San Cristobal

San Cristobal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos. It is more developed than Isabela and has a commercial airport. You can fly back to Equador from this island (Quito or Guyaquil). You can get here via plane or boat from Santa Cruz ("ferry"). The main settlement is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which is the capital of the Galapagos. The airport is less than 5 minutes from town (taxi is $5). San Cristobal has many hotels and restaurants. There is an ATM (up the street from the Casa Blanca hotel).

Sea Lions everywhere!

If you like sea lions, you are in the right place! There are sea lions everywhere along the coast. Lots of pups and are they fascinating to watch. Sea lions live in groups that are dominated by one male (he has a harem of females). If another male comes around, there is a fight.

What to do

We spent the least amount of time on this island (one full day), but wanted to see it before we went back to the states. The hallmark tour is Kicker Rock which is accessible by boat. It is the remains of a volcanic cone and on the rock you will see birds (boobies, frigate birds, etc) and sea lions. Underwater, there are fish, rays, turtles, and sharks.

Cerro Tijeretes (Frigate bird Hill) and Punto Carole

This site is walkable from town (east side). Walk along the coast until you see signs for Playa Mann. Walk past Playa Mann. You will pass the UNC Chapel Hill Center for Galapagos Studies and go on to the Galapagos Science Interpretation Center. You will sign in and have access to the free science center. Beyond the science center, there are well-marked trails to up the hill to the lookouts (takes about 15 minutes). You will overlook a beautiful bay. From there, we saw a large ray swimming alongside sea lions. We also saw a pod of dolphins. Tip: Take a photo of the sign at the trailhead so that you know which trails to take.

On your way down the hill, there is a trail to Punta Carole (10-15 minute hike). This rocky beach is full of sea lions that you can snorkel with. We also saw very large green sea turtles here. Among the rocks/tidal pools, there are urchins, octopi, marine iguanas, and seaweed. It's very shallow, so you can just put on your mask and snorkel (and wetsuit) to explore.

Los Loberias

We didn't get a chance to go to this beach, but it is walkable from town (or you can take a taxi), and I've read that there are sea lions and turtles here.