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San Cristobal

The Galapagos Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean west of South America and right on the equator. They belong to Ecuador who carefully administer the islands, with a strong focus on conservation. This means that there is a lot of regulation (and associated costs) involved in visiting. However it's worth it, particularly to see the unique and plentiful wildlife and the amazing landscapes.


Choosing a land based island hopping approach in preference to the extremely expensive ship based trips, our visit to the Galapagos commenced on San Cristobal island, where we spent four nights. San Cristobal houses the capital of the Galapagos Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, however it is not actually the largest or the most populated island of the group. The first thing to get used to was playing "dodge the sea lions" who happily lie around the docks and beachside buildings heedless of humans.

One of the highlights of visiting San Cristobal is a day tour circumnavigating the island by boat. I was not looking forward to it as I was feeling pretty exhausted, having trouble with the heat and Eric was not so well.

The trip took us first to Rosa Blanca beach. We were invited to snorkel in a lagoon just back from the beach. It was low tide and we saw a shark ‘nursery’ - part of a lagoon where some baby sharks were swimming. Our introduction to the lagoon we were to snorkel in was the sight of a ray.


As we snorkelled, or learned to snorkel in Samuel’s case, we saw a couple of turtles who swam so close one breathed in the middle of the group. There were myriad fish of all colours etc.  After wandering about the beach before getting back on the boat. 


The ride was unfortunately very choppy and Eric, who was already ill got sea sick along with most of the other tour group members. Samuel and I missed out although I did not feel so great.


After another beach stop where Samuel and Eric got out and I remained on the boat to avoid the harsh sun, we travelled on to Kicker rock. This is a huge rocky outcrop in the middle of the ocean which is renowned for it's great snorkelling. We all jumped out of the boat and Samuel held a life ring which the guide pulled to keep the group together. This was just incredible, we saw more turtles, and fish of every variety and size. Eric saw a couple of seals. It was the absolute highlight of the trip. Back on dry ground we struggled home slightly sunburnt but well pleased with what we’d seen. 

Eric in the water at Kicker rock - thankfully over the sea sickness

Kicker rock

The other three days spent on San Cristobal focussed more on the islands interior. On one day we hired a taxi to travel into the centre of the island and across to the other side where we saw an (extinct) volcano...…

And a tortoise sanctuary...
And a lovely beach...

Before long it was time to head back to the airport to head to our next island.

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