Private Snorkel Tour from San Cristóbal: Kicker Rock, Rosa Blanca & Sardina Bay
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking and the ability to swim in open water is recommended; participants of average fitness can handle the trip but should be able to snorkel for multiple short sessions.
Overview
Spend a day snorkeling three of San Cristóbal’s best sites—Rosa Blanca, Sardina Bay and the iconic Kicker Rock—on a private full‑day trip with local guides and hotel pickup. Expect turtles, rays, sea lions and the chance to see hammerhead sharks in clearer, deeper water.
Private Snorkel Tour from San Cristóbal: Kicker Rock, Rosa Blanca & Sardina Bay
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You step off the shaded street of San Cristóbal’s small town and the ocean announces itself—salty gusts push at your hair, and the harbor hums with boats polishing hulls for the day. A private, air‑conditioned transfer eases you out of town and toward the cliffs and coves where the Galápagos flex their marine muscles. By the time the skiff bumps into clear water at Rosa Blanca, the island’s underwater life is already performing: rays glide like living kites, sea turtles surface for quick breaths, and small fish thread around volcanic boulders.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book morning slots for Kicker Rock
Morning conditions are usually calmer and visibility better at Kicker Rock—ask for an early departure to reduce chop and increase chances of hammerhead sightings.
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens harm marine life; use reef‑safe sunscreen and apply before boarding to avoid contaminating the water.
Wear a snug mask and snorkel
A well‑fitting mask keeps water out and extends your time exploring reefs; bring a strap or backup if you rely on prescription masks.
Hydrate and bring a light snack
The tour is about nine hours with multiple swims—drink water before and after snorkeling and pack a light energy snack for the boat ride.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Galápagos sea lion
- Green sea turtle
History
San Cristóbal is one of the oldest human settlements in the Galápagos; local fishing communities have long informed safe routes and seasonal knowledge that guides now use for eco‑tourism.
Conservation
The Galápagos Marine Reserve is a protected area; operators follow strict rules to reduce reef contact, limit group sizes in the water, and encourage reef‑safe products to protect fragile ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Snorkel mask
A well‑fitting mask improves visibility and comfort during repeated swims.
Wetsuit or shorty (2–3mm)
Useful in cooler months or for long swims when subsurface temperatures dip.
winter specific
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing harm to coral and marine species.
summer specific
Waterproof camera or action cam
Captures underwater encounters—use a float attachment or lanyard to avoid loss.