360° Tour

Best Snorkeling in San Cristobal: Sharks, Sea Lions & Iconic Views

360° Tour - San Cristobal

Embark on the ultimate exploration of San Cristóbal Island with the 360° Tour. This one-of-a-kind journey takes you around the entire island, combining breathtaking volcanic landscapes, incredible snorkeling experiences, beautiful beaches and encounters with iconic Galápagos wildlife. From snorkeling with sharks and sea lions at Kicker Rock to spotting three species of boobies at Punta Pitt, every part of the day offers something different. Perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the 360° Tour is your chance to experience the diversity of San Cristóbal from the water — all in a single day.

Best time to Go:

All Year Around

Focus:

One of the best Snorkeling Experience in the Galapagos

Availability:

Monday, Tusday, Wednesday & Friday, from 7:00 to 16:00

Duration:

8-9 Hours

Small Groups

Only 12 guests

Experience Level:

Confident swimmer/advanced snorkler

What is included:

See here

360° Tour Itinerary: What to Expect

Navigation & Snorkeling at Kicker Rock

Your 360° Tour on San Cristóbal begins with equipment fitting the day before the excursion. The next morning, we meet at 7:20 at the pier in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and set out towards Kicker Rock (León Dormido). After about an hour of navigation, the enormous volcanic formation rises from the Pacific. Before entering the water, we navigate around León Dormido, giving you views of its towering walls from different angles.

The first snorkeling session takes place around Kicker Rock, one of the most famous snorkeling sites in the Galápagos. Depending on sea conditions and wildlife activity, you may encounter hammerhead sharks, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, rays and large schools of fish. Beneath the surface, the vertical volcanic walls continue underwater, covered with barnacles, invertebrates and colourful cup corals.

The exact snorkeling location can vary with conditions, and the experience is not dependent on one particular section of the rock. Your guide chooses the safest and most interesting areas for the day, looking for the best combination of visibility, currents and marine life.

Scenic Stop: Cerro Brujo’s Stunning Views

As we navigate further, we’ll pass by Cerro Brujo, a striking volcanic formation with a rich history tied to the early explorers of the Galapagos. This is your chance to capture postcard-worthy photos of the dramatic coastline and turquoise waters.

Snorkeling Paradise: Bahía Sardina

Next, we head to Bahía Sardina, known for its turquoise waters and vibrant marine ecosystems. Spend time relaxing at the beach or snorkel alongside schools of tropical fish, playful sea lions, and graceful eagle rays. This stop offers an incredible opportunity to connect with the ocean’s wonders in a tranquil and secluded setting.

Birdwatching and Lunch at Punta Pitt

As we navigate to Punta Pitt, get ready for some world-class birdwatching. This remote site is home to all three species of boobies: red-footed, blue-footed, and Nazca boobies. While we don’t land here, you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to spot the rare red-footed boobies flying overhead or perched on the cliffs.

Enjoy a delicious onboard lunch as you take in the panoramic views of this rugged and remote part of San Cristobal. For those interested, an optional fishing activity can be arranged if all participants agree—your chance to catch a fish in the Galapagos!

Exploring Rosa Blanca

One of the most diverse stops on the 360 Tour on San Cristobal, Bahía Rosa Blanca offers both snorkeling and walking activities. The bay’s turquoise waters and white-sand beaches make it a stunning location to explore.

Snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions, as well as a variety of colorful fish and take a walk along the shore to discover hidden lagoons and tide pools which are home to white-tip reef sharks. This stop provides an incredible mix of marine and land-based experiences, giving you a true sense of the island’s natural beauty.

As the day comes to a close, we make our way back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, arriving around 4:00 PM. During the navigation, if fortune favors you, you might witness playful pods of dolphins gliding gracefully alongside the boat—a magical way to end your adventure around San Cristóbal Island

Why Choose the 360° Tour on San Cristóbal?

The 360° Tour is one of the most comprehensive ways to explore San Cristóbal by boat. In a single day, you combine snorkeling at Kicker Rock, coastal landscapes such as Cerro Brujo and Rosa Blanca, Bahía Sardina, the birdlife of Punta Pitt and several opportunities to encounter marine wildlife.

What makes this tour special:

Snorkeling at Kicker Rock — explore one of the Galápagos’ best-known marine sites, with the possibility of seeing hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays and large schools of fish.
Several snorkeling environments in one day — experience the deeper waters around León Dormido as well as calmer coastal bays and shallow habitats.
A full day around San Cristóbal — instead of spending the day at a single site, the 360° route connects several of the island’s most interesting coastal areas.
Different landscapes throughout the day — volcanic cliffs, white-sand beaches, turquoise bays, open Pacific waters, lagoons and tide pools keep the scenery constantly changing.
A full-day ocean adventure — ideal for travelers who want to spend the day actively exploring San Cristóbal rather than visiting just one snorkeling site.

Who this tour is perfect for:

Adventure seekers — who want a full day of navigation, snorkeling, wildlife and exploration.
Wildlife enthusiasts — who want to combine marine animals and birdlife in one excursion.
Experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers— looking for several opportunities to explore the waters around San Cristóbal.
Travelers who want to see the most San Cristóbal in just one day — by visiting several of the island’s highlights in one day.
Families with older children — who enjoy active days and a variety of experiences.

Inclusions

What can I discover on the 360° Tour?

Packing List

Sun Protection & Glasses

Bring a wide-brimmed hat (recommendable with a string), sunglasses & reef-safe sun screen

Swim Wear/Rashguard

We highly recommend a Rashguard against the high radiation.

Camera/Go Pro

Capture your adventures and take home the best souvenir possible

Rain Jacket (Optional)

A rain jacket during the rainy season and for early morning Garúa is recommended.

Shoes that can get Wet

This trip includes wet landings. We recommend sandals.

Refillable Water Bottle

Bring a refillable Water Bottle to stay hydrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the San Cristóbal 360 Tour worth it?

Yes—if you’re looking for the most complete day trip on San Cristóbal.

The 360 Tour combines several of the island’s highlights into a single full-day adventure, including Kicker Rock, Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo, Rosa Blanca, and the dramatic coastline that most visitors never get to see. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions, rays, reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish, while also observing seabirds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.

What makes the 360 Tour special is its variety. Rather than focusing on a single snorkeling site, you’ll experience different landscapes, wildlife habitats, beaches, and snorkeling locations as you circumnavigate the entire island.

The tour is particularly worthwhile for travelers who have limited time in the Galápagos and want to experience as much of San Cristóbal as possible in one day.

How rough is the boat ride, and will I get seasick?

The San Cristóbal 360 Tour involves a full day on the water, so some boat movement should be expected.

Sea conditions in the Galápagos vary throughout the year and can change from day to day. While some departures experience relatively calm seas, others may encounter moderate waves, particularly when navigating around exposed sections of the island.

If you are prone to motion sickness, we strongly recommend taking preventative medication (non-drowsy making) before the tour. Many guests who normally experience seasickness are able to enjoy the excursion comfortably when prepared in advance.

The reward for spending the day at sea is access to some of San Cristóbal’s most remote and spectacular locations, that cannot be reached by land.

If you suffer from severe seasickness or generally do not enjoy spending extended periods on boats, a shorter excursion such as a dedicated Kicker Rock tour may be a more suitable option.

Is the snorkeling suitable for beginners/children?

Yes, many beginners and families with children enjoy the San Cristóbal 360 Tour, but…

The snorkeling locations visited during the tour vary in conditions (deep water at Kicker Rock and shallower water at Bahía Sardina & Bahía Rosa Blanca), but many guests join with little or no previous snorkeling experience. The certified naturalist guides provide a briefing and flotation devices are available for those who would like extra support in the water.

That said, participants should feel comfortable swimming in open water and getting in and out of the sea from the boat.

For children, the tour is generally best suited to confident swimmers above the age of 8 years, who enjoy spending time on boats and in nature. Parents should keep in mind that this is a full-day excursion with several hours at sea and multiple snorkeling opportunities.

If your main priority is a shorter activity with less time on the water, there may be more suitable excursions available. However, for adventurous families and first-time snorkelers, the 360 Tour can be an unforgettable way to experience the wildlife and marine environments of San Cristóbal.

What wildlife can I expect to see on the 360 Tour?

The San Cristóbal 360 Tour offers some of the best opportunities in the Galápagos to encounter large marine wildlife in a single day.

One of the highlights is snorkeling at Kicker Rock, where sightings of hammerhead sharks are relatively common compared to many other snorkeling sites in the archipelago. During the navigation around the island, it is also not unusual to encounter pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

The tour includes several snorkeling stops where you may swim with

Playful sea lions
Sea turtles
Eagle rays
Reef sharks
Large schools of tropical fish
Blue-footed boobies
Frigatebirds & other seabirds

Because the tour circles the entire island of San Cristóbal, it visits a variety of marine and coastal ecosystems, offering a wider range of wildlife encounters than most day trips focused on a single location. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the combination of hammerhead sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and diverse birdlife makes this one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in the Galápagos.

What's the difference between the 360 Tour & Kicker Rock?

Simply put, the Kicker Rock Tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time at Kicker Rock and enjoy a more curated and relaxed experience, while the 360 Tour is better suited to those seeking a full-day adventure around San Cristóbal with a greater variety of landscapes, wildlife encounters, and visitor sites.

The Kicker Rock Tour centers around one of the Galápagos’ most iconic snorkeling locations, allowing guests to spend more time exploring the waters around the volcanic formation and searching for marine life such as hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks.

The 360 Tour also includes snorkeling at Kicker Rock but goes much further, circumnavigating the entire island and visiting remote locations such as Punta Pitt, Rosa Blanca, and Sardina Bay. Along the way, you’ll experience secluded beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, bird colonies, and multiple snorkeling environments that showcase the diversity of San Cristóbal.

Neither tour is better than the other—they simply offer different experiences. If Kicker Rock is your main priority, the dedicated Kicker Rock Tour is likely the better choice. If you’d like to discover more of San Cristóbal’s coastline while combining snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and exploration into a single day, the 360 Tour offers a broader island experience.

Will I see hammerhead sharks on the 360 Tour?

While no wildlife sighting in the Galápagos can ever be guaranteed, hammerhead sharks are regularly encountered during the snorkeling session at Kicker Rock, making the 360 Tour one of the best opportunities to see them on a day trip from San Cristóbal.

Kicker Rock is famous for its deep underwater walls and nutrient-rich currents, which attract a wide variety of marine life.

Some groups may encounter multiple hammerheads, while others may observe different marine species instead. The good news is that even when hammerhead sharks are not present, Kicker Rock consistently delivers some of the most exciting snorkeling in the Galápagos thanks to its abundance and diversity of marine life.

Which stops are included on the 360 Tour?

The San Cristóbal 360 Tour visits three snorkeling spots and several of the island’s most iconic views.

While the exact route may vary slightly depending on sea conditions and park regulations, the tour typically includes highlights such as:

Kicker Rock (León Dormido) – One of the most famous snorkeling sites in the Galápagos, known for its impressive volcanic formation and opportunities to encounter hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, and other marine life.
Cerro Brujo – A scenic coastal stop featuring the iconic rock formation, which perfectly frames views of Kicker Rock. It is a popular photo opportunity and one of the most picturesque viewpoints along the route.
Punta Pitt – A scenic stop along San Cristóbal’s remote coastline, known for its dramatic cliffs, rich birdlife, and spectacular views. While there is no disembarkation here, it is common to observe blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies flying around the boat, and fishing activity may take place depending on conditions.
Sardina Bay – This stop offers an additional snorkeling in calm, turquoise waters or time to relax and enjoy the beach.
Rosa Blanca – A beautiful white-sand beach and turquoise lagoon known for its shallow waters. This is one of the best places on San Cristóbal to observe white-tip reef sharks and sea turtles swimming through the lagoon.

Is the fishing activity mandatory?

No, participation in the fishing session is completely optional.

Guests are welcome to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings while others take part. Upon special request the fishing might be suspended.

Reserve your 360° Experience Now

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