Scuba diving at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) – San Cristobal, Galapagos
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join Galaapp for a full-day scuba diving tour to Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), departing from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. This dramatic twin-pinnacle rock formation rising from the ocean is one of the most iconic dive sites in the Galapagos – and one of the best places on Earth to dive alongside hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, and eagle rays.
After an early departure from the pier, we sail roughly one hour along San Cristobal’s coastline to reach Kicker Rock. Gear up and descend into the underwater canyon between the two towering rock pinnacles for 2 guided dives, led by a bilingual dive instructor and a bilingual naturalist guide from the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Maximum depth inside the channel is 14-18 meters, and up to roughly 40 meters on the outer wall – an extraordinary experience swimming beside the sheer rock walls of this majestic natural monument.
What’s included
- Bilingual naturalist guide (Galapagos Marine Reserve)
- Bilingual dive instructor
- Full scuba gear: mask, snorkel, fins, booties, 5mm wetsuit, regulator and BCD
- Towel
- Hot and cold beverages (non-alcoholic)
- Fresh seasonal fruit, snacks, and lunch on board
- Special diets accommodated on request
Diver requirements
All divers must hold at least an Open Water certification and must have logged a dive within the last 6 months. If it has been longer, we recommend a scuba refresher course before the tour. You must present your dive certification (physical, digital, or printed) on the day – without it, you will only be able to snorkel, with no refund.
Trip details
- Departs from: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno pier, San Cristobal Island
- Departure time: 8:00-8:30 AM
- Return time: Approximately 3:30-4:00 PM
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Group size: Up to 12 passengers
- Activities: 2 scuba dives + beach stop + photography
Dive conditions at Kicker Rock
- Dive time: 45 minutes or air supply, whichever comes first
- Dive depth: Around 23 meters (channel 14-18 m, outer wall up to ~40 m)
- Visibility: 5-15 meters
- Full tank: 3,000 PSI – Reserve: 700 PSI
- Surface interval: 45 minutes (resting on the boat)
- Water temperature: 23-25 degrees C (Jan-Apr) – 17-21 degrees C (May-Dec)
Kicker Rock is known for strong currents and cooler water, which is exactly what makes it such a rich site for pelagic life.
Marine life you may encounter
Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, dolphins, octopus, and a wide variety of reef fish. Above the water, look for blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, petrels, lava gulls, Nazca boobies, pelicans, and the red-billed tropicbird. Conditions at Kicker Rock change daily, so sightings are never guaranteed – but a Galapagos shark is close to a sure thing on every dive.
Your day, dive by dive
We depart the pier in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno at 8:30 AM with two bilingual guides – a dive instructor and a naturalist guide from the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The route follows San Cristobal’s west coast, where it’s common to spot manta rays, dolphins, turtles, whales, and seabirds before reaching Kicker Rock.
Dive 1 takes place in the larger channel between the two pinnacles, over a sandy and rocky bottom, with mild to moderate currents. Hammerhead sharks are commonly seen at the channel’s entrance and exit, with Galapagos sharks inside the channel.
Dive 2 is typically a wall dive along the back side of the rock, staying close to the rock face throughout – look for large schools of fish, hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.
Afterward, we land on a nearby beach to walk through the mangroves, snorkel, or simply relax before heading back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Lunch is served on board with stunning views of San Cristobal Island. Divers and snorkelers travel together in two small groups, each with its own guide, visiting the same sites.
Before you go
Please visit our dive center at least one day before your scheduled tour for an equipment check and fitting – this keeps your departure on time and stress-free. You will also need to sign a liability waiver on the day.
Why dive with Galaapp
Galaapp has been organizing dive and snorkel expeditions around San Cristobal for years, working with certified dive instructors and Galapagos National Park naturalist guides who know Kicker Rock’s currents, conditions, and marine life in every season. Transparent per-person pricing, real-time WhatsApp support, and a small-group format (max 12 passengers) built around your safety and experience.
Frequently asked questions
What certification do I need to dive at Kicker Rock?
At minimum, an Open Water certification, with a dive logged within the last 6 months. If your last dive was longer ago, we recommend a refresher course beforehand.
What if I don’t have my certification card with me?
Without proof of certification (physical, digital, or printed), you won’t be able to dive – you’ll join the snorkel group instead, with no refund.
Where does the tour depart from?
The main pier in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal Island, at 8:00-8:30 AM.
Is Kicker Rock good for hammerhead sharks?
Yes – hammerheads are seen year-round, with the highest concentrations during the cold season (June-November) at the channel’s entrance and exit.
What’s included in the price?
Bilingual naturalist and dive guides, full scuba gear, towel, drinks, snacks, and lunch on board. Special diets are accommodated on request.
