San Cristobal is a true gem that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. This island offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Picture pristine golden-sand beaches, rocky islets teeming with life, lush highlands, and vibrant vegetation that create unique habitats for the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos.
Additionally, San Cristobal is one of the few inhabited islands in the archipelago, meaning you can spend the night, enjoy delicious dinners, and even explore its nightlife.
This island is perfect to include in land-based excursion itineraries and is often part of cruise tours as well. Its relaxed atmosphere and the warmth of its people will make you want to stay longer.
What are you waiting for to plan your visit? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know:
San Cristobal Island is a paradise for nature lovers, filled with unique wildlife encounters. Here’s the best of what you can discover:
Endemic Giant Tortoises:
Hammerhead Sharks:
San Cristobal Island is a destination you can’t miss. To visit, you have two fantastic options:
How to get there? It’s easy—you can fly directly from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal Island Airport. There are also daily speedboats connecting the island to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
Ready to plan your adventure? Contact us for a free Galapagos tour consultation or for more information to organize your dream vacation in this natural paradise.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is not only the administrative capital of the Galapagos but also a vibrant and charming place. Here, you’ll find government offices, restaurants, hotels, and airline offices, all within the streets of this small, welcoming community.
Each day, the port comes alive with the arrival and departure of tours and boats, connecting visitors to the wonders of the archipelago. Additionally, a variety of shops and stores are ready to meet the needs of the thousands of travelers who arrive each month, offering everything necessary for a comfortable and memorable stay.
San Cristobal Airport (code SCY) is located near the town and connects the island with daily flights from mainland Ecuador. This makes reaching this paradise easy and convenient.
What to do in your free time? We recommend exploring our detailed blog post on how to spend a free day in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. There, you’ll find recommendations for the best restaurants, services, and places to visit on San Cristobal Island.
San Cristobal Island is a paradise filled with activities for all preferences and skill levels. From paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling to hiking, biking, surfing, and relaxing on beaches, this island has something for everyone. Each activity will allow you to discover the natural wonders that make the Galapagos Islands unique.
World-Class Surfing: Surfing in San Cristobal is a wonderful experience. The wide, wind-swept beaches along the coast have made Puerto Baquerizo Moreno a hotspot for surfers, especially among South Americans. Prime surfing conditions can found at the start of the warm and wet season (from December to February), when the water is warm enough to go without a wetsuit. One of the best surf spots is Tongo Reef, west of town, and you can rent boards at most local travel agencies.
Located on San Cristobal Island, the Jacinto Gordillo Tortoise Breeding Center is one of two centers dedicated to the conservation of these incredible creatures. To get there, you’ll enjoy a scenic one-hour drive from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, allowing you to admire the island’s unique landscapes.
What makes this center special is its unique approach: while young tortoises roam freely across the reserve grounds, the smaller hatchlings are kept protected until they’re ready to join the others. It’s a fascinating experience that brings you up close to the wildlife of the Galapagos.
The Cerro Colorado Tortoise Breeding Center is a must-visit stop on San Cristobal Island. Although the journey takes about an hour, the experience is worth every minute.
This center is less crowded than others on the islands due to its location. Here, visitors can learn about the life cycle of giant tortoises, from hatchlings to adults ready to be released into the wild. For photographers, it’s an ideal spot to capture incredible shots without the crowds.
2022 Highlight:
Thanks to the remarkable success of the breeding program, San Cristobal’s giant tortoise populations have recovered to healthy levels. Although the breeding project is no longer active, the center remains a wonderful place to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
In the highlands of San Cristobal, you’ll find El Junco Lake, a small but deep crater lake formed in an extinct volcano. With 9 million gallons of freshwater, this place is an oasis of natural beauty. The views from the hill are simply breathtaking, especially on a clear day, where you can admire panoramas that stretch across the entire island. Additionally, the lake is a gathering spot for birds such as frigatebirds, mockingbirds, cattle egrets, and the iconic Galapagos finches, which thrive around the lake.
On the northern coast of San Cristobal, you’ll discover Cerro Brujo (Witch Hill), a dreamlike beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters. This exotic spot is home to playful sea lions and colorful crabs. Additionally, the shallow waters are frequented by Galapagos rays and sea turtles, creating a unique natural spectacle.
The name «Cerro Brujo» (Witch Hill) refers to the small cliff that guards the beach, adding a touch of mystery to the landscape. Behind the beach, a freshwater lagoon attracts blue herons, finches, and egrets, which come to feed in this serene environment.
Cerro Brujo is part of some Galapagos cruise itineraries, but if you have the chance to visit, don’t miss it.
On the northeastern coast of San Cristobal, Punta Pitt is a destination you can’t miss. This unique spot is the only place in the Galapagos Islands where you can see all three species of boobies in one location: red-footed, blue-footed, and Nazca boobies.
While the blue-footed boobies nest along the inner trails, the red-footed and Nazca boobies inhabit the coastal cliffs, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. The trails lead to viewpoints with panoramic ocean vistas, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
Additionally, Punta Pitt is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, where you can share the water with sea lions, starfish, sea turtles, and thousands of reef fish. An underwater adventure that will leave you breathless.
Just a few steps from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, La Loberia is a magical spot where you can immerse yourself in the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos. This stunning location is home to a large colony of sea lions, along with blue-footed and Nazca boobies, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
With a short 1 km trail, a beautiful beach, and crystal-clear waters, La Loberia is perfect for walking, unwinding, and—above all—snorkeling with playful sea lions. During low tide, a protected lagoon becomes the ideal place to swim alongside sea turtles and explore the underwater world. As the tide rises, sea lions return to the shore for a sun-soaked nap.
Easily accessible from town, this spot can be visited on your own, as part of an organized tour, or included in a cruise itinerary.
Located north of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the San Cristobal Interpretation Center is a must-visit for all travelers. Accessible via a scenic boardwalk, this center is a requirement of the Galapagos National Park for those arriving on cruises.
Here, informative exhibits will immerse you in the fascinating natural and human history of the archipelago. Discover how the islands were formed through volcanic activity, learn about the incredible biodiversity that makes them unique, and explore the stories of the first human inhabitants of San Cristobal.
Follow the 3.5 km loop trail starting from Playa Mann and immerse yourself in the beauty of Cerro Tijeretas. This hike will reward you with panoramic views from the upper observation deck, where you can spot two species of frigatebirds nesting together: the great frigatebirds and the magnificent frigatebirds.
Additionally, the nearby bay is perfect for snorkeling and swimming alongside sea lions. If you’re up for continuing the trail, you’ll reach the secluded Playa Baquerizo or Punta Carola, two hidden gems that complete this unforgettable experience.
Located on the north coast of San Cristobal, Manglesito Beach is a hidden treasure often included in day trips to Kicker Rock. This beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, offering up-close encounters with some of the most fascinating marine life. Here, you can swim alongside sea lions, rays, sea turtles, and even sharks, while marveling at the schools of vibrantly colored reef fish that inhabit its shallow waters.
Located on the north coast of San Cristobal, across from the iconic Kicker Rock, Puerto Grande Beach is a favorite destination for locals, especially on weekends. This small bay is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a day in the sun.
To get there, you can take a boat or kayak from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, adding a touch of adventure to your visit. With its peaceful atmosphere and crystal-clear waters, Puerto Grande is the ideal place to escape from everyday life and reconnect with nature.
Just a short walk from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Playa Mann is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the company of friendly sea lions. During the breeding season, access to the beach may be limited on weekends, but the natural spectacle is well worth the wait.
This beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, making it a great stop before or after exploring other parts of the island. Plus, Playa Mann is one of the best spots near town to take in the magical sunsets that paint the San Cristobal sky.
At the end of a scenic route from El Junco, a trail winds through a forest of giant cacti, leading to the sandy shores of Puerto Chino Beach. This hidden place is a paradise for nature lovers, where wildlife and lush vegetation take center stage.
Puerto Chino is the only spot in San Cristobal perfect for a beach getaway—an ideal place for beginners looking to take surfing lessons or simply unwind. Here, you can spot sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos finches thriving in their natural habitat.
Don’t forget to follow the clifftop trail for the best panoramic views of the beach and to capture unforgettable moments.
Punta Carola is one of the most popular beaches in San Cristobal for surf enthusiasts. During high tide, waves can reach up to three meters, with two distinct break points: a left break, ideal for beginners, and a right break, perfect for more experienced surfers.
The beach is easily accessible via the same circular trail that leads to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), making it the perfect stop to combine adventure and nature.
To reach Playa Baquerizo, get ready for a one-hour hike along a scenic trail that leads to a truly off-the-beaten-path destination. The highlight of this beach is the sea lions, which gather here year-round, creating a unique natural spectacle.
The trail starts in town, following the signs toward Las Tijeretas. From the hilltop, continue along the cliffside path before descending to the beach, where a peaceful and wildlife-rich landscape awaits.
Tongo Reef is the ideal spot for intermediate surfers looking for thrills. With waves reaching up to two meters during high tide, this spot offers three launch areas to access the break:
Discover Ochoa Beach, a stunning horseshoe-shaped beach located on the northeastern coast of San Cristobal. With white sands, volcanic outcrops, and a calm lagoon, this hidden gem is a paradise for nature lovers.
Here, you can spot Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, crabs, herons, and pelicans, making this beach a true wildlife spectacle.
To get there, you can join a private tour or paddle your way by kayak, adding an extra touch of adventure to your visit.
Kicker Rock, also known as the Sleeping Lion, is one of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the Galapagos Islands. This impressive site is formed by two gigantic volcanic rocks emerging from the ocean, separated by a small channel of water.
The channel is the perfect place to swim alongside sharks, rays, sea lions, and an incredible variety of vibrantly colored reef fish. Without a doubt, Kicker Rock’s biggest draw is the opportunity to see Galapagos hammerhead sharks, an experience that will tick a big bucket list for your underwater adventure.
Additionally, divers can enjoy an underwater show featuring surgeonfish, starfish, angelfish, and much more.
Located across from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, in Wreck Bay, the Five Fingers dive site is a perfect destination for intermediate-level divers. Here, you can explore a coral wall that descends up to 18 meters deep, offering encounters with:
Caragua is one of the few shipwreck sites in the waters of the Galapagos, where the remains of a German transport ship from World War I, with over 100 years of history, lie beneath the sea. Over time, this site has transformed into a thriving underwater ecosystem, home to an array of marine life, including:
Important Note: Wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable, and activities may be adjusted according to your guide’s instructions or the National Park Authority’s regulations.
We highly recommend staying several days to fully explore its white-sand beaches, diverse highland habitats, and incredible dive sites.
No matter your travel style, San Cristobal has something for everyone. From adventure activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing to close encounters with wildlife, this island offers unforgettable experiences for all ages.
As one of the most popular islands in the Galapagos, San Cristobal is the perfect base for an adventure you’ll never forget!
Thomas de Berlanga sector s/n in front of Santa Cruz Garden, Puerto Ayora
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