- Last Updated: April 10, 2024
San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos is one of the three main islands you can explore while on the archipelago.
It has adventures for all tastes, here you can see all the most famous endemic animals of the Galapagos, explore the island on land and on water, learn about its history and people and also its coffee-making tradition, and if you’ve enough time it’s also possible to explore some of the other islands nearby.
Here I’ll list the 24 most amazing things to do in San Cristobal Island.
Most of the adventures I’ve done them myself and I’ve written detailed articles about them, which I will link together.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN CRISTOBAL
GENERAL INFO
San Cristobal, like all the other islands, is part of the Galapagos National Park, and therefore it has a number of things you should know:
- Most of the activities have to be done on a tour with a Naturalist guide.
- All the agencies have the same prices (although you can barter if you book more than one tour).
- Most beaches have opening and closing times (turtle nesting reasons).
- You should book your tour at least one day in advance (or you might risk not having a place on the best ones).
- Bring Seasickness Medication for the tours on the water.
- Always use strong sunscreen (Sun in the Equator line burns more).
- Have mosquito repellant with you, especially at sunset. There are horseflies in the Galapagos.
- You can’t fly a drone here unless you have a special permit from the National Park.
- You can’t rent a motorcycle or a car, everything has to be done by taxi, bus, boat, bicycle, or on foot.
- You can’t and shouldn’t touch the animals on the island.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN CRISTOBAL
BOOK YOUR TOURS HERE
These are tours I didn't do myself but have good reviews on
Viator and might save you some time while on the island.
1. "EL JUNCO" CRATER LAKE
The El Junco crater lake is the largest natural freshwater reserve in the entire Galapagos Archipelago. It is located in the crater of an extinct volcano and its name comes from the “junco” plant, very common around the area.
The lake’s diameter is 270 m. and its maximum depth is 6 m, comprising a total of 360.000 m3 of water.
To visit it you must hire a taxi, so it’s usually included in a tour where the taxi takes you to multiple destinations.
This tour is called “The Highlands Tour” or “Tour Parte Alta” and takes you to El Junco Crater Lake, The Giant Tortoise Reserve “La Galapaguera” and Puerto Chino beach.
View the full blog post here: HIGHLANDS TOUR IN SAN CRISTOBAL
2. GIANT TORTOISE RESERVE
"LA GALAPAGUERA DE CERRO COLORADO"
The “Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado” or “Centro de Crianza de Tortugas Terrestres David Rodriguez” is San Cristobal’s giant tortoise reserve, every main island has its own and this is the one you can visit on this island.
You can find tortoises of different ages and sizes on its compounds, from baby to adult ones. This is a breeding center and what they do is rescue tortoises’ eggs that were recently laid and take them here thus significantly increasing their chance of survival.
To visit it you must hire a taxi, so it’s usually included in a tour where the taxi takes you to multiple destinations.
This tour is called “The Highlands Tour” or “Tour Parte Alta” and takes you to El Junco Crater Lake, The Giant Tortoise Reserve “La Galapaguera” and Puerto Chino beach.
View the full blog post here: HIGHLANDS TOUR IN SAN CRISTOBAL
3. PUERTO CHINO BEACH
Puerto Chino beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on San Cristobal island. There are almost no tourists here, you can snorkel, sunbathe, and even surf. If you’re lucky you might even find sea lions.
To visit it you must hire a taxi, so it’s usually included in a tour where the taxi takes you to multiple destinations.
This tour is called “The Highlands Tour” or “Tour Parte Alta” and takes you to El Junco Crater Lake, The Giant Tortoise Reserve “La Galapaguera” and Puerto Chino beach.
View the full blog post here: HIGHLANDS TOUR IN SAN CRISTOBAL
Also, if you’re interested in beaches: BEST 5 BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL
4. SAN CRISTOBAL'S INTERPRETATION CENTER
The Interpretation Center or “Centro de Interpretación Ambiental Gianni Arismendy” is the island’s Natural and History Museum and the best introduction you can have to the Galapagos Islands.
Here you can find information about the history of San Cristobal, and the entire archipelago, from its discovery to its colonization, and scientific information about its geological formation, and its endemic species.
An entire area dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the Galapagos. and finally a section about the local people that fought all their lives for the protection of this paradise.
I went here while hiking my way to Playa Baquerizo beach and also wrote an article about it.
View the full blog post here: CERRO TIJERETAS AND PLAYA BAQUERIZO HIKE
5. HIKE TO CERRO TIJERETAS (TIJERETAS HILL)
This is the island’s best viewpoint, and you can’t miss your chance to come here as it is one of the best things to do in San Cristobal, Galapagos. It’s not far away from the city center, and it’s right after the Interpretation Center.
From here you have a beautiful view over the turquoise waters of Muelle Tijeretas Dock and you can even see in the distance, the most famous rock on the island, the Kicker Rock.
I went here while hiking my way to Playa Baquerizo beach and also wrote an article about it.
View the full blog post here: CERRO TIJERETAS AND PLAYA BAQUERIZO HIKE
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6. MUELLE TIJERETAS DOCK
It is a very nice alternative place to swim and snorkel. There is a cave full of sea lions right on the right of the dock and you will probably find them also in the water or at the dock with you (as you can see in the photo).
If you’re in the Interpretation Center, you either go right to the Cerro Tijeretas Hill or go left to Muelle Tijeretas Dock.
It’s free and it’s the perfect refreshment stop on your way to Cerro Tijeretas or Playa Baquerizo beach.
I went here on my way back from Playa Baquerizo beach and also wrote an article about it.
View the full blog post here: CERRO TIJERETAS AND PLAYA BAQUERIZO HIKE
Also, if you’re interested in beaches: BEST 5 BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL
7. HIKE YOUR WAY TO PLAYA BAQUERIZO BEACH
The Playa Baquerizo beach hike is the only hike you can do on the island that is free and not part of a tour.
You can continue further to another beach but I would say for a normal hiker this is enough, especially on a hot sunny day.
It’s a nice long white sandy beach with almost nobody since it’s a bit hard to reach it, and you can snorkel in the water. I saw turtles many fish and a white-tip reef shark.
On the sand and in the water marine iguanas can also be found here.
View the full blog post here: CERRO TIJERETAS AND PLAYA BAQUERIZO HIKE
Also, if you’re interested in beaches: BEST 5 BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL
8. DISCOVER THE ISLAND ON A 360º TOUR
This is without a doubt the most famous tour on the island.
If you are an adventurous soul and you like the water this is the tour for you. Here you will literally go on a boat ride around the entire island.
The highlights are Bahia Rosa Blanca beach (on the photo underneath), a huge and gorgeous white sandy beach with turquoise water, snorkeling in Kicker Rock, birdwatching at Punta Pitt, inland exploration, and many other stops.
It is the most complete tour you can do on San Cristobal island.
View the full blog post here: 360 TOUR IN SAN CRISTOBAL
Also, if you’re interested in beaches: BEST 5 BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL
Book your tour: Full Day Tour 360 San Cristobal – Best of the Island (great reviews)
9. OPUNTIAS (GIANT CACTI) GARDEN TOUR
This is a garden of giant cacti, deep in the highlands of San Cristobal island. On this tour, you can see many other types of fauna and flora endemic to the Galapagos and on the last stop you end up swimming at the beach.
I found this tour operator “Agencia Turística Huellas de Darwin” that comes here on a mountain bike tour, with a naturalist guide and it even includes a lunch box.
This is one of the few tours I, unfortunately, didn’t have time to do but noted on my map.
If you do the tour with them I’d love to hear some feedback from you down in the comments, thanks!
To book this tour contact them at:
THINGS TO DO IN
IN SANTA CRUZ AND ISABELA
10. SAN CRISTOBAL'S DOWNTOWN
It comes without saying that the downtown of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal’s “capital” is an amazing place to walk around and be amazed.
You will find literally, everywhere you go dozens of sea lions chilling in front of you, on benches, on the beach, inside stores, and in the middle of the road. They own the place.
There are also some other special attractions like the Charles Darwin statue with its ship The Beagle, many cafes and restaurants, and a ton of things to do.
All the tours and activities start from here, and you will for sure love it. It’s not a busy touristy town like Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island, it’s more unique and special.
For a reason, this island is called by the locals “La Isla Bonita” – “The cute island”. It’s adorable and I sure miss it and can’t wait to go back.
11. LA LOBERIA BEACH
This was the first activity I did on the island, it’s a long free beach full of sea lions and marine iguanas.
When I went into the water a baby sea lion started playing with me, we raced together and I saw some beautiful turtles swimming around.
There is a National Park guard taking care of the beach and some minor facilities such as the guard’s tower where you can hide if it starts raining.
You need to take a taxi to reach it or rent a bicycle and cycle your way there. I did a whole post about it and added the numbers of some taxi drivers you can call to take you there.
View the full blog post here: LA LOBERIA BEACH IN SAN CRISTOBAL
Also, if you’re interested in beaches: BEST 5 BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL
12. PUNTA CAROLA BEACH
This is for me the best beach in San Cristobal.
It’s free, it’s long and beautiful, you can relax, there are not many people and its perfect location allows you to watch amazing sunsets from there.
To reach it you have to walk perhaps 15 mins from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s downtown.
You can surf here, it’s actually one of the best places to do it on the island and you can also swim with sea lions and marine iguanas if you’re lucky.
View the full blog post here: PUNTA CAROLA BEACH IN SAN CRISTOBAL
Also, if you’re interested in beaches: BEST 5 BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL
13. KAYAK FROM PLAYA MANN TO PLAYA OCHOA
If you like water sports and adventure you might like this tour. It’s a 5-6 hours tour on the water.
This tour is provided by the same company that does the Opuntias Garden tour “Agencia Turística Huellas de Darwin”.
If you do the tour with them I’d love to hear some feedback from you down in the comments, thanks!
To book this tour contact them at:
14. PLAYA MANN BEACH
If you have a group of friends or you are with your family and don’t want to be just with nature, this is the place to come.
There are kiosks where you can get some snacks and drinks, you can play music on the beach, watch the sunset and relax next to some sea lions.
This beach is literally 10 minutes away from downtown and it’s also on the way to Punta Carola beach, so if you find it too busy you have a close-by alternative.
View the full blog post here: PLAYA MANN BEACH IN SAN CRISTOBAL
Also, if you’re interested in beaches: BEST 5 BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL
15. COFFEE TOUR AT Cafetal El Trinar
This is probably one of the coolest and tastier activities you can do in San Cristobal.
It’s not advertised anywhere and it’s a big surprise for many people.
Yes, there is coffee produced solely in San Cristobal, and it’s an amazing Arábica coffee.
Once I drank my first coffee on this island, I was mind blown, and I’m a specialty coffee fan.
To book this tour contact them at:
16. SURF IN SAN CRISTOBAL
San Cristobal is the best island in the Galapagos for surfing and it has 8 different spots for you to do it.
I don’t usually surf but I was with a friend that did and I wrote an article where you can see which beaches are best for surfing and all the other activities.
View the full blog post here: 5 BEST BEACHES IN SAN CRISTOBAL
17. ESPAÑOLA ISLAND - DAY TRIP
Española Island is home to many endemic species in the Galapagos. They only exist on this island.
It’s a day tour and it’s the only big island (not counting Santa Cruz island) you can visit on a day trip from San Cristobal.
Here you can find a special marine iguana with green and red coloration, a waved albatross colony (it’s their only breeding site in the world), the Española mockingbird, the Española lava lizard, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and many other unique species.
There is also a part of the tour where you snorkel or dive in Gardner Islet and find many underwater wonders.
View the full blog post here: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND | FULL DAY TOUR
To book this tour: Check the local company Wreck Bay’s website, or book it online on Viator with any of the tours underneath:
18. ISLA LOBOS ISLAND - HALF DAY TRIP
Isla Lobos island tour is a mixed tour, both on water and on land.
You have a 1-hour stroll on the island where you can spot sea lions, frigate birds, and blue-footed boobies and also do some snorkeling and find rays and turtles. In the end, you will go to Playa Ochoa for some beach time.
I visited Isla Lobos island on the way to Kicker Rock for my first dive in San Cristóbal. Here is where you do the test dive to check your skills.
To book this tour: Check the local company Planet Ocean Galapagos website, or book it online on Viator here: Tour Lobos Island from San Cristobal
19. DIVE / SNORKEL IN KICKER ROCK
Diving in Kicker Rock is the most famous activity in the Galapagos for divers from all around the world.
Here, if you’re lucky and you’ve good visibility you can find dozens of hammerhead sharks, eagle and manta rays, Galapagos sharks, turtles, everything literally.
If you’re not a diver, you can go for a cheaper price on the same boat as your friends and snorkel here.
The snorkeling group on my tour actually saw more things than we did. So it’s a spectacular tour in both ways.
View the full blog post here: DIVING IN KICKER ROCK
20. DIVE IN CARAWA SHIPWRECK AND TIJERETAS BAY
Discover the wonders of Carawa SS Wreck, an Australian transport ship that found its resting place in 1920, stretching approximately 100 meters in length.
Before delving into the intriguing depths of the wreck, divers begin their journey with a check dive at Tijeretas Bay, a natural lagoon boasting crystal-clear waters and inhabited by playful sea lions and graceful green sea turtles.
View the full blog post here: DIVING IN CARAWA WRECK AND TIJERETAS BAY
21. DIVE IN WHALE ROCK
Another possible diving tour you can do on San Cristobal is to Whale Rock whose name comes from its similarity to a whale coming to the surface.
It’s a little less exciting than Kicker Rock but you can still find pompano fish, jacks, stonefish, sea turtles, anemones, rays, and sometimes sharks.
Check the Whale Rock dives on Planet Ocean Galapagos’s website.
22. DIVE / SNORKEL IN PUNTA PITT
If you’ve done the 360 Tour then you probably recognize this place. It’s where you do the birdwatching on that tour.
It is the northeasternmost point of San Cristobal and the turning point from the wild to the calm sea (protected by the island). It is therefore packed with marine life and birds.
On this tour, you have two dives or you can snorkel if you aren’t a certified diver.
In the end, you go to Cerro Pitt hill for some birdwatching and inland exploring or just stay at the beach relaxing.
Check the Punta Pitt dive/snorkel trip on Wreck Bay’s website.
23. NIGHT DIVE IN SAN CRISTOBAL
A night dive in the Galapagos. This would also be on my top 3 list of dives to do on the island if I had known before it existed.
Imagine all the life you see during the day in the water here in the Galapagos, multiplied by 100.
During the night the animals are much more active than during the day so you have the most chance of encountering special and rare animals on night dives.
You will also see their true and vibrant colors due to your flashlight.
It’s amazing to dive at night. If you like diving this is definitely a thing you should do in San Cristobal.
Check the Night Dives on Planet Ocean Galapagos website.
24. CAVE DIVE IN BARRANCO CAVE
And to conclude this list a cave diving tour. For all diving aficionados, it’s another type of dive you can do in San Cristóbal.
According to their website, you will see nudibranchs, many different types of fish, sea stars, and lobsters and you will dive from 23 meters to 34 meters deep (specific certification required probably).
In any case, do contact them if you’d like to try it as I think you can do it as a specialty course.
Check the Cave and Wall Barranco dive on Planet Ocean Galapagos website.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN CRISTOBAL
WHERE TO STAY
San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos has a range of accommodation options to choose from, and we’ve narrowed down the top three choices for you.
If you’re seeking a luxurious and modern lodging experience, Hotel Indigo in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the perfect option for you. For a private and romantic getaway, Villa Bonita Guest House offers a charming villa with a private pool and all modern amenities. And for budget-conscious travelers, Cactus Hostal is a great choice with its colorful rooms, socializing areas, and convenient services.
To learn more about these options and other accommodation choices, check out the full article:
ALL THE ARTICLES ABOUT THE GALAPAGOS
San Cristobal Island – The easternmost island of the Galapagos, the “Isla Bonita”
Santa Cruz Island – The island with the best tourism infrastructure.
Isabela Island – The most adventurous and less explored island of the main three.
