The Best Things to do in San Cristobal, Ecuador

Located two hours from San Cristóbal, Española is the southernmost island and one of the oldest in the Galápagos archipelago. The island's flat profile is extremely dry with only a few inches of rain per year. Despite the dry climate the island is one of the world's only known nesting sites for the Waved Albatross.

Venture into the highlands of San Cristóbal on this tour. You’ll get to see some of the most interesting plants in the Galápagos and the only freshwater lagoon in the Galápagos. Your guide will provide snorkeling gear for your visits to the beaches.

During the boat trip you can enjoy the beautiful landscape and you may see dolphins. Upon arrival at León Dormido we will navigate around the island to see the sea birds and sea lions, resting on the rocks. If you wish, you can snorkel — there is a good chance you will see the Galapagos shark, sea turtles, different types of rays, and a variety of fish. After that, you have some free time to enjoy the beach at Playa Ochoa, Cerro el Brujo or Playa Manglecito. Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Looking for an easy way to get from San Cristóbal to Santa Cruz? There’s a ferry that leaves for Santa Cruz from San Cristóbal twice a day — choose from a 7 AM or 3 PM departure.

This tour is the most complete you can find in San Cristóbal. The first visitor site is called BAHIA ROSA BLANCA, Then navigate to PUNTA PITT . The next place to visit is the BAHIA SARDINA beach, here you can snorkel and if you want to relax on the beach where you will find some shade. We will walk for approximately 30 minutes in PUNTA PUCUNA, which is a site that the National Park recently opened for visitors. We pass through CERRO BRUJO, a rocky geological formation with tunnel and a cathedral. KICKER ROCK is the place where they will make their next snorkel stop.

This tour takes you to explore Floreana Island, the island with arguably the most eccentric history in the Galápagos. It has seen its fair share of human activity, beginning with 18th-century whalers. On this tour you’ll see some remnants of that history, as well as plants and animals that are rare even by Galápagos standards—Floreana Island has its very own endemic species of finch called a medium tree finch, to offer just one example.

The Galápagos is known for its stunning wildlife, and this tour takes you to some of the best wildlife attractions around San Cristobál. On this all-day tour, you’ll see famous sights like Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo, and Kicker Rock. Along the way, you'll get to explore he volcanic scenery on hikes and snorkeling excursions. Don't worry about finding a vending machine in the middle of the ocean — snacks and lunch are included.

The Millennium is a modern, 16-passenger yacht that offers cruises through the Galápagos Islands. The accommodations are comfortable and nicely equipped, and there are ample social areas on the ship. Cruises range from 5 to 8 days.

Isla Lobos is a small islet located approximate 40 minutes from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Is it home to various Galapagos birds, such as Blue-Footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and Frigate Birds, as well as a colony of Sea Lions and numerous Marine Iguanas. On this half-day trip you will disembark on the islet for an hour long interpreted walk around the island. Afterwards you will be able to snorkel in the protected bay nearby. Following a lunch onboard you will relocate to Ochoa Beach where you can wander the sand, snorkel some more or relax in the sun.

Just a short distance south of the San Cristobal airport, you’ll find the Loberia Beach, an excellent introduction to the dreamlike landscape of the Galápagos. The beach takes its name from the lobos marinos – the sea lions lolling around the beach. (Fun fact: “Lobos” actually means wolves in Spanish.) Whether they’re sea wolves or sea lions, these animals are fun to watch and are a great introduction to the marine wildlife of the Galápagos.