The Excursion
Kicker Rock: El León Dormido
Two vertical volcanic slabs rising over 150 metres from the Pacific, split by a narrow channel just off the coast of San Cristóbal. Kicker Rock is one of the most iconic dive and snorkel sites in the Galápagos, and one of the most reliable places in the archipelago to encounter schooling hammerhead sharks.
Departs every day
Our boats
Our own vessel, and trusted partners
Sofía Girl I is our own dive and tour vessel. Depending on the day and the size of your group, your Kicker Rock outing may also run aboard one of the partner boats we work with, chosen for the same standards of safety, comfort and crew experience. Whichever boat you board, the experience remains ours.
How It Works
A Day at Kicker Rock
Departure from San Cristóbal
The boat departs directly from San Cristóbal's harbor, with Samuel and Jhon aboard.
Sailing to Kicker Rock
A scenic ride across open water to the iconic twin volcanic formation of Kicker Rock (León Dormido).
Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
You enter the water with your chosen formula, guided the whole time among hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays and sea lions.
Optional Beach Stop
Depending on itinerary, Park regulations, weather and sea conditions, a stop at a quiet, less-frequented San Cristóbal beach may be added before heading back.
Return to San Cristóbal
The boat sails back to the harbor to close out your excursion.
What you'll encounter
Scalloped hammerhead sharks, Galápagos sea lions, green sea turtles, eagle and golden rays, reef sharks and a rich diversity of tropical fish move through the channel, conditions and wildlife sightings vary with the season and ocean regulations.
Naturalist Guide · Level III
Guided by the highest level of naturalist expertise in the Galápagos
Samuel Quiroz and Jhon Zavala are both certified as Naturalist Guides Level III, the highest naturalist qualification issued in the islands. That depth of training means every outing goes beyond spotting animals: our guides read behaviour, explain ecosystems, and turn each encounter into a real understanding of how life works in the Galápagos.
In-depth expertise across marine and terrestrial wildlife, flora and ecosystems
Trained to read and interpret animal behaviour in real time
A genuinely educational, science-based experience, not just a sightseeing trip
Choose your formula
Both formulas run on the same boat, on the same outing. Everyone chooses their own activity.
FreeNaturalist Book IncludedSnorkeling
Two sessions, minimum 45 minutes each, ocean conditions and Galápagos National Park regulations permitting.
- Food included
- Transportation included
- Beach visit included
FreeNaturalist Book IncludedScuba Diving
Guided dive exploring Kicker Rock's volcanic formations and marine habitats, sharks, turtles, rays and sea lions. PADI or NAUI open-water certification (or equivalent) required.
- Food included
- Transportation included
- Beach visit included
Divers must present a valid PADI, NAUI or equivalent certification card.
Make it a full trip
As a direct operator we can also help arrange the rest of your stay, just ask when you book.
A quiet beach stop
Depending on itinerary, Park regulations, weather and sea conditions, a visit to a quiet, less-frequented San Cristóbal beach may be added to the outing.
Hotel booking
Tell us your dates and budget. We can help arrange accommodation on San Cristóbal for your stay.
Ground transport
Airport transfers and inter-island transport can be arranged alongside your excursion booking.
Flight booking
Need help with flights to the Galápagos? Let us know and we'll point you in the right direction.
Book direct and receive a copy of A Galápagos Naturalist Point of View, by Samuel Quiroz.
A letter from Samuel Quiroz, President and Owner
LEÓN DORMIDO EXPEDITION
KICKER ROCK, AN INVITATION INTO THE WILD
Not everyone who visits the Galápagos truly experiences it.
Far beneath the Pacific surface of Kicker Rock (León Dormido), beyond the iconic landscapes above, lies a world of extraordinary marine encounters: hammerhead sharks moving through deep blue water, sea turtles gliding effortlessly, rays, sea lions, and an extraordinary concentration of marine life.
This is where knowledge, experience, and timing become part of the journey.
For years, I have devoted myself to Kicker Rock. I know its waters, its wildlife, and the extraordinary details that can turn a visit into something profoundly memorable.
I invite you to experience it with me.
I am Samuel Quiroz, President and Owner of Galápagos Redefined High End.
For discerning travelers, this is not simply another excursion. It is a privately curated encounter with one of the planet's remarkable marine environments, guided by someone who genuinely knows and loves this place.
And if your journey allows, experience Kicker Rock more than once. The ocean changes. The currents change. The wildlife changes. No two encounters are ever the same.
Samuel Quiroz
President and Owner, Galápagos Redefined Expeditions
EXPERIENCE KICKER ROCK DIFFERENTLY.
Reserve your private Galápagos experience with GALÁPAGOS REDEFINED HIGH END EXPEDITIONS.
Limited, carefully curated experiences. Exceptional naturalist knowledge. The wild Galápagos, experienced at its finest.
