Tours and Attractions on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are the main attraction of a trip to Ecuador. They are located about 1,000 km west of the mainland in the heart of the Pacific Ocean near the Equator. The Galapagos archipelago has 18 main islands, 3 small islands, and about a hundred islets and rocks.
In this article, you will find information for travelers visiting San Cristobal Island. Information on all the islands, weather, recommended seasons, getting there, and traveling between the islands can be found in the article: Galapagos Islands Tours and Attractions.
San Cristobal Island San Cristobal is located east of Santa Cruz Island, covers an area of about 560 square kilometers, and its highest point reaches 730 meters.
On San Cristobal, you can see a variety of animals and birds: frigatebirds, red-footed and blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, gulls, sea lions, dolphins, and giant tortoises.
Recommended Hotels on San Cristobal Island:
Golden Bay Hotel & Spa - The most luxurious hotel on the island. The hotel features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, bar, and restaurant. The price includes internet and an excellent breakfast. The hotel offers airport shuttle service. Every room has air conditioning, a separate entrance, a private swimming pool, and a scenic balcony.
Hotel Casa Blanca - Spacious air-conditioned rooms, free internet, successful breakfast. The hotel has a restaurant and an airport shuttle service. Centrally located near the sea. Some rooms have a balcony with a sea view.
Emanuel by The Point - An attractively priced hotel in a central location. Most rooms have a view of the bay. Breakfast, internet, and shuttle service. The hotel rents bicycles to guests and provides snorkeling gear. The hotel has a playroom.
The island is also known for its cliffs and caves:
On San Cristobal Island, there are high and impressive cliffs called Wizard Hill near which you can sail in both kayaks and zodiacs, and around the most famous of all—Kicker Rock—cruise ships also sail around for the enjoyment of passengers thrilled by the dramatic scenery. These cliffs are a paradise for divers. They are known for the masses of sharks that you can dive next to safely, including hammerheads. The sharks in the Galapagos are well-fed by the abundance of fish in the sea and are not interested in humans.
♦ Booking multi-day guided tours in the Galapagos Islands (via Viator):
(excluding flights to the islands)
Isla Lobos Islet
Right next to San Cristobal is a small islet called Isla Lobos with a walking trail where you can observe an immense variety of wildlife. One of the most interesting and impressive birds on the island is the Frigatebird (found on most of the islands). The males have a red pouch that they inflate during mating season, dancing in front of the female with this huge red pouch and also flying around with the inflated pouch.
The island also has many sea lions, including lots of tiny, noisy pups.
Around this island, it is also customary to snorkel and see giant sea turtles.
Swimming near a large sea turtle on Isla Lobos:
Our articles on Ecuador:
Destinations and attractions on a trip to Ecuador
Tours in the city of Otavalo and its surroundings
Tours and attractions in the Galapagos Islands
Trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon
Tours on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos
Tours on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos
Trip to Isabela Island in the Galapagos
Attractions and tours in the city of Baños, Ecuador