you want to try, ask your guide if you can either wear your life jacket from the boat or ask them to take a life ring which you can use as a moving base. I kept my hand on the ring for most of our snorkel here and felt much better for knowing I would not lose touch with the group."
Daisy Chain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kicker Rock is accessible via boat tours departing from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. Many tours, like the popular '360 Tour,' include Kicker Rock as a primary snorkeling or diving destination.
Yes, you can fly directly to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). From the airport, you'll need to take a taxi or bus to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to arrange tours.
While you can see Kicker Rock from a distance, snorkeling and diving tours are the best way to experience its marine life. Independent boat rentals are not common for this specific activity.
Inter-island travel is typically done via small planes or ferries. Ferries are more budget-friendly but can be slower and less comfortable than flights.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the main town, is walkable. Taxis and local buses are available for longer distances on the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kicker Rock itself isn't ticketed, but you'll need to book a tour that visits the site. Tour prices vary, with the '360 Tour' often costing around $160.
Tours typically include boat transportation, snorkeling gear, a guide, lunch, and sometimes visits to other nearby attractions like beaches or interpretation centers. +1
Yes, there is a Galapagos National Park entrance fee, usually paid upon arrival at the airport on your first island. There's also a transit control card fee.
Prices for tours that include Kicker Rock can range from $100 to $160 or more, depending on the duration and inclusions.
While possible, booking popular tours like the '360 Tour' in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Expect to see hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, parrotfish, and various other colorful fish.
It can be challenging due to open water and currents. Beginners should inform their guide and consider using a life jacket or ring for support.
A wetsuit or an anti-jellyfish suit is highly recommended due to potential stings and cooler water pockets. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen!
The '360 Tour' is a full-day excursion that circumnavigates San Cristobal Island, often including Kicker Rock for snorkeling and visits to other beautiful bays and beaches. +1
The main risks are choppy waters, strong currents, and potential stings from small jellyfish. Sharks are present but generally not aggressive towards humans.
📸 📸 Photography
A GoPro or any waterproof camera is ideal for capturing the underwater action. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting birds from the boat.
Absolutely! The rock formation itself is dramatic, and you'll often see sea lions, birds, and dolphins from the boat before or after snorkeling.
Yes, but be patient and respectful. Underwater photography requires good lighting and quick reflexes to capture marine animals in their natural behavior.
Mornings often offer better light before the sun is directly overhead. However, cloudy days can still yield great shots, especially with the dramatic rock formations.
Focus on capturing the scale of Kicker Rock against the ocean, the playful interactions of sea lions, and the diverse schools of fish underwater.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond Kicker Rock, families will love the abundant sea lions at La Lobería beach, where kids can observe them up close (from a safe distance). The Interpretation Center also provides educational insights into the Galapagos' unique ecosystem, making it a fun and informative stop for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
For even more budget-friendly experiences, explore the easily accessible sea lion colonies at La Lobería and Playa Mann. You can also find local eateries in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno offering more affordable meals. While independent snorkeling is limited at Kicker Rock, exploring the island's accessible wildlife spots can be done without expensive tours.
🌊 Adventure Seekers
Consider tours that go beyond just Kicker Rock, such as the '360 Tour,' which often includes hikes to viewpoints or visits to more remote beaches. The rugged volcanic landscapes and the raw power of the ocean make San Cristobal a prime destination for those craving an active and adventurous escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The '360 Tour': A Comprehensive Island Experience
This tour is highly recommended for those with limited time who want to experience the best of San Cristobal in a single day. It provides a great balance of snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and scenic boat travel. Guides are knowledgeable and ensure a safe and memorable experience, often pointing out unique geological features and animal behaviors. The cost, around $160, is considered a good value for the extensive itinerary.
Travelers often praise the '360 Tour' for its variety and the sheer abundance of wildlife encountered. It's a chance to see everything from playful sea lions to majestic frigate birds, making it a highlight for many visiting the Galapagos. Remember to bring your camera and be ready for a full day of adventure!
Snorkeling and Diving at Kicker Rock: What to Expect
The experience involves jumping from a boat into open water, which can be exhilarating but also intimidating for some. The water temperature can vary, with cooler pockets present, making a wetsuit or anti-jellyfish suit advisable for comfort and protection against small, stinging jellyfish. Guides are crucial here, providing safety briefings and assisting less confident swimmers. They often use life rings as a stable point of reference for snorkelers.
Despite the potential challenges, the sheer abundance and diversity of marine life make Kicker Rock an unforgettable experience. The thrill of swimming alongside sharks and rays in such a unique geological setting is a major draw for visitors. Many describe it as one of the most magical and memorable parts of their Galapagos trip.
Wildlife Encounters Beyond the Water
Birdwatching is another major draw. Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds are commonly spotted, especially on tours that visit areas like Punta Pitt. Keep an eye out for various finches and other endemic bird species that inhabit the island's diverse ecosystems. The island's natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Many tours, including the '360 Tour,' incorporate stops at various bays and beaches where you can observe marine iguanas, sea turtles nesting, and a variety of fish. The sheer proximity to wildlife is a hallmark of the Galapagos experience, and San Cristobal offers ample opportunities to witness this firsthand.
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