San Cristobal Island Guide: Your Complete Travel Itinerary

San Cristobal is the second most touristic island in the Galapagos, following Santa Cruz. It offers a unique blend of activities, especially for those who prefer independent exploration over guided day trips. From pristine beaches teeming with wildlife to cozy eateries and comfortable accommodations, San Cristobal promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most of your visit.

How to get to San Cristobal

Reaching San Cristobal is relatively straightforward. The island has its own airport, San Cristobal Airport (SCY), which receives flights from the mainland Ecuadorian cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Airlines such as LATAM, Avianca, and TAME operate regular flights. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the charming town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s main hub. Alternatively, there are also ferries from Santa Cruz.

Travel tips:

📅 Book flights well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
💵 Upon landing, you will need to pay a park entrance fee ($100 for adults, $50 for children).
🚖 Taxis are available at the airport to take you to your accommodation.

What to do in San Cristobal

La Loberia

This beach is named after its frequent sea lion visitors. A 40-minute walk or a short taxi ride (around $1-$2) will bring you to this serene spot. The beach is known for its vibrant marine life, including sea lions, marine iguanas, turtles, and rays. Snorkeling during high tide is recommended for a more pleasant experience due to the sandy entrance.

Tip: Make sure to save a number from a taxi driver or taxi company if you do not want to walk back to town. Chances are that there is no taxi waiting.

You can swim in the bay where the sea lions are known to approach swimmers out of curiosity. It’s important to remember that these are wild animals not accustomed to human contact. Therefore, touching, cuddling, or trying to interact with them forcefully is prohibited (and rightly so!). If you remain calm, the sea lions, particularly the young ones, may come closer to you. During my visit, a few sea lions swam up to my GoPro, playfully interacting with the lens and showing off their aquatic acrobatics.

If swimming isn’t your thing or you find the water too cold, you can still enjoy the sea lions from the beach. There are benches available, though you might find them occupied by sea lions at times. You can also relax directly on the beach. Additionally, there are trails around the area that offer more opportunities to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of San Cristobal Island.

Cerro Tijeritas

Located north of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, this site is perfect for hiking and snorkeling. A 30-minute trail leads you through hills where you might spot frigates and blue-footed boobies. The bay offers a unique snorkeling experience with marine iguanas and various bird species diving for fish. Bring your own drinks and snorkeling gear as there are no facilities on-site.

During my visit, only a few sea lions swam in and out of the bay without lingering for long. However, the highlight was watching blue-footed boobies and pelicans dive into the water, plunging about a meter deep to catch fish. I also had the unique experience of swimming with marine iguanas, which are some of the most unusual creatures I’ve ever seen—they don’t seem to fit in either on land or in water. Observing them in their natural habitat was truly fascinating, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

I spent about two hours exploring this spot before heading back to town. There are additional bays further along the trail that I had planned to visit, but Cerro Tijeritas was so captivating that I decided not to continue further.

Playa Mann

The closest beach to town, Playa Mann, is ideal for a quick visit. It’s a great spot for lunch with two local restaurants offering delicious meals. The sea lions here are quite accustomed to humans and provide endless entertainment with their antics. While snorkeling is possible, visibility is better at La Loberia and Cerro Tijeritas.

Kicker Rock (León Dormido)

This iconic snorkelling and diving site is a must-see. Kicker Rock features a channel teeming with diverse marine life, including hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant fish. Tours to Kicker Rock can be booked in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, with prices around $135 for snorkeling and starting at $200 for diving.

Where to eat in San Cristobal

San Cristobal offers a range of dining options from casual beachside eateries to more refined restaurants.

• Playa Mann Restaurants: The two local restaurants at Playa Mann serve outstanding food at reasonable prices. These eateries are perfect for a laid-back lunch after spending the morning with sea lions on the beach.
• Muyu Galápagos: Known for its sustainable dining approach, Muyu offers a delightful menu featuring local seafood and organic produce. The ambiance is relaxed yet refined, perfect for a special evening out.
• Midori Sushi Pub: For a taste of something different, Midori Sushi Pub serves up delicious sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes. The fresh ingredients and creative rolls make it a standout option on the island, providing a nice change from the typical seafood fare.

Where to stay in San Cristobal

San Cristobal offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. We recommend staying in or near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s main town, for its convenient access to restaurants, shops, and tour operators.

Dolphin House offers a comfortable and welcoming stay with spacious rooms and a lovely garden area. It’s located near the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, making it easy to access the town’s main attractions and services. The friendly hosts are known for their hospitality and helpful tips on exploring the island.

Hotel Casa Blanca is a charming mid-range option with cozy rooms and a friendly atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to explore the main attractions and enjoy the local vibe of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

The Galeodan Suites provide a luxurious stay with stunning ocean views. Each suite is well-appointed with modern amenities and offers a private balcony to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Located close to the town center, it provides easy access to dining and activities while offering a serene retreat.

San Cristobal may not be as bustling as Santa Cruz, but it offers a rich, immersive experience for those looking to connect with nature and explore at their own pace. Whether you’re snorkeling with sea lions at La Loberia, hiking to Cerro Tijeritas, enjoying a meal at Playa Mann, or simply relaxing at your chosen accommodation.