PLAYA MANN BEACH
IN SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS
- Last Updated: March 29, 2024
The Playa Mann beach is the locals’ beach on San Cristobal island. Here you have kiosks to grab some drinks or snacks, sea lions, and a bit of a party and family vibe going on.
It’s easily accessible by foot from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and it’s free.
WHERE IS PLAYA MANN BEACH?
Playa Mann beach is located about 650m north of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno town on San Cristobal Island. It stands right in front of the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal.
How to do i get to Playa Mann beach?
You can get to Playa Mann beach by foot or by car.
- Distance: 650m.
- Walking time: Around 10 minutes.
what to bring to Playa Mann beach?
- Sunscreen – At least 50. Remember the sun in the Equator burns you more easily than in other places.
- Mosquito Repellent – The beaches on the Galapagos islands, especially at sunset, have a lot of mosquitos and usually also horseflies or “Tabanos” as they are called in Spanish and they are silent and leave you with a huge unpleasant swollen bite.
- Snorkel Kit – If you wish to play around baby sea lions and see amazing fish, turtles, and with luck, reef sharks don’t forget your kit, you can also rent them downtown.
- GoPro/Camera – Of course, you can’t forget your camera to record this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What can i see at Playa Mann?
You might see sea lions resting on the beach or playing around in the water, swimming marine iguanas, beautiful fish and turtles, and if you’re lucky perhaps a blacktip reef shark.
For your own safety and for the animals, don’t touch any of the animals or corals as they are all living things and can get damaged if you do so.
In the special case of sea lions, the human scent left on them when you touch them can make them get kicked out of the colony and later die alone so respect the 2m distance rule from them.
Also for your own safety, the sea lions are the bosses on the Galapagos so avoid being in their path or messing around with baby sea lions (which are the most playful ones) cause their parents might be around and you don’t want to be around an adult male sea lion protecting its cub.
Good luck if you happen to be ahah.
If you want some more information please check the official San Cristobal island website.
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My Experience at Playa Mann
in san cristobal
I have visited this beach on multiple occasions. The first time was last year, after Diving at Kicker Rock. Accompanied by my dive buddies, we decided to head to this beach for the sunset as it was conveniently located closest to downtown.
Upon arrival, it became evident that this beach was a favorite among the locals. The sound of music blaring from the speakers and the sight of families with children playing created a lively atmosphere.
We grabbed some beers from the kiosk and settled in to enjoy the breathtaking sunset before us. As it neared its end, my friend Diogo and I ventured a little farther to explore Punta Carola Beach, hoping for a less crowded experience. To our delight, that was indeed the case!
If you appreciate tranquil and expansive beaches, Punta Carola is the ideal destination. And if you’re seeking a place where you can relax with a couple of cold beers without much walking, this beach is perfect.
Alternatively, visiting during the daytime offers a different experience altogether. The beach reveals its true beauty with crystal-clear waters and playful sea lions. Personally, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit this beach a second time, this year (2023), especially during daylight.
I can confidently say that the ambiance undergoes a complete transformation, making it a truly lovely and remarkable place to be.
