6-Day Galapagos Adventure: Snorkel Kicker Rock, Meet Giant Tortoises & Explore Twin Craters
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
You should be comfortable with short hikes (up to 2 hours), beach walks and multiple boat transfers; basic swimming ability for snorkeling.
Overview
Slide into the clear waters at Kicker Rock, watch blue-footed boobies cartwheel from cliff tops and meet wild giant tortoises in the highlands — all on a well-paced six-day circuit of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz. This guided tour pairs snorkeling, short hikes and conservation highlights for first-time Galápagos travelers.
6-Day Galapagos Adventure: Snorkel Kicker Rock, Meet Giant Tortoises & Explore Twin Craters
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The first breath of sea air in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno tastes like salt and possibility. You step off the small plane, luggage lighter for the coming days, and the island pushes a horizon of fractured volcanic rock and glassy water toward you. On day two a jagged silhouette rises from the Pacific — Kicker Rock — and you slide into water that feels impossibly clear. Rays glide like shadows, curious sea lions thread through kelp, and a school of fish parts for a hammerhead’s slow, purposeful pass. The water here seems to dare you forward.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The Galápagos prohibits certain sunscreens; use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and avoid fines.
Pack motion-sickness remedies
Boat transfers can be choppy — take preventative medication or bring wristbands if you’re prone to seasickness.
Wear sturdy shoes for beaches and lava
Trails include sharp lava rock and sandy beaches; closed-toe shoes with good grip make landings and hikes safer.
Respect wildlife distances
Always follow your guide’s instructions and keep a good distance from sea lions, iguanas and nesting birds to avoid stressing animals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Marine iguanas
- Blue-footed booby
History
The islands were instrumental to Charles Darwin’s ideas on natural selection; the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz continues that legacy with breeding and restoration programs.
Conservation
Galápagos National Park enforces strict rules — stick to trails, avoid bringing fresh produce, and use reef-safe products to minimize ecological impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Ayora
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects marine life while keeping your skin safe under intense equatorial sun.
Snorkel mask (fit-tested)
A well-fitting mask improves underwater visibility and comfort; snorkel and shorty provided but personal fit helps.
Light rain shell
Mornings can be humid and brief showers common during the warm/wet season (Dec–May).
winter specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Needed for lava rock, estuary trails and the walk into Tortuga Bay.