Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo) – This is one of those classic Galapagos visitor sites that has it all – snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, or simply relaxing on the postcard perfect white sand beach by the turquoise water. Wildlife abounds on this serene beach on San Cristobal’s northern coast, including sea lions, shore birds, finches & mockingbirds, and small sea creatures like fish and sponges.
Pitt Point – A landing at this olivine beach on the northeastern tip of San Cristobal takes you into one of the best birding sites in the whole archipelago. It is unique as the only place where all three species of booby (Blue-footed, Masked, and Red-footed) can be found as well as storm petrels and frigates. Activities here include hiking up a steep trail to the top of the cliff or snorkeling, diving, or kayaking from the beach.
Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) – Although there is no dry landing here, Kicker Rock is an impressive geological formation that most cruises make sure to navigate around. In Spanish, its name means “Sleeping Lion” for its striking resemblance to the slumbering king of beasts. But don’t let that name fool you – actually, the formation towers hundreds of feet above sea level and is awake with sea life for those who care to snorkel or dive here. In addition to the tropical fish that can be found all across the Galapagos, you also might see hammerheads, manta rays, and other sharks. It’s located a bit over an hour from the shores of San Cristobal.
Lobos Island – While sea lions (lobos marinos) are common all throughout the Galapagos, few places offer visitors a chance to see them in such abundance as Lobos Island. This islet has a significant sea lion population and is one of the best places to snorkel alongside these playful animals.
Tijeretas Hill – This area, not far from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is named after the frigatebirds that have made it their home. In fact, it is one of the few places in the Islands where you can see both magnificent and great frigates living in harmony. If you climb the hill, you will get nice panoramic vistas of the surrounding area. If you prefer to snorkel, there is an inlet that offers a calm snorkeling or swimming site.
Galapaguera/ Interpretation Center – The Interpretation Center/ Galapaguera is one of the most engaging places to learn about the Galapagos Islands with hands-on exhibits and expert naturalists who offer presentations about the archipelago’s natural and human history. Here, you will learn about ongoing projects in the Galapagos Islands and how important it is to conserve this fragile ecosystem.
El Junco Lagoon – This is the largest body of freshwater in the Galapagos, with an average of about 9 million gallons. While this tends to fluctuate based on the season and dry spells, it is fed entirely by rainwater and is an important source of water for all of San Cristobal. In fact, on your way up to the lagoon, you will pass by various haciendas and farms that produce a large amount of the coffee and fruit found in the Galapagos thanks to the water that comes from El Junco.
San Cristobal Island Facts and Highlights
The island of San Cristobal in Galapagos is the oldest of the archipelago, and home to the capital of the Galapagos province, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here are more facts about this beautiful destination:
- Much like the whole of the Galapagos Archipelago, San Cristobal is home to a rugged volcanic terrain, with dramatic cliffs, coves, bays, and beaches carved out by the sea, that make up an astounding landscape.
- Visitors to San Cristobal can witness some of the most iconic Galapagos wildlife, including giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Most of them coexist with the island's inhabitants in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Have you phone camera ready as you will certainly observe them as you walk through town.
- The island's crystal-clear waters offer unparalleled opportunities to explore the rich underwater world, with sightings of hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, and colorful fish.
- San Cristobal is home to several interesting visitor sites, including the Interpretation Center, which tells the story of the Galapagos' evolution and conservation efforts, and the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, where visitors can appreciate the efforts of the National Park to recover the giant tortoise population. You will be able to see the species roaming around and in different stages of its life cycle.
- San Cristobal's waves are famous among surfers, with consistent swells and a variety of breaks to suit all skill levels. It's also an opportunity to meet the local surfing population.
- San Cristobal is home to several beautiful natural landmarks, including the Punta Pitt rock formations and the Cerro Tijeretas lookout, which offers stunning views of the island's coastline. Kicker Rock, an impressive vertical rock formation in the middle of the ocean just off the coast of San Cristobal, is a favorite amongst visitors and a recommended diving and snorkeling site.
- Visitors to San Cristobal can experience the local culture with visits to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This calm town offers opportunities to meet and learn from the island's residents, a rare opportunity in the otherwise inhabited archipelago.
- San Cristobal boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, including Playa Mann, Punta Carola, La Lobería, and Puerto Chino, with white sands and crystal-clear waters.
- San Cristobal is a hub for conservation efforts and sustainable tourism in the Galapagos, with initiatives to protect and preserve the island's fragile ecosystem for future generations.
