KICKER ROCK

Itinerary

Embark on an exhilarating diving expedition to Kicker Rock (also known as Leon Dormido), one of the Galápagos Islands’ most famous and dramatic dive sites. Kicker rock, situated off the coast of San Cristóbal Island, offers divers to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater landscapes in the world. This dive is perfect for those seeking adventure, rare wildlife encounters, and magnificent underwater beauty.

• Departure: 8.00

• Duration: 8 hours

• Group size: max 12

• Difficulty: Open Water License

DISCOVER KICKER ROCK

Kicker Rock is a striking volcanic formation that rises dramatically from the ocean. It consists of two towering rocks, one of which is approximately 150 meters (500 feet) tall and separated by a narrow channel known as "The Passage." As you dive through this deep fissure, you’ll be surronded by dramatic underwater scenery, including steep walls, caves, and arches that create a truly immersive diving experience. Additionally, you will encounter a diverse range of marine life including schools of fish, while larger species like sharks and rays cruise by in the open water. The sense of scale and the rich marine life make this a truly unforgettable moment.

Rich Marine Life

Diving at Kicker Rock offers an incredible opportunity to encounter a variety of marine life. One of the greatest attractions is the chance to see schools of hammerhead sharks gliding through the pristine waters, frequently accompanied by powerful Galápagos sharks. The dive is especially notable for Galápagos sea lions, which are known for their playful nature and may swim right up to divers, offering wonderful close encounters. Manta and eagle rays frequently fly past, gracefully soaring through the water, and Galápagos sea turtles can be seen cruising peacefully or resting on the seafloor. The site is also home to white-tipped reef sharks, tropical fish like parrotfish and angelfish, and the occasional octopus or moray eel hiding among the rocks. Diving at Kicker Rock is a memorable experience due to the abundance of marine life and breathtaking underwater scenery.

Conservation and Sustainability

Kicker Rock is part of the Galápagos Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its pristine ecosystems and biodiversity. Diving here supports marine conservation efforts aimed at preserving this delicate environment. We encourage all divers to respect the local wildlife and practice sustainable diving practices to help protect this unique marine paradise.

Conditions and Requirements

Kicker Rock offers excellent diving conditions, with clear waters, good visibility (often 10 to 30 meters / 33 to 98 feet), and water temperatures ranging between 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F), season dependent. The dive site can have moderate currents, making it suitable for divers with intermediate to advanced experience, though some parts of the site can be explored by beginners with the proper supervision.

Dive information:

2 dives
Depth: 18 to 22 meters
Strong current - Recommended for intermediate to advanced divers
40-minute interval between dives for sandwiches, fruits and games to re-energize for the next dive.

Why Dive at Gordon's Rocks?

Rich Biodiversity: Home to an incredible variety of marine species, including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish, making it a hotspot for underwater biodiversity.
Unique Geological Features: The striking volcanic rock formation provides dramatic underwater landscapes, including deep channels and sheer walls, offering a visually stunning and adventurous diving experience.
Excellent Visibility: The waters around Kicker Rock are known for their remarkable clarity, allowing divers to fully appreciate the abundant marine life and geological formations.