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Writer's pictureFrancisco Acuna

The Leon Dormido rock

This is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible places I have visited.

I took this picture with my Canon PowerShot G1. This is one of my first digital pictures

The Leon Dormido rock, also known as Kicker Rock, is a distinctive formation located off the coast of San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos archipelago. It is a large volcanic formation that rises vertically from the sea, resembling a sleeping lion or a boot. The name "Leon Dormido" means "sleeping lion" in Spanish.


The rock is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving because of its abundant marine life. It is home to a diverse range of sea creatures, including sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea lions, and many species of fish. The area around the rock is also known for its strong currents, which attract large schools of fish and create an ideal environment for underwater exploration.


In addition to its natural beauty and biodiversity, the Leon Dormido rock has a rich cultural history. It was an important landmark for sailors navigating the waters around the Galapagos Islands, and it has been the subject of numerous legends and myths. Today, it is a protected area within the Galapagos National Park, and visitors can experience its natural beauty while also learning about its cultural significance.


My girlfriend and I went to the Galapagos Islands because we love nature and also because we wanted to dive with sharks, and I did. When I started planning the trip I read about El Leon Dormido and it was immediately one of the places I needed to see. The first thing I did when I arrived on San Cristóbal Island was to look for a person who wanted to take us to the sleeping lion, because at that time the place was not a tourist destination. I realized that going to that place was very expensive. I remember that the fishermen asked me for 500 dollars to take us to the rock, because we had to navigate for more than two hours in a somewhat complicated sea. I began to lose hope because no one wanted to take us to the rock for less money, but luck is always with me. We went to a restaurant to eat ceviche and we met the owner. We started talking and drinking beer with him and I told him I wanted to go to the Sleeping Lion but I had no money, and he told me "I can take you there and you only have to pay for gasoline." I could not believe it. I immediately said. Okay, yes…

The next day in the morning we were in a boat heading to El Leon Dormido…


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