Uncovering the Best of San Cristobal: A Full Guide to Galapagos’ Gem
San Cristobal, the oldest island in the Galapagos archipelago, offers a truly unique experience. Home to the largest sea lion colony in the islands, you will discover some of the most breathtaking spots in the Galapagos. From Kicker Rock's dramatic cliffs to hidden beaches, San Cristobal promises a blend of natural beauty, history, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
You can easily spend 3 to 4 nights on San Cristobal to fully explore its natural wonders. Below is a complete guide to uncover the best activities, accommodation options, and budget tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1 - The 360° Tour
The 360° tour is by far the most popular full-day adventure on San Cristobal. It takes you around the entire island and includes some of the most magical spots for snorkeling. The tour kicks off with a stop at Kicker Rock, where you can snorkel alongside giant sea turtles and even inoffensive hammerhead sharks, plus an array of colorful tropical fish.
The tour also takes you to Cerro Brujo, a striking cliffside with stunning photo opportunities, and then to Bahia Sardina, a beach with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. Punta Pitt is another remarkable spot to observe the rare red-footed boobies and other bird species.
One of the most unforgettable moments of our tour came unexpectedly when hundreds of dolphins appeared around our boat. As we jumped into the water, magic happened and for a brief time, we swam amidst these incredible creatures. Their joyful sounds and graceful movements made it one of the most emotional and surreal experiences of our trip. Though we didn't spot any humpback whales, they are sometimes seen in this area as well.
The final stop is Rosa Blanca Beach, another fantastic location for snorkeling with whitetip sharks and sea turtles.
The tour, which starts at 7 a.m. and ends at around 4 p.m., includes everything: wetsuits, snorkel gear, snacks, lunch, and a GoPro video capturing the day’s best moments. It was truly one of the highlights of our Galapagos adventure.
Price: $120 to $180 depending on the season
Tour Operator: Many options are available in the town center. We booked with Suzy Love, which we highly recommend for their professionalism.
2 - Darwin Bay (Muelle Tijeretas on Google Maps)
Darwin Bay is named after Charles Darwin and is an excellent, free spot for swimming with sea turtles, sea lions, and rays. The calm waters and stunning surroundings make it perfect for an afternoon swim.
Price: Free
How to Get There: It’s about a 30-minute walk from the city center, passing by the Interpretation Center and following the clearly marked path.
3 - Mirador Cerro Tijeretas
On the same path to Darwin Bay, there is a turnoff that leads to Mirador Cerro Tijeretas, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Kicker Rock, Darwin Bay, and the open ocean. The hike is easy and well-marked, making it a perfect addition to your day.
Price: Free
How to Get There: The same route as Darwin Bay, about a 30-minute walk from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
4 - Punta Carola Beach
Punta Carola is a beautiful, laid-back beach where you can relax and enjoy the sunset. The water is calm, making it an ideal spot for swimming, and sea lions often rest on the shore.
Price: Free
How to Get There: A 20-minute walk from the city center, following the coastal road.
5 - Playa Mann
Playa Mann is a local favorite, with calm waters and soft sand perfect for relaxing or taking a swim. It's also known for its stunning sunsets.
Price: Free
How to Get There: A 10-minute walk from the city center.
6 - Playa Loberia
Playa Loberia is a fantastic spot to see marine iguanas and sea lions in their natural habitat. You can also snorkel here, although the waves can be stronger compared to other beaches.
Price: Free
How to Get There: A 50-minute walk from the city center toward the airport, or you can take a taxi for a quicker trip.
Where to Stay in San Cristobal
All accommodations on the island are centered in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, right by the pier—no walking required. The town is compact and safe, with options ranging from budget hostels to mid-range hotels.
Here are some well-rated options:
Kicker House – This was our stay and we recommend it for its comfort and location. $
Hotel Mar Azul – Clean and cozy with friendly staff. $
Galapagos Sunset Hotel – Offers oceanfront views and modern rooms. $$
Casa Opuntia – A beautiful mid-range option with a pool. $$
Hostal Tongo Reef – Affordable, close to the main area. $
Hotel Los Algarrobos – Basic, clean, and affordable. $
How to Get to and Around San Cristobal
By Plane:
San Cristobal has an airport (SCY) with flights primarily from Quito and Guayaquil. It's common to end your trip here as flights often depart back to mainland Ecuador.
By Ferry:
Ferries in San Cristobal operate between Santa Cruz, and Floreana. The fare is $30, and the journey takes around 2 hours. If traveling from Isabela, you’ll need to take a ferry from Isabela to Santa Cruz, spend a few hours there, and then continue to San Cristobal.
By Bicycle:
You can rent a bike for around $15 to $20 per day, making it an eco-friendly way to explore the island, especially for visiting the highlands.
Where to Eat in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
San Cristobal offers two main dining styles: à la carte and "menu del dia." À la carte meals are starting at $8 and going up to $30 or more for fresh seafood like lobster. Meanwhile, the "menu del dia" is a budget-friendly option for around $6 to $7, which includes a soup, main dish, and drink.
Here are some recommended restaurants:
À la Carte:
Muyu Galapagos Restaurant $$$
Calypso $$
El Descanso Marinero $$
Giuseppe's Restaurant $$$
Menu del Dia:
Rosita
Pura Vida
Galapagos Dreams
La Playa
San Cristobal is a paradise for nature lovers and offers an incredible range of activities that make it a must-visit destination in the Galapagos Islands. From swimming with sea lions and turtles to hiking scenic viewpoints, there’s something for everyone on this magical island
