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T O

San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal: Where Wildlife Meets the Ocean

San Cristóbal is one of the main islands of the Galápagos archipelago and the capital of the province. Its main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, combines the everyday life of a small coastal town with the natural environment that defines the archipelago.

The island brings together a remarkable variety of landscapes within a relatively compact area: beaches, coastal areas, highlands, volcanic scenery, and marine ecosystems. Across these environments, travelers can encounter sea lions, birds, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and a wide variety of species that make San Cristóbal an appealing destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

The island is also the capital of Galápagos Province and is home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, one of the archipelago’s main population centers.

Did You Know?

On September 16, 1835, Charles Darwin landed on San Cristóbal as part of his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, commanded by Robert FitzRoy. He remained on the island until September 22, exploring its landscapes and collecting specimens of plants, animals, and geological formations. San Cristóbal was his first direct encounter with the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos.

During his journey through the Galápagos, Darwin began noticing that certain species differed from one island to another. He observed, collected, and compared specimens while documenting the distinctive characteristics of the flora and wildlife he encountered. Although his theory of evolution by natural selection did not emerge immediately from this visit, the observations he made in the Galápagos later became an important part of his scientific work.

What makes this especially fascinating is that San Cristóbal was the starting point of his experience within the archipelago. After visiting the island, Darwin continued to Floreana, Isabela, and Santiago, where he continued gathering information and comparing species across different islands.

Today, nearly two centuries later, travelers can explore some of the same natural environments that helped spark Darwin’s scientific interest in the Galápagos. The island also has interpretation spaces where visitors can learn more about its natural history and the processes that shaped its ecosystems.

Visiting San Cristóbal is not simply about discovering an island; it is also an opportunity to walk through a place that became part of one of the most influential scientific stories in the world.

Wildlife You May Encounter
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Sea Lions

fragata royaltour san cristobal

Frigatebirds

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Marine Iguanas

others royaltour san cristobal

And others

San Cristóbal

Land based tours from San Cristóbal

Experience San Cristóbal through coastal walks, volcanic scenery, and protected natural areas that showcase the island’s unique biodiversity.

Diving tours from San Cristóbal

Explore the waters surrounding San Cristóbal, home to dramatic underwater formations and remarkable encounters with hammerhead sharks and diverse marine species.

Explore Our San Cristóbal Itineraries

SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS ISLAND TOURS 2027 :

Individual & Group Rates per Person, entering and flying out from Port Baquerizo Moreno

1. Basic San Cristóbal tour

Discover the essential highlights of San Cristóbal through a balanced journey combining wildlife, highland landscapes, beautiful beaches, and the island’s natural heritage. Visit La Lobería, explore El Junco Lagoon and the Galapaguera, relax at Puerto Chino, and learn about the archipelago at the Interpretation Center. A great choice for travelers seeking an authentic introduction to San Cristóbal.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival on SCY Island. Transfer to the selected hotel. Visit to La Lobería Beach.

Day 2: Visit to Parte Alta (El Junco Lagoon + Galapaguera + Puerto Chino Beach)

Day 3: Visit to the Interpretation Center + Cerro Tijeretas + Mann Beach

Day 4: Transfer to San Cristóbal Airport. END OF OUR SERVICES.

HOTELS
3 NIGHTS
PASSENGERS HOTELS
CAT.
4-5 PAX
6-9 PAX
10-15 PAX
CHD or Grupos 16 pax o +
CHATHAM
TURISTA
$555
$469
$429
$419
LA ZAYAPA
TURISTA SUP
$579
$489
$449
$429
BLUE MARLIN
TURISTA SUP
$599
$509
$469
$459
GALAPAGOS SUNSET
PRIMERA
$789
$699
$659
$629
GOLDEN BAY
LUJO
$1339
$1249
$1209
$1169

2. San Cristóbal + 360 grades Island Sightseeing by boat

Experience San Cristóbal from land and sea with a journey that combines the island’s most remarkable natural highlights with a full-day 360° boat adventure. Discover its highlands, beaches, and wildlife before sailing through spectacular coastal landscapes such as Kicker Rock, Sardina Bay, and Rosa Blanca Bay. Ideal for travelers who want to explore beyond the island’s main sights.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival on SCY Island. Transfer to selected hotel. Visit “La Lobería” (public beach).

Day 2: Visit Parte Alta (El Junco Lagoon + Galapaguera + Puerto Chino Beach)

Day 3: Visit the Interpretation Center + Cerro Tijeretas + Mann Beach

Day 4: Full-day 360-degree boat tour (Kicker Rock, Sardina bay, Rosa Blanca bay). Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno before 4 p.m.

Day 5: Transfer to San Cristobal Airport. END OF OUR SERVICES.

HOTELS
3 NIGHTS
4 NIGHTS
PASSENGERS HOTELS
4-5 PAX
6-9 PAX
10-15 PAX
CHD o Grupos 16 Pax +
4-5 PAX
6-9 PAX
10-15 PAX
CHD o Grupos 16 pax +
CHATHAM
$799
$749
$719
$709
$709
$819
$789
$759
LA ZAYAPA
$819
$769
$739
$719
$919
$849
$819
$789
BLUE MARLIN
$839
$829
$799
$779
$939
$879
$859
$819
GALAPAGOS SUNSET
$989
$1019
$999
$969
$1089
$1039
$1009
$969
GOLDEN BAY
$1579
$1419
$1499
$1379
$1699
$1639
$1619
$1499

3. San Cristóbal + full-day Española island by fast boat

(2 ISLANDS, subject to availability)

Take your Galápagos experience further with a journey that combines the highlights of San Cristóbal with a full-day excursion to Española Island. Enjoy the island’s beaches, highlands, wildlife, and natural landscapes before venturing across the ocean to discover one of the archipelago’s most distinctive islands. A memorable option for travelers looking to explore beyond a single destination.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival on SCY Island. Transfer to the hotel. Visit to La Lobería Beach.

Day 2: Visit to Parte Alta (El Junco Lagoon + Galapaguera + Puerto Chino Beach)

Day 3: Visit to the Interpretation Center + Cerro Tijeretas + Mann Beach

Day 4: Full day on Española Island (subject to availability). Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Day 5: Transfer to the San Cristóbal airport. END OF OUR SERVICES.

HOTELS
3 NIGHTS
4 NIGHTS
PASSENGERS HOTELS
4-5 PAX
6-9 PAX
10-15 PAX
CHD o Grupos 16 Pax +
4-5 PAX
6-9 PAX
10-15 PAX
CHD o Grupos 16 pax +
CHATHAM
$939
$879
$859
$839
$1029
$969
$929
$909
LA ZAYAPA
$959
$819
$879
$849
$1049
$999
$959
$919
BLUE MARLIN
$979
$829
$899
$869
$1079
$1029
$989
$969
GALAPAGOS SUNSET
$1089
$1039
$1009
$989
$1109
$1129
$1099
$1069
GOLDEN BAY
$1619
$1559
$1539
$1499
$1859
$1789
$1759
$1699

4. San Cristóbal 360 + Española or Floreana Island

By Fast boat

Combine the complete 360° experience of San Cristóbal with the opportunity to discover another iconic Galápagos island. Explore remote bays, coastal landscapes, Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo, and the waters around Kicker Rock before continuing your journey toward Española or Floreana, subject to availability. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a deeper and more varied island-hopping experience.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival on SCY Island. Transfer to the selected hotel. Visit to La Lobería Beach.

Day 2: Full-day 360-degree boat tour (Bahía Rosa Blanca, Punta Pitt, Bahía Sardina, Cerro Brujo, and snorkeling at León Dormido).

Day 3: Visit to the Interpretation Center + Cerro Tijeretas + Mann Beach**

Day 4: Full-day tour of Española Island. Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Day 5: Transfer to San Cristóbal Airport. END OF OUR SERVICES.

** The 3-night/4-day tour does not include a visit to the Interpretation Center + Tijeretas + Mann Beach.

HOTELS
3 NIGHTS
4 NIGHTS
PASSENGERS HOTELS
4-5 PAX
6-9 PAX
10-15 PAX
CHD o Grupos 16 Pax +
4-5 PAX
6-9 PAX
10-15 PAX
CHD o Grupos 16 pax +
CHATHAM
$999
$969
$949
$929
$1129
$1099
$1059
$1029
LA ZAYAPA
$1019
$989
$969
$939
$1159
$1119
$1089
$1049
BLUE MARLIN
$1039
$1009
$989
$959
$1199
$1149
$1119
$1089
GALAPAGOS SUNSET
$1259
$1219
$1199
$1159
$1529
$1379
$1359
$1319
GOLDEN BAY
$1549
$1519
$1499
$1389
$1889
$1849
$1819
$1609

5. Combined Cristobal Island + Santa Cruz

(Accommodations on 2 islands)

Experience two of the Galápagos’ most fascinating islands in one journey. Begin in San Cristóbal with its wildlife, highlands, and coastal landscapes, then continue to Santa Cruz for a boat excursion, Tortuga Bay, Las Grietas, and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. A great choice for travelers who want to experience two distinct island environments without committing to a longer island-hopping program.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival on San Cristóbal Island. Visit the Interpretation Center + Cerro Tijeretas + Mann Beach.

Day 2: Visit Parte Alta (Laguna del Junco + Galapaguera + Puerto Chino Beach)

Day 3: Boat transfer to Santa Cruz. Bay tour (Punta Estrada, Lobería, Grietas)

Day 4: Hike to Tortuga Bay. Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station,

Day 5: Transfer to Baltra Airport. END OF OUR SERVICES.

HOTELS
3 NIGHTS
PASSENGERS HOTELS
4-5 PAX
6-9 PAX
10-15 PAX
CHD or Groups of 19 pax and up
CHATHAM
$699
$639
$609
$589
LA ZAYAPA /GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
$739
$649
$639
$449
BLUE MARLIN / HOTEL DEJAVU
$1149
$1089
$1059
$899
GOLDEN BAY/SOL Y MAR
$1579
$1509
$1489
$1279

6.

7night itinrrary – island hopping

Go beyond a single island and experience the diversity of Galápagos on a seven-night island-hopping adventure through San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Pinzón, and Isabela. Discover wildlife, highland landscapes, marine ecosystems, giant tortoises, volcanic scenery, and unforgettable snorkeling experiences across four destinations. Designed for travelers who want to experience the remarkable variety of the Galápagos Islands in one comprehensive journey.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in San Cristóbal. Visit to the Interpretation Center + Cerro Tijeretas Lookout + Punta Carola Beach.

Day 2: 360° Tour of San Cristóbal Island, visiting: Sardina Bay, Rosa Blanca Bay, Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo, and the Sleeping Lion (snorkeling). Departs at 7:30 AM from the Acuario pier and returns to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno at 4:30 PM.

Day 3: Morning. Cruise to Santa Cruz Island. Visit to the Charles Darwin Station or Tortuga Bay.

Day 4: Visit to Playa de los Alemanes + Las Grietas (we cross the strait by water taxi).

Day 5: Tour of Pinzón Islet (landing on shore + snorkeling), full day.

Day 6: Cruise to Isabela Island: Flamingo Pool + visit to Sierra Negra Volcano or Concha Perla + public beach.

Day 7: AM: Giant tortoise breeding center, Wall of Tears / PM: Visit to Tintoreras Islet (snorkeling).

Day 8: AM: Return boat trip to Puerto Ayora. Luggage transfer and transfer to Baltra. End of our services.

** Arrival via Baltra Island and departure via San Cristóbal Island.

PLANNED ACCOMMODATIONS AT DESTINATION:
4 A 5 PAX
6-9 PAX
CHD or Groups of 10 PAX and up
CHATHAM /DEJAVU/SAN VICENTE
$1419
$1360
$1319
LA ZAYAPA O BLUE MARLIN/ DEJAVU /LA LAGUNA
$1559
$1409
$1329
GALAPAGOS SUNSET/LA ISLA HOTEL/ALBEMARLE INT.
$1839
$1769
$1599
GOLDEN BAY/SOL Y MAR/ ALBEMARLE EXT O CASA DE MARITA
$2499
$2419
$2299

Includes

Not Included

Non-resident foreigners: ZERO VAT

Payment policy

a) To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 250 USD (non-refundable)

B)    Individual passengers must pay 100% of the balance 30 days prior to the trip.

C)   Groups of 15 or more people must pay 100% of the balance 45 days prior to the trip.

D)   Cancellation penalties apply, subject to conditions.

Cancellation policies

e)    IF THE FIRST PAYMENT IS RECEIVED 61 DAYS OR MORE BEFORE THE TRIP, A $150 PENALTY APPLIES AND THE DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

f)    60 to 45 days before the trip: penalty of 50% of the package price (tour and ticket).

g)    44 to 30 days before the trip: penalty of 75% of the travel package price.

h)    29 to 0 days prior to the start of the tour: 100% penalty of the total amount.

i)    FOR GROUPS: Cancellation less than 30 days prior to the trip: 100% penalty of the program cost.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Rates are per person based on double/triple occupancy. No VAT for foreigners in transit through the country. For Ecuadorian citizens or residents with a tax address in Ecuador, add 15% VAT to the indicated rate based on the tour’s duration.
  • Child rates apply when sharing a room with two adult passengers.
  • Single-room supplement: 30% additional charge.
  • Infants under 24 months (2 years) are charged $200 + VAT for 3- or 4-night tours. We do not accept infants on 7-night, 8-day tours.
  • Itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions (rough seas from June through September each year), operational issues, or situations that endanger passenger safety.
  • The order of visits to each island will be confirmed 48 hours prior to departure.
  • Reservations are subject to availability. In the event that the offered hotel is fully booked and it matches with the peak season in Galapagos,, we will confirm other hotels of a similar category.
  • The full day 360-Degree tour and Española Island tour, do not operate every day. Therefore, reservations are subject to availability and change of plans. Every speed-boat carries up to 12 people, meaning groups larger than this size, must sail on different boats to guarantee this daily excursion.
  • Meals in San Cristóbal and on Isabela Island will be served at local restaurants.
  • Dinner at tour own, all the time. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
  • Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Essential Guide to San Cristóbal

1. Book excursions in advance. Some full-day boat tours and island excursions operate on specific days and are subject to availability.

2. Pack for different activities. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light change of clothes are useful for exploring both land and sea.

3. Check weather and sea conditions. Ocean conditions can affect boat tours, snorkeling, and other marine activities, so schedules may occasionally change for safety.

4. Explore beyond the coast. Make time for the highlands, where places such as El Junco Lagoon and the Galapaguera offer a different perspective of San Cristóbal.

5. Observe wildlife responsibly. Keep a safe distance from animals, never touch or feed them, and follow your guide’s instructions during excursions.

6. Help protect the island. Stay on authorized trails, avoid leaving waste, and never take rocks, plants, shells, or other natural elements.

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