One of the best ways to explore Ecuador is by visiting the Galapagos Islands. Not surprisingly, San Cristobal is at the top of most tourists’ wish lists. Located at the eastern tip of the archipelago, San Cristobal is known for its famous Kickball Rock, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, the largest freshwater lake in the Galapagos Islands, and of course, beautiful sandy beaches.
With so much to do in San Cristóbal, there will never be a dull moment. Spending days on soft sand or exploring the underwater world are always the most popular attractions. Equally interesting is that visitors will enjoy strolling the boardwalk of Puerto Bacrizomoreno, learning about the island’s history and ecology at the interpretive center, and visiting the wild tortoise habitat in Galapa de Sero, Colorado. And many more!
Galapagos Islands Island Hopping? Don’t miss out on a visit to San Cristobal! For a little bonus, check out our ultimate travel guide and list of things to see and do in San Cristobal.
Visit the Port of Bacriso Moreno
Located on the southwest coast of San Cristobal, Puerto Bacreso Moreno is the capital and main town of the island. Although small, tourists will find everything they need.
Walking along the cobbled streets, you can find restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels, banks, and bars. The boardwalk is the best place to see fishing boats jumping around the harbor.
Puerto Bacliso Moreno is walkable and is probably where most visitors to San Cristobal spend most of their time. Puerto Bacriso Moreno is also a great place to connect with your guide and explore the rest of the island.
Spend the Day at the Beach
Playa de Oro’s protected harbour is perfect for sea lion watching, but for swimming or sunbathing, try the beaches away from town. The best two are Puerto Grande and Mont Brujo.
Located on the northern coast near Kicker Rock, Puerta Grande is perfect for walking, sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. Also on the northern coast, Cerro Brujo is a beautiful stretch of white sand with a volcanic landscape.
It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Bring a picnic, bring a good book, or explore the underwater world – visitors can’t go wrong with spending a day at the beach.
Experienced scuba divers are also in luck on San Cristobal Island. The unique scuba diving experience allows divers to see turtles and sea lions, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays and more. Popular dive sites include Caragua Wreck, Punta Pitt, Isla Lobos and Roca Ballena.
El Proso
The only main road from the port of Bacriso Moreno connects to El Prososo. There are multiple buses a day from town and the journey takes only ten minutes and is inexpensive. It’s a sleepy village with not much to do, but once there, visitors can visit Manuel Cobo’s brutal colonial ruins, famous prisons, and work camps.
Tourists can visit the ruins of an old farmhouse and visit the tombs of Manmankobo. A nearby attraction especially for adventurous travelers is the Treehouse Room – Casa del Ceiba. Tourists can rent a room under the giant kapok tree!
Visit the Kicking Stone
Kickball Rock is one of the most famous attractions in the Galapagos Islands. The remains of the volcanic cone look like the shape of a sleeping lion, which is why this landmark was nicknamed “Leon Domido”.
Located 500 feet above the Pacific Ocean, Kickball Rock is home to many wildlife, including blue-footed, sea lions, frigate birds, and more. Underwater is where the real magic lies. The location can only be reached by boat, but the trip is worth it.
A guided scuba diving and snorkeling tour is the best way to visit this amazing underwater habitat. As the ancient cone erodes, a passage is formed between the rocks, creating a beautiful habitat for marine life.
Visit the Translation Center
History buffs and eco-buffs will love this attraction in San Cristóbal. The interpretive center is the best place to learn more about the Galapagos Islands and San Cristobal in particular.
The museum displays information about volcanic origins, ocean currents, climate, different species and their colonization, and other attractions. The walkways around the museum are well maintained and offer stunning views of the island.
Much of the Galapagos Islands is great for photos, and the views from the interpretive center don’t disappoint. It is also a great place for bird watching. The center of interpretation is a gem of San Cristóbal.
Have Fun in Galapa Gradero, Colorado
The Colorado Mountains Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado is a wild tortoise habitat in the San Cristobal Highlands. Semi-natural habitats were established to help giant tortoise populations live in an environment conducive to their natural state.
The habitat protects baby turtles from predators and educates visitors about the history and conservation efforts needed to help giant tortoises. There is also a visitor center, gift shop, food bar and trails that are also ideal for bird watching.
Hike El Junco Lagoon
A dormant volcano in the highlands of San Cristobal Island contains a freshwater lake. The lake was formed by a volcanic caldera that collapsed and is believed to have existed here since the end of the last ice age.
It’s a great place for hiking, and birdwatchers can see San Cristóbal mockingbirds, white-cheeked pintails, and frigate birds. The lagoon is 2,300 feet above sea level, which avoids evaporation due to its higher altitude.
The best way to get to El Junco Lagoon is by bus. It is about a 45-minute drive from the port of Bacrizo Moreno. The viewpoints are spectacular, with visitors passing through several different vegetated areas along the way.
Visit the Wildlife of La Loberia
This crescent-shaped beach is a great spot for wildlife viewing in San Cristobal. Home to numerous sea lions and other underwater creatures, visitors can also see iguanas, lizards, and other cool creatures.
La Loberia is a 30-minute walk from Baquerizo Moreno or a quick taxi ride. La Loberia is a unique and beautiful beach, perfect for spending a day or evening watching the sunset at the beach, definitely worth a visit! It’s also a great spot for surfing, snorkeling or swimming. If you plan to climb over rocks into the water, wear water shoes.
Best Time of Year to Visit San Cristobal
San Cristobal has a tropical climate with dry winters and wet summers. The island is picturesque all year round and is suitable for visiting in any season.
June to November
Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s, with longer showers. This season is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as watching blue-footed performing mating dances. All over the island are busy in summer, so book your accommodation in advance.
December to May
With temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees accompanied by short showers, it is an ideal time to visit the island of San Cristóbal. Spring flowers decorate the town, and birdwatchers will enjoy the mating season. It can be busy from mid-December to mid-January, so book your stay in advance.
Best Places to Eat in San Cristobal
Breakfast
Sabor Cuen Bakery and Coffee Shop is the perfect place to start a relaxing day on the island with a hot drink, a dessert.
- Address: Av. Alsacio Northia s/n Frederico Garcia, Puerto Bacreso Moreno, San Cristóbal
- Working hours: Daily. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m
- Recommended: Maracuya cheesecake and a cup of hot coffee
Lunch
Otoy Organic Farm Restaurant is a great way to taste “from farm, forest and ocean to table” while still enjoying the beautiful views.
- Address:Cerro Verde, Primary Road Via a la Galapagera and Puerto Chino, San Cristobal
- Working hours: Daily. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
- Recommended: Ceviche fish
Dinner
With a beautiful location overlooking the sea, Muya Galapagos offers excellent food, service and ambience, making it the perfect destination for dinner.
- Address: Calle Charles Darwin lote 3, San Cristobal
- Working hours: Daily from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm
- Recommendation: Try fresh fish!