
moderate
6–8 hours
Suitable for travelers with basic swimming ability and average fitness; expect repeated snorkel intervals and some wet entry from a small boat.
A full-day circumnavigation of San Cristóbal that pairs top snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Bahía Rosa Blanca with birdwatching at Punta Pitt. Expect white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and close-up views of boobies and frigates—wetsuits and expert guides included.
The day begins before the sun has fully warmed the Pacific—your boat slips away from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the island recedes into a rim of black lava and scrub. Salt breathes across the foredeck and the guides move with used-easy efficiency, handing out masks and wetsuits while the engine hums a steady promise: visibility, close encounters, and the kind of blue that seems to go on forever.

Ocean currents near Kicker Rock can be strong; stay close to your guide and signal if you need to rest on the surface.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and marine life; reapply with a towel rather than entering the water greasy.
If you’re susceptible to motion sickness, take medication the night before and again an hour before departure for best effect.
Masks provided, but a well-fitted personal mask reduces leaks and lets you focus on marine life rather than clearing water.
San Cristóbal is one of the eastern, older islands of the archipelago; its volcanic cliffs and sea stacks are sculpted by uplift and erosion rather than recent eruptions.
Visits operate under Galápagos National Park rules—operators limit group size, enforce distancing from wildlife, and encourage reef-safe products to protect fragile ecosystems.
Protects skin and prevents harmful chemicals from entering fragile marine ecosystems.
A well-fitted mask improves visibility and comfort in choppy water.
Adds sun protection and a bit of warmth during extended surface swims.
Keeps phone, wallet and snacks dry while on a small boat and during beach stops.