Isla de San Cristobal Trips & Tours

Swim with sea lions, spot marine iguanas and enjoy the postcard-perfect beaches of this Pacific haven.

The easternmost island in the archipelago, San Cristobal is a melee of volcanic peaks, juicy vegetation and idyllic Pacific beaches. The exotically-named Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the entire archipelago, but the seaside promenade, and chilled-out surfers and snorkelers lend it a laidback, tropical vibe. And the wildlife highlights? Isla Lobos and Kicker Rock offer incredible underwater explorations with sea lions pirouetting in the water at both, and, if you’re lucky, hammerhead sharks at Kicker. Beach-wise, Cerro Brujo takes the crown for the most heavenly in Galapagos, its powder-soft sands dotted with great egrets and blue herons. At La Loberia, first prize goes to the marine iguanas. In the interior, check out the tortoises at La Galapaguera, a fascinating man-made breeding program, and watch the frigatebirds showering the salt from their feathers at El Junco lagoon. Oh, and keep your camera primed for the Chatham mockingbird, a Cristobal special that isn’t found anywhere else in the world.

Things to do

What to do in San Cristobal

The easternmost island in the Galapagos, San Cristobal enjoys the very best of the archipelago's water-based activities. On snorkelling and diving expeditions, you may just be joined by endemic sea lions or pass a marine iguana on its journey to the shore! And don't pass up a surfing lesson either... On land, wander down to La Galapaguera to spot the giant tortoises ambling along the sand and look out for the Chatman mockingbird - this is the only place you'll find it.

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