img 3956

San Cristobal

I loved this particular Galapagos island for the snorkeling and all the sea lions! There are multiple beaches with great snorkeling (I’d recommend renting a bike to easily travel around the island). So many people pay for the snorkeling excursions, but I really lucked out just snorkeling on the island.

San Cristobal Beaches & Snorkeling

IMG 5599 583x1024

Here is my suggested snorkeling and beach itinerary on San Cristobal Island:

  • Rent a bike and snorkel gear in the morning and head over to La Loberia. This is an incredible beach for snorkeling. I saw so many beautifully colored fish and even got to swim with a couple sea turtles and sea lions!
  • After an hour or two of snorkeling and relaxing on the beach, head back to town for lunch and refill your water bottle. This is on the way to the next snorkeling beach.
  • Begin to bike towards La Tinteretas. You will only be able to bike part of the way and then you will need to walk. Part of the walk is along the water and part of it is on a trail. There are some beautiful views and wildlife along the way. We lucked out and saw a blue-footed booby. Once you arrive at La Tinteretas, there isn’t sand to relax on, so you pretty much have to jump right in. This is a great spot if you enjoy snorkeling with sea lions! There were a bunch of them here.
  • Head back towards town and stop at Playa Mann to hang out with the sea lions at sunset. Then return your bike and snorkel gear.

Food and Drink on San Cristobal Island

IMG 3634 2 768x1024

Definitely, definitely, definitely check out Ranti (a coffee shop that sells specialty drinks with the local Galapagos coffee). Yes, coffee beans are grown in the Galapagos! I went here three times I loved it so much. I got some sort of magically delicious guava latte drink on two separate mornings and also got an affogato one afternoon.

There is a really cute dinner spot called “The Pier” if you want somewhere by the water. Also, there is a restaurant right by where all of the sea lions gather at night (so you can eat dinner and drink cocktails with a pretty fun view)… this is called “Post Office Food & Beer.” I would really recommend both spots.