San Cristobal 360: Snorkel Kicker Rock, Turtles & Hammerheads in One Day
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — should be comfortable swimming and entering/exiting a small boat; able to snorkel for multiple 20–40 minute sessions.
Overview
Spend a full day on water around San Cristóbal—snorkel at Kicker Rock, swim with turtles and hammerheads, and relax on white-sand bays. This practical guide tells you what to expect, where to meet, and how to prepare.
San Cristobal 360: Snorkel Kicker Rock, Turtles & Hammerheads in One Day
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The morning light slices off the basalt teeth of Kicker Rock as the Hammerhead slips through a flat, glassy sea. Spray mists your face, salt stings the back of your throat, and the guide’s voice—calm, precise—counts down the exit into water so clear you can read the rock beneath. You kick and the world rearranges: a parade of tropical fish, a sleepy green turtle drifting like a living coin, and then, distant and impossibly graceful, the silhouette of a hammerhead cutting the blue.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive the day before
You must be on San Cristóbal at least one night before departure—plan early flights and an overnight to avoid missing the 7:30 AM check-in.
Try on your wetsuit the day prior
The operator asks you to visit their office to fit wetsuits and masks; a proper fit prevents chafing and fogging during long swims.
Prepare for seasickness
Calm seas can turn choppy; take anti-nausea medication ahead of time if you’re susceptible and bring motion-sickness bands.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen before boarding to protect marine life and comply with park guidance.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hammerhead sharks
- Galapagos sea lions
History
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno developed as a 19th-century provisioning and whaling port; the island’s human story weaves through science, fishing and conservation efforts that shaped the modern park.
Conservation
The Galapagos National Park enforces strict rules—stay with your guide, avoid touching wildlife, use reef-safe products, and minimize waste to protect fragile ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin from UV and prevents chemical damage to coral and marine life.
Quick-dry rashguard
Adds sun protection and reduces chafing under the neoprene wetsuit.
Water shoes
Useful for rocky boarding points and sandy bays during short shore stops.
Waterproof camera or housing
Captures underwater encounters—bring memory cards and extra batteries.