09. January 2024

Day 14: Galapagos

Kicker Rock

Wow, what an exhaustive day! I’m nearly asleep as I write these words in the bed at 21:00.

We got up early as we had to be at the dive store at 7:45. Our Tour to the Kicker Rock started there. The Kicker Rock is one of the most famous and beautiful places in the Galapagos (and Ecuador, according to our Guide). It’s especially renowned for all the wildlife that lives at, around, or beneath the cool-looking rock.

Nicole was diving, and I was snorkeling, so we reached the test dive spot after around a 1-hour drive. There, she could check her equipment and ensure the weights were correct.

After that, we made it to the Kicker Rock itself. There is a limit of 5 Boats with 12 Visitors in the morning and the same in the afternoon. I have seen crazy crowded snorkeling spots in Thailand, so this seems to be an excellent system to protect the environment and provide visitors with a better experience.

The morning was cloudy, but the sky opened up as we reached Kicker Rocker, and the Sun started burning. The Sun provided better sight underwater but also increased the risk of sunburn.

First, Nicole started her dive, and a couple of minutes later, we, the snorkelers, were also in the water. It was a fantastic experience, even better than Hawaii! We saw Sharks (including Hammerheads), Turtles, Rays, and large schools of fish. And all this without seeing other people besides our group.

After nearly 1:30 hours in the water, hop back on board and have lunch. Then we visited a remote beach and spent an hour chilling and enjoying nature. After that, it was already time to head back, which took us another hour of driving.

We then went for a walk around Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, had an amazing view of the small town from a viewpoint, and saw some more wildlife.

With Pizza & Pasta at Giuseppe’s, we went back home, and here I’m now writing these words. More Pictures will follow tomorrow.