About this trip
San Cristobal Island, another jewel of the crown, is founded on the east of the archipelago. Its area is 558 sq km (347 sq mi) and its high is 730m (2,395 ft). The island holds the biggest fresh water lake of the archipelago called El Junco. The capital of the Galápagos was the first island visited by Charles Darwin. Our guests can explore Rosa Blanca Bay which is distinguished by having a few small beaches. Its main place is the large beach in the center of the small bay where in combination with crystal-clear waters create spectacular scenery. The closest island to the Ecuador mainland is one of the two only places where red-footed, blue-footed, and Nazca can be found in a nesting colony in Punta Pitt. There, two species of frigatebirds are also present, as are swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels. It allows you the opportunity to swim and snorkel next to sea turtles, rays, and sea lions on the Sardina Bay which includes two beaches whose attractions are its small white sand dunes together with its crystalline waters. Cerro Brujo also invites to enjoy its impressive landscape including migratory birds, marine iguanas, as well as other marine specimens. Travelers will find Kicker Rock named for its characteristic shape of a sleeping lion. It offers best booby view and sea lions line the shore. It is an excellent location for snorkeling and diving: manta rays, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks often spotted.
What’s included
- TransportationSpeed boat
- TransferHotel - Pier
- GuideNaturalist Tour Guide accredited by Galapagos National Park
- GearWetsuit, mask, snorkel & flippers
- MealsLunch (aboard)
- SnackHot and cold beverage, fruits & cookies
- TaxLocal Tax Payment
- FlightDomestic or international flight ticket
- GPS entrance feeGalapagos National Park entrance fee USD 100
- Control Card feeTransit Control Card USD 20
- InsuranceTravel & medical insurance
- SouvenirsPersonal souvenirs
- BeverageAlcoholic beverage
- Personal recognitionTip
Itinerary
San Cristobal island gives another magic trip, 360º San Cristobal which is the most complete excursion surrounding the island by comfortable speed boat. The first spot will be at the Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido). This highlight of Galápagos is offering excursionist unique wildlife in the whole world. Around the rock you can swim next to the hammerhead sharks and with the colorful reef fishes. Then, our guests will go to the Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo), on this place they are going to have walking under the lava tunnel where travelers can watch many other exotic species. Later, travelers will visit Sardine Bay (Bahía Sardina) in order to enjoy the shadowed areas and they can swim and snorkel next the wildlife richness. Your excursion keeps to enjoy Punta Pitt where they will fish, and over their heads red-footed boobies are going to fly. The last spot will be the White Rose Bay (Bahía Rosa Blanca) which is so unique place where travelers going to have a privilege to snorkeling on the crystalline water, they can see colorful fishes, rays, sharks, seahorses, and many other species. With this tour you are going to see an enjoy the all jewels that San Cristobal island has, just in one single day.
It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature because it falls under 20ºC from September to December and it is up of 27ºC from January to August.
Clarification: Each day Galapagos National Park gives different authorization, so the tour could star from the north side or south side of the Santa Cruz Island.
Departure: at 7:00 am from Baquerizo Moreno Pier
Returning time: approximately at 5 pm
Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 5 hours (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey.
Difficulty Level: intermediate
Highlight activity: snorkeling, walking and short beach hike
Transportation: speed boat