After my 9-day Galapagos adventure with Intrepid Travel, I discovered that San Cristobal is my favorite island on the archipelago. It’s one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos made from fused, extinct volcanoes. For me, it was the best island for seeing up close Blue-footed boobies and snorkeling with sea lions. Being the easternmost island with an airport, San Cristobal was the first stop for our 9-Day Galapagos tour. So, read on to learn more about my San Cristobal Galapagos itinerary and highlights with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrival San Cristobal Galapagos Itinerary
We stayed in the main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It has a laid-back vibe, yet good quality restaurants and shops. Its waterfront is delightful to wander, especially at sunset with a colony of seals on the shore. It feels like the sea lions are the locals. And if the sea lions lie on your walking bath or bench, don’t expect them to move or share.
Snorkeling at La Loberia Beach
After arriving on the island, we checked in to our motel and went straight to La Loberia Beach for snorkeling. This was a great start to a weeklong adventure to get the feel for snorkeling again. We saw many fish and the highlights were the giant Green Sea Turtles. Wow, even after snorkeling many times in the Caribbean, I never saw sea turtles this big. Amazing, who doesn’t love sea turtles! These gentle giants are a dream to be near especially in the water.
On the land, I became aware of the tame sea lions that would become an everyday occurrence on this trip. Sea lions walked up on the beach and joined the humans for R & R in the sun. However, keep a healthy distance and be aware that the alpha males can be territorial and more aggressive. They are the ones usually making the loudest growling noises and chasing other sea lions away.
Check out my YouTube Video on San Cristobal, Galapagos
Day 2: Interpretive Center & Sea Lion Island for Snorkeling & Birdwatching
San Cristobal Interpretive Center and Tijeretas Hill and Punta Carola Point Walk
The 2nd day we started off at the Interpretation Center Gianni Arismendi to learn about the Galapagos. We then walked the Tijeretas Hill and Punta Carola Point 3-mile Walking Trail Loop. From the center, we walked a paved path up to Cerro Tijeretas, named after the Frigatebirds nesting in the trees. We observed viewpoints, Charles Darwin Bay and statue. This looked like an awesome place to snorkel. From the viewpoint, we observed the famous Kicker Rock and Sea Lion Island in the distance.
Sea Lion Island for Snorkeling & Birdwatching
San Cristobal Galapagos Itinerary
In the afternoon, we took a charter boat to Sea Lion Island. This was my absolutely favorite experience of the entire itinerary, so read on. This rocky island is small yet teeming with wildlife. We jumped in the water and snorkeled along the coast. This was the best experience of my life regards to snorkeling with sea lions. They were swimming curiously along with us. Although, sometimes too curious as a couple sea lions nibbled on our guides fins. Check out my YouTube video for the best window into this underwater adventure with the sea lions.
After snorkeling, we walked the loop on the island observing up close the bird life on the island. This was the best experience on my Galapagos trip for seeing Blue-footed booby birds, Frigatebirds and Waved albatross. Unbelievably, the blue-footed boobies were practically sitting on our path protecting their eggs. Their mating season is normally June to August. The Waved Albatross lays eggs from April to June.
On San Cristobal the mating season for Frigatebirds is March to May and Blue-footed boobies is June to August.
So, we observed several of the male frigatebirds flying or perched on trees. For a mating ritual, these black feathered birds inflate their red pouch to impress the ladies. And the bigger the better! It’s fun to watch some of them flaunting these pouches for hours. Also, I observed 2 giant waved albatrosses sitting on our path, staunchly protecting their turf. They remained still and nipped at us as we walked by.
Hands down, no doubt, Sea Lion Island was the best destination of the whole Galapagos trip for seeing Sea Lions, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and waved albatross.
Although, I do warn that this is a challenging terrain with lava rocks and boulders to walk through. Anyone with balance issues should prepare with walking sticks or a sturdy shoulder to support them.
Accommodations and Food in San Cristobal
We all loved our stay at the Hostel De Nelly in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This lovely and breezy hostel is just a 5-10-minute walk from the main waterfront. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The courtyard under a tree canopy is a pleasant place to sit on a hammock or relax. The breakfast is fantastic with outdoor seating and fresh coffee from the island.
A wonderful lunch spot and a local’s favorite with very reasonable prices is Lucky’s Restaurant. As a group, we all loved the set menu with beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian options. I cannot recommend enough fish with coconut sauce.
Don’t miss the waterfront for evening food and drinks. There are numerous restaurants available. I enjoyed Midori Sushi Pub, a wonderful venue, especially at sunset. It has 3 levels with ocean views, al fresco. The ambiance is an incredible way to muse on the day, even if you only came for drinks. The food is an Asian fusion, sushi and organic vegetables. I loved my salmon rice bowl, loaded with edamame and vegetables. Also, we enjoyed the Midori Sushi Pub in Santa Cruz.
Don’t Miss Kicker Rock like We did!
Well, I have an excuse to go back to the Galapagos. Our tour chose to go to Sea Lion Island instead of Kicker Rock Island. I can’t imagine not going to Sea Lion Island because it was one of my favorite destinations in all the Galapagos islands. However, Kicker Rock is also renowned for being one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the Galapagos. With more time, I would definitely go snorkeling at Kicker Rock as well.
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