Ecuador & Galapagos Blog – The perfect travel guide

One of the most sought after sites in Galapagos, Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, is the remains of a volcanic cone, eroded by the sea across hundredths of years. It is the eroded cone of an extinct volcano in the shape of a sleeping lion which earned it the name, Leon Dormido. Above the water, the monolithic rock formation towers over 500 feet above the Pacific Ocean and is home to various Blue-Footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, California Sea Lions, Red-billed Tropicbirds.  Ever wondered why this site is one of the most seeked after snorkeling hot spots in the Galapagos? Well, its locations and unique ecosystem makes it an underwater paradise.   If visting San Cristobal, here's a short account on what to expect on a Kicker Rock Galapagos Snorkeling or Diving Day Trip.  Kicker Rock is located approximately 2 hours northwest from San Cristobal and northeast from Puerto Baquerizo. The site can only be visited by boat, and visitors must be accompanied by a guide at all times. One you arrive the location, you will find in front of tow walls of compacted volcanic ash, that towers up almost 500ft from the ocean floor. This spot is home to many birds, and you can often spot Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and tropicbirds. But the true magic and beauty occurs below the surface. The natural erosion of this ancient cone has formed a channel between the rocks that produces the perfect habitat for Galapagos Sharks, Whitetip Sharks, Large Rays, Pelagic and Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, Sea Lions. You can only wonder what a great snorkeling site such ecosystem makes.   Kicker Rock is mostly known for the white-tipped reef sharks that inhabit the area and swim across the small channel in between the two large remaining rocks of an old degraded lava

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos archipelago while Puerto Ayora, its capital, is the largest urban center in the archipelago. If exploring Santa Cruz is part of your trip itinerary, you’ve got plenty of options, as the island is bursting with wildlife and natural wonders. Among the most exciting of the activities to do from Santa Cruz are the specialized daily tours that depart from Puerto Ayora towards the most beautiful uninhabited islands in the archipelago. Here's a list of the uninhabited island you may visit as day trips from Puerto Aroya, Santa Cruz and a brief description of what you may find on each.   Santa Fe Island With over 4 million years old of volcanic rock, Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. It will take approximately an hour to travel from Puerto Ayora to one of the most beautiful bays you will ever see.  Wander through the isolated beach that is home to many sea lions and then hike through Opuntia Cactus trees where you will find Barrington (or Santa Fe) Land Iguanas, a species unique to the island. Weathered cliffs provide a haven for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, shearwaters petrels. Finally, go back to the beach to enjoy the pristine, turquoise waters where you will witness rays, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks and a whole lot of fish from the surface which makes it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Difficulty of the excursion: Moderate – Open water snorkeling, moderate hiking.     North Seymour Island Enjoy a lovely day exploring North Seymour Island. Located 2km from Canal Itabaca, which is a 45-minute ride from Puerto Ayora, it is one of the best places to hike in the Galapagos. The nature trail will take you through some of the