This dive site, Kicker Rock (known locally as León Dormido or 'the sleeping lion'), is an iconic jagged rock formation off the northern coast of San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos. It's a mythical site renowned for its dramatic underwater cliffs and the channel that separates the two towering rock halves. Divers typically navigate along these natural walls and through the channel, experiencing a unique topography formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Kicker Rock is a renowned hotspot for large pelagic encounters, notably schools of hammerhead sharks and green turtles. Divers can also expect to see other shark species, including various reef sharks, alongside vast schools of angelfish. The rocky cliffs host a diverse array of reef fish, and while not explicitly detailed, the unique marine environment of the Galápagos supports a variety of invertebrate life and specific algal species.
The best time to visit Kicker Rock aligns with the Galápagos diving season, typically from June to December for increased hammerhead sightings, though good diving is available year-round. Divers should be prepared for potential strong currents, especially when traversing the channel between the rocks. For both divers and freedivers, maintaining good buoyancy and situational awareness is key to fully appreciating this vibrant ecosystem, while snorkelers can enjoy the shallower areas around the rock, observing turtles and reef fish from the surface.
