
moderate
8–9 hours
Should be comfortable spending long hours on a boat and able to swim short distances while wearing snorkeling gear.
Spend a full day circumnavigating San Cristóbal by boat: snorkel at Kicker Rock, drift through Rosa Blanca’s turquoises, and watch sea lions play at Bahía Sardina. Guides, gear, and lunch are included for a concentrated, small-group wildlife experience.
The boat slips away from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno as the day opens, and San Cristóbal begins to unfurl its coastal moods — sheer volcanic cliffs, black lava beds, and beaches that shift from iron-gray to sugar-white. The skipper eases into a steady rhythm; the ocean answers with a long, cool breath that pushes the bow toward Kicker Rock. By the time the limestone monolith fills the horizon, the guide is already briefing the group: safe entry procedures, shallow reef zones, and what to expect beneath the surface.

Arrive the night before at the i-Galapagos agency (6pm) for equipment fitting and a safety briefing to avoid delays on launch day.
Use reef-safe sunscreen, UV sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat—reflected sunlight from the sea amplifies exposure.
Take preventative medication or choose a midship seat; mornings tend to be the calmest for sensitive travelers.
Follow the guide’s entry/exit instructions while snorkeling to protect reefs and improve your chances of seeing larger species.
San Cristóbal is among the older Galápagos islands; its cliffs and eroded volcanic flows record millions of years of marine volcanic activity and subsequent uplift.
Guides operate under Galápagos National Park rules—stay the required distances, avoid touching wildlife, and use only reef-safe products to minimize impact.
Protects skin and marine life while spending long periods on reflective water.
summer specific
Provides sun protection and warmth during cooler upwelling months when water temperatures drop.
winter specific
Useful for boarding, disembarking on rocky shores, and short beach walks at Bahía Sardina.
Keeps you hydrated through the long day and reduces single-use plastic.