Ecuador · Snorkelling

7-Day Galapagos Islands Tour from Quito with Kicker Rock Snorkelling

7 Days Round trip from Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Stand in awe of Kicker Rock, a majestic monolith in the Galapagos
02 Discover a paradise on Española Island with unique wildlife
03 Marvel at a Galapagos viewpoint with frigate birds
04 Snorkel in tropical waters
05 Indulge in lunch on board

Embark on an unforgettable journey to San Cristóbal, the easternmost gem in the Galapagos Archipelago. As the fifth-largest island in this pristine cluster of volcanic wonders, San Cristóbal boasts a unique blend of natural splendour and cultural richness. With a population second only to Santa Cruz Island, it pulses with vibrant energy and offers many experiences waiting to be discovered.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to San Cristóbal, the easternmost gem in the Galapagos Archipelago.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Quito, Galapagos Islands, San Cristóbal Island

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Quito

Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador! Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you for the one-hour transfer to your accommodation in the city centre.
The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350 ft (2,850 m). It welcomes visitors with picturesque plazas set between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stalls, shamanistic healers, fourth-generation hat makers, and a vibrant, sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

Day 02

San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill

Welcome to the beautiful Galapagos Islands! After checking in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you will first visit the Interpretation Center with your guide, where you will learn all about the history and future of the Galapagos.
Afterwards, you will walk to Tijeretas Hill, where frigate birds nest. From here, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the island.
In the evening, return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for your overnight stay.

Day 03

Leisure Day on San Cristóbal Island

Make the most of a free day on San Cristóbal Island.
If you want to rest, you can spend the day at Playa Carola or Playa Mann. Sunbathe next to friendly sea lions, play in the water, and enjoy island life.
If you are looking for something a bit more active, go on an excursion to Pitt Point or Witch's Hill, which will take you to some of San Cristóbal's astonishing natural landscapes.

Day 04

Snorkelling at Kicker Rock

After an early breakfast, an exciting day awaits. On the agenda is a day trip to Kicker Rock, one of the most emblematic places in the Galapagos.
A comfortable speedboat navigates along the coast of San Cristóbal until you arrive at Kicker Rock. It is composed of compacted volcanic ash, not rock, and towers almost 500 ft / 150 m from the ocean floor. Above the surface, it splits into two structures, though they remain connected below by a channel running between them.
It is home to many birds, and you will be able to spot Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and tropicbirds. The underwater world makes this day extra memorable, as it is a real hot spot for underwater wildlife.
Since Kicker Rock is a snorkelling site, prepare for a wet landing. You will get directly into the water to experience everything that Kicker Rock has to offer.
After lunch on the boat, head to a beautiful, pristine beach, where you can relax and warm up in the sunshine before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in the afternoon.

Day 05

Excursion to Española Island

Depart in the morning by boat to Española Island. The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes each way.
Upon arrival, you will disembark at Suarez Point, where you will begin a hike in search of Nazca and blue-footed boobies.
After the hike, return on board for lunch and then continue to a snorkelling spot, where those who wish can enjoy a snorkel session and look for tropical fish, rays, and more.
You will be back at San Cristóbal port at the end of the afternoon.

Day 06

Flight Back to Quito

In the morning, after breakfast, you will be taken to San Cristóbal Airport, where you will board your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

Day 07

Departure from Quito

Today, you can explore Quito on your own before being picked up for your transfer to the airport.
Visit the impressive Monastery of St. Francis at San Francisco Square and enjoy a drink on the square terrace, one of the few in the historical centre. It is the oldest and most important religious site in Ecuador, with a vast complex that includes 13 cloisters, three churches, more than 3,500 works of religious art, and a library with thousands of books and historical documents.
Enjoy a scenic view from El Panecillo Hill, where the Virgin of El Panecillo stands tall. The Madonna is a 147-foot (45 m) monument made of 7,000 aluminium pieces.
Meet your driver at the hotel at the designated time and head to the airport for your flight home.

Where this trip takes you

Kicker Rock snorkelling, Tijeretas Hill viewpoint, Española Island wildlife

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

6 nights' accommodation
English-speaking guides
Meals according to the itinerary
Transfers according to the itinerary

What's Not Included

Galapagos Migration Card ($20 per person)
Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 per person until July 31st, then $200 per person)
International flights and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities/excursions

What to bring

Passport and photocopies
Flight tickets
Travel insurance documents
Itinerary and accommodation details
Entry permit to the Galapagos National Park
Lightweight, breathable clothing (shorts, T-shirts, light pants)
Swimsuits
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Sandals or water shoes for beach and water activities
Sunhat or cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (reef-safe and high SPF)
Personal medications and prescriptions
Motion sickness medication (if prone to seasickness)

Know before you go

Be accurate about your level of ability so we can design an enjoyable experience for all; if you're out of practice, speak to us about refresher courses or buoyancy orientations.
If your photographic equipment is bulky, ensure your skill level is sufficient to control it and prevent damage to the marine environment.
Respect your guide's instructions regarding safety, local etiquette, and dos and don'ts, including marine wildlife viewing distance.
Remain within the activity area and respect the buddy system/group contact protocol.
Use "reef safe" sun protection, such as sunscreen marked as such, or wear rash vests or similar.
Ensure your equipment fits well before getting in the water; it can be difficult to adjust afterwards.
If snorkelling over a shallow reef environment, use a life jacket/vest to help with buoyancy and reduce the need for kicking over this fragile area; practise snorkelling skills away from the reef.
Maintain a comfortable distance from the reef, allowing for swell and waves.
Be aware of where your fins are, and avoid kicking up sand when on or near the ocean floor; this can suffocate coral polyps.
If you need to hold on to something during the activity, choose rocks or dead patches of reef.
Do not collect flora or fauna or disturb their habitat; this includes not standing or walking on, or touching, coral reefs.
Do not chase or corner marine wildlife, nor disturb them with sticks or similar for any reason.
Do not feed wildlife; it can harm their health and encourage problematic behaviour.
Minimise flash photography; repeated exposure can cause undue stress to marine wildlife.
Use low-intensity torches or flashlights to minimise negative impacts on marine wildlife, such as disorienting them.
Please note: albatrosses are not on the island from approximately late December to the beginning of April. Still, you will have plenty of wildlife to see.