Kicker Rock/León Dormido

Diving

By Christopher Minster

Minster

Along with Isla Lobos, the most popular dive site near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is Kicker Rock (a.k.a León Dormido). Kicker Rock, named because it vaguely resembles a boot, is a small, distinctive island off the coast of San Cristóbal comprised of two rocks which jut out of the ocean to a great height. Kicker Rock is home to a large colony of sea birds, such as boobys.

Kicker Rock is an excellent dive site. After a medium-rough ride to get there (about an hour from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), you and your dive buddies will drop to about 60 feet between the two rocks. Dives continue upwards along a gently sloping pile of boulders, where you'll see many reef fish. There is a mild current that passes through the two rocks, which attracts hammerhead and Galápagos sharks: you'll see some if you're lucky. The water at the bottom is cool and clear, and among the boulders you can expect to see a variety of wrasses, starfish, suregonfish, angelfish, and more. Sightings of large rays and turtles are common but not guaranteed.

The surface can get quite rough, and the water is pretty cold. It is an intermediate site for divers, and an advanced site for snorkelers. If you intend to snorkel and not dive, you still might sight a hammerhead.