What to do in the San Cristobal Islands?
San Cristobal is located in the easternmost region of the Galapagos Islands and boasts plenty of things that travelers to see and do. While tours are always recommended so that you can be guided through the full experience by someone who knows the land well, independent travelers have been known to explore San Cristobal Island happily. If traveling to San Cristobal, here’s a list of 10 things to do in San Cristobal, these are the 10 must-see spots:
1. Centro de Interpretacion
This information center delivers insights about the history of the Galapagos Islands. The focus of their display is conservation, climate, and geology. They educate tourist and natives alike about the sad but eye-opening story of the Galapagos. Admission is free.
2. Cerro Tijeretas
Two miles from Centro de Interpretacion is a beautiful lookout point, with a panoramic view of Shipwreck Bay and Leon Dormido, called Frigatebird Hill or Cerro Tijeretas. As the name suggest, this area is home to 2 species of frigate birds found in the Galapagos. Along with the birds, Cerro Tijeretas boasts a spectacular view of the ocean.
3. La Loberia
This sea-lion filled beach is another must-see in San Cristobal. You can spend the day watching baby sea lions play or even swim with the beach’s residents. But if sea lions aren’t your interest, the beach is also home to some fascinating creatures such as iguanas and frigates.
4. El Junco Lagoon
The Crater Lagoon is high in the volcanic mountains of San Cristobal. The lake is misty and lovely, with frigate birds bathing or flying around. There’s a trail around the lake with majestic views of the island, the coastline, and the sea. This is You can enjoy a lovely hike with beautiful vistas to this area. A 6-day trip of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Island usually visit this spot when hiking the highlands.
5. La Galapaguera Tortoise Habitat
A sanctuary for giant tortoises. An excellent facility to see giant tortoises in their natural environment. This breeding center ensures the population of giant tortoises from dying out. Walking with these gentle giants around the reserve is a pleasant experience and a photographer’s favorite.
6. Puerto Chino
A small but gorgeous bay with calm and gentle waters. Puerto Chino is an attractive beach found southeast of San Cristobal Island. A weekend getaway for locals and tourist alike for its fine white sand and its calm turquoise waters.
7. Leon Dormido aka. Kicker Rock
Two volcanic rocks towers 140 ft tall that looks like a sleeping lion when viewed from the south, hence the name Leon Dormido. It’s also called Kicker Rock due to its boot-like appearance when viewed from the other side. Leon Dormido attracts an incredible amount of sharks and bright-colored fishes making it an excellent dive site. Be on the lookout for Galapagos sharks. Most Galapagos land-tours based in San Cristobal will visit this spot. If you are making your itinerary on your own, daily trips to this Kicker Rock also depart from Puerto Baquerizo.
RELATED: CHECK OUT THESE MULTI-DAY TOURS STARTING FROM SAN CRISTOBAL
8. Isla Lobos
A small island northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is home to several sea lions and birdlife. You can also spot marine iguanas, lava lizards, freshwater snake, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and frigate birds.
9. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
The capital of the province of Galapagos located southwest of San Cristobal. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a little more laidback than Puerto Ayora. Here you can watch sea lions lounge on in the middle of the town. Catch marine iguanas on the sea wall. The town also offers some great dining options and is on the list of romantic getaways in the Galapagos. You can also take a walk to Playa Man, a lovely tiny sport in the port city.
10. A day-trip to Española Island
One of the most beutiful locations in Galapagos. Nazca-Boobies, Albatross. and sea-lion colonies, you can catch sight of them all in Española. A one-hour hike and an unforgettable snorkel in the surrounding waters, the perfect day-tour. A day-trip to Española Island usually takes form morning till dawn. Don’t forget to set apart a full day for this when planing your itinerary in San Crtistobal.
Check out our San Cristobal Island Tour Section
Espanola Galapagos Day Trip from San Cristobal Take a day trip to un-inhabited Espanola Island from San Cristobal Island. Hike on volcanic terrain and spot Nazca Boobies, Galapagos Albatross and snorkel with sea lions. Read More
Full Day Trip to Kicker Rock Islet Take day trip form San Cristobal to Kicker Rock. Submerge in one of the most bio-diverse hot spots in Galapagos. Snorkel in Kicker Rock along with hammerhead sharks, sea lions and manta rays. Read More
4-Days San Cristobal Island Land Tour This 4-day hotel-based tour focuses exclusively on San Cristobal Island Galapagos. Snorkel the awesome Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) with hammerhead sharks and swim with sea lions at La Loberia. . Read More
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