What to do

Activities in San Cristobal include: snorkeling, diving, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, and sea kayaking.

Interpretation Center

Here, a team of ecologists are dedicated to preserving the natural and human history of the Islands and sharing that with excited travelers. This is an important part of the Galapagos experience, because it is our belief that along with the gift of experiencing the Galapagos Islands as a visitor comes the responsibility of helping to maintain these fragile ecosystems in such pristine condition.

Frigate Hill

There are two species of frigatebirds in the Galapagos: the Great and Magnificent Frigates. They are a truly astounding bird with a bright red pouch that the males inflate to attract the females soaring up above. This mating display is a must-see for avid birdwatchers.

Punta Pitt

Also known as “Pitt Point,” this cliff-lined beach is not only home to a sea lion colony but also all three types of Booby birds native to the islands: Blue-footed, Nazca, and Red-footed. This is a great spot for snorkeling, bird watching, or simply taking in the majesty of nature.

Kicker Rock

Although this is technically a couple hours from the shore of San Cristobal, it’s a very popular destination. Explorers love to see the fascinating rock formations and sea life via kayaks, dinghy rides, and snorkeling. In addition to the sharks and tropical fish that frequent these waters, you might even see the giant manta rays that occasionally monitor the deep blue.

Lobos Island

Like many other beaches around San Cristobal, Lobos Island is home to a giant population of sea lions. It’s against the rules to touch them, but when you put on your bathing suit and snorkel, you’ll have just as much fun swimming with them!

Carola Beach

While many Galapagos sites require a fair amount of energy to fully enjoy, Carola Beach is a nice place to take a lesson from the sea lions and just bask in the sun’s warmth. Puerto Chino is another relaxing white-sand beach, where you can spend the whole day hidden in a true paradise.

Punto Grande

The Galapagos Islands have intriguing human history too. This cove is now a breeding site for blue-footed boobies; but over the past centuries, treasure seekers have brought their shovels in hopes of finding the alleged pirate booty that might be hidden beneath this golden sand.

La Galapaguera

The word “Galapagos” is the Spanish colonial word for “saddle,” the shape that early explorers felt the giant tortoise shells resembled. At La Galapaguera, you can witness these giant tortoises in captivity firsthand.

El Junco Lagoon

This is the largest and only permanent freshwater source in the Galapagos Islands, attracting pintail ducks, mockingbirds, and frigatebirds who want to preen their feathers with a bath. It sits in the caldera of a long-extinct volcano, and according to a Galapagos conservancy site, it is accepted that this volcano-based lake has been around since the last ice age.

Tijeretas Hill

Is another good spot to see the soaring frigatebirds and do some tranquil swimming. Cerro Brujo (Witch Hill) hosts impressive rock formations, finches, shorebirds, sea lions, and many other interesting land and marine life.