Kicker Rock

About the site

Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock, known in Spanish as León Dormido, the Sleeping Lion, rises about 150 meters (almost 500 feet) out of the sea off the northwest coast of San Cristóbal, northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It is the remnant of an ancient tuff cone, eroded by the waves into two vertical walls separated by a narrow channel, and one of the most iconic landmarks of the Galápagos.

There is no landing. The visit is made from the panga, circling the rock to see the blue-footed and Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and other seabirds nesting on its walls, and, on many itineraries, snorkeling along its sides and, when conditions allow, through the channel between the two rocks.

The snorkeling is spectacular: the walls are covered with colorful invertebrates and schools of fish, and Galápagos sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, eagle rays and sea lions are common. Hammerhead sharks are sometimes seen in the deeper water of the channel, and the site is also famous among divers.

Kicker Rock is best enjoyed by confident swimmers: the water is deep, there can be currents and the bottom is out of sight, so a life vest or a wetsuit gives extra buoyancy. Travelers who prefer not to swim can enjoy the rock and its birds from the panga.

Highlights

• Shore Birds
• Astounding Rock Formations