The Galapagos Islands are truly a unique place, and it’s hard to believe such regions still exist in the world. Untouchable and well-protected nature, marine and land wildlife, and almost empty beaches that look more like paradise than somewhere on earth are all features of these amazing islands – but it’s an area where a person is simply a guest.
While it sounds like these are some of the most incredible reasons to visit the Galapagos Islands, there are many things to consider before coming and deciding whether this unique region fits your travel expectations: the logistics, freedom of exploration, and destinations available, as well as so much more.
I will tell you how it really is, without exaggeration, based on my own personal experiences.
In order to help you determine whether you want to travel to the Galapagos, I will cover the following crucial points:
- How to get to the Galapagos Islands and why it’s important
- Logistics of getting between the islands
- Options to explore the Galapagos (cruises vs. island hopping)
- Our routes, the destinations we visited, and what can go wrong
You can check either the full article or my video below:
How to get to the Galapagos Islands
At this point, you might be wondering, what could be simpler than getting to the Galapagos Islands, and why is this worth covering? However, it’s extremely important, and I’ve met a few people who really spoiled their trips due to making several mistakes at this point.
The Galapagos Islands include 18 main islands, three smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets. However, you can stay and live on three of them: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela Island.
Technically, there is also a limited number of options available on Floreana Island, but the majority of tourists stay on these three islands only.
Ok, here, we figured that there are three islands you can live and stay on, so if you only buy tickets to one of them, it’s not a big deal. However, the airports are located on two islands only: San Cristobal and Baltra Island.
What the hell is Baltra Island???
Well, it’s a very small island right by Santa Cruz Island. In order to get to your stay at Santa Cruz Island, you will need to:
1. Take a bus to the pier
2. Get a boat from the pier to Santa Cruz Island
3. Get a cab for $25 or a bus for $5 to Puerto Ayora city (a 45 min ride)
As for San Cristobal, it’s way easier, because the airport is only 6 minutes away from the city.
So then, you’re probably thinking: “I just need to get tickets to San Cristobal, problem solved!”
Logistics Between the Islands
This point now leads us to a second important thing: the logistics of getting between the islands. It’s crucial to have a clear route plan if you do island hopping (it’s way more budgeted way to explore the islands than a cruise).
Let me quickly explain how this works with a few graphics.
Once again, we have three islands where we can stay:
Airports are located at Baltra Island (near Santa Cruz Island) and San Cristobal Island. As such, if you want to visit Isabel Island, make sure to plan your route wisely.
Boat schedule on Santa Cruz island
The boat departs twice a day at about 7 am and 2 pm, and the routes are:
- San Cristobal Island – Santa Cruz Island (and vice versa)
- Santa Cruz Island and Isabella Island (and vice versa)
Each ride is about a 2.5-hour speed boat ride which is not quite enjoyable. I’ll cover it later.
Keep in mind that there is no direct boat from Isabella Island to San Cristobal. In order to get all the way from Isabella Island to San Cristobal (and vice versa), you will hence need to take two rides.
The first ride would be to Santa Cruz at 7 am, and the next one runs at 2:30 pm to San Cristobal. But you almost certainly won’t want to just lose a whole day on the Galapagos like this!
There is a cheat, though, since you can take a local plane between two islands, and the flight is only 45 mins.
However, it’s not a regular flight, and the cost is about $150-200 per person compared to $25 on the boat. Every time I passed their office on the islands, it was closed, but you can also book this online to make sure you get a trip.
We met quite a few people who messed up when it came to planning their route, and they basically lost an entire day on the Galapagos Islands. We even met one couple who even missed their flight back!
But island hopping is only one way to explore the Galapagos Islands, however! There’s another option: to take a cruise! Every single person who explored the Galapagos by cruise would say, “it’s the only way to see the islands!” My wife and I have never been on a cruise trip, which is why we decided it might be a perfect opportunity to see the Galapagos Islands and try a new type of travel. But then… we so the pricing and got shocked. Low-class cruises started from $3500 per person for 4-5 nights.
Going on a Galapagos cruise was completely out of our budget, so we decided to focus on the island hopping route instead. But if you dream of taking a cruise trip on the Galapagos Islands, I have great news for you: there’s such a thing as Last Minute Cruise in Galapagos, and it’s extremely common.
Every agency we stopped at to buy tours asked us whether we wanted a last-minute cruise, and the deals were insane compared to online. For example, one particular cruise we considered for four days and three nights normally costs only $3990 per person. The Last Minute Deal was only $900 per person! We’re talking about 75% off the original online price here, and there were so many different offers. Of course, the final price would depend on the class of the cruise, the number of nights, and the route you take.
So, we had second thoughts, and we highly considered booking a Last Minute Cruise while on the islands, so we decided to ask for feedback from as many people as possible, e.g., people who tried to sell the cruise, people who tried to sell island hopping tours instead of cruise, locals and even tourists who mixed both island hopping and cruising while on the island.
Cruise vs. Island Hopping Galapagos
| Cruise | Island Hopping | |
| Pros | ● No need to plan your route
● More remote islands available that are not in a land based tour ● More places to see within the limited time range ● Potentially a better option for families |
● Cheaper
● You manage your time and what to do ● Cell phones and internet reception are much more accessible |
| Cons | ● Expensive
● No internet & cell phone reception ● Some people get bored after a few days (about half of people stay on the ship and don’t explore new places) ● No freedom ● No scuba diving option |
● Need time to plan your route carefully
● Complicated logistics ● Time wasting to move between islands (check-in/out) and a 2.5-hour boat ride) ● Limited places to see (but more than good enough for a two-week trip) ● Some things may go wrong due to the potentially poor customer service on the islands |
After all, this is entirely down to personal choice. Apparently, if your goal is to explore and see as many places as you can, taking a cruise and exploring the islands is way better.
Our main concern was budget and freedom of moving, but as you can see, you can get things much cheaper on the island. As such, eventually, we decided to stick to island hopping since we had our route fully planned already and had figured out the logistics between the islands. However, we were unable to cancel the hotels we booked, so if you are about to hunt for a Last Minute Cruise, be sure to book fully refundable hotels just in case something goes awry!
Ok, finally, we can start looking at our route.
Day 1: Arriving at Baltra Island, getting to Santa Cruz Island, and Buying Tours
Your journey to the Galapagos starts on Ecuador’s mainland at either the Quito or Guayaquil airports, which are the only two airports that serve the Galapagos Islands directly. The environment on the Galapagos Islands is very protected, so there will be extra steps to take in order to get you on the plane.
Before dropping your bags off, you will need:
- Fill out the migration forms and pay for them ($20 per person paid in cash)
- Complete an extra security bag check to ensure you’re not bringing any prohibited items to the Galapagos Islands.
When arriving on the Galapagos Islands, you will also need to pay an entrance fee of $100 per person.
We landed on Baltra Island, and we needed to get to Puerto Ayora town on Santa Cruz Island. As such, after getting our luggage, we had to wait for a bus that would take us to the boat pier, which cost us $5 per person.
After this, it’s just a short ride on the boat to get to Santa Cruz Island. Finally, you can grab a bus for $5 or take a cab for $25 to get to Puerto Ayora. We decided to grab a cab, and the total ride took about 45 mins.
After checking into our hotel that gave us an unreasonably huge room (not that we minded, though), we grabbed a cab downtown (about a 5 min ride). By the way, all the cabs in the city cost $1, and there is no availability to rent a car.
We needed to book all of the tours we wanted and boats to other islands to visit. Even though you can book everything online in advance, it will probably be around 20-40% cheaper if you do it on the island directly. For example, a Pinzon Island tour costs $140+ online per person. We got it for just $90 per person – a $50 saving! Plus, you will find many agencies who can help with this, and most people speak English very well locally. We picked one randomly to buy all of our tours through to get the best discount available, and they offered a great service. However, I definitely DO NOT recommend this agency (LeverTrans) – you’ll see why a little later.
The level of service on the islands is generally quite low, and most people are chill and not responsible enough. As such, here’s a valuable tip: ask for the WhatsApp number of the person you booked your tour with and the number of the agency specifically so you always have someone to contact. One day before your tour, clarify with the person that everything is booked and they added your names. It will be a reminder for them.
After getting all the tours, we wanted to visit the Charles Darwin station, but it was only twenty minutes until closing time.
You’ll need to walk there with a guide and pay $20, so we decided to pass on that instead. As such, we simply went for a walk around the island and were shocked by wildlife. Sea lions, albatrosses, iguanas – they’re the ones who own these lands, not the people.
In fact, many of the wild creatures aren’t even fazed by humans, which means that you can simply chill in the middle of the street or on the benches with them close by. However, you should always keep in mind that you can’t disturb them and should always stay at least two meters away. Otherwise, you can be fined.
Santa Cruz Island is usually the noisiest and busiest of the islands; as a result, it can become quite crowded and expensive. With this in mind, I would personally rate it as the worst one to stay out of three.
In the evening, it was time to find somewhere for dinner, and we were shocked at the pricing compared to the mainland of Ecuador. Everything was triple priced, so we chose dinner for $30 with only the cheapest menu items. Later on, we found several cheaper and more delicious places that we will share.
Day 2: Tortuga Beach, Lagoon Snorkeling, and a Boat Ride From Santa Cruz to Isabella Island
We started our morning with breakfast at the hotel; then, we headed to the beautiful Tortuga beach.
We decided to go in the morning, so it wasn’t quite so crowded. It was so worth it. We took a cab and needed to hike for about 30 mins, which was simply beautiful and picturesque, with cactuses, plants, birds, a stunning pathway, and finally, a wild beach with turquoise water.
I am an ocean-craving person, so I had a mini-orgasm and enjoyed every second on the beach. Just look at that. Untouchable nature by the sea and without any crowds – you don’t see it that often these days, although some of the locals were surfing on the beach.
We had a beach walk and saw numerous land iguanas and even more unique plants.
You can go swimming on Tortuga beach, but be careful: there are strong currents and waves. As such, many people go to Tortuga Laguna for swimming and snorkeling. The snorkeling session was so-so, but much more was still to come.
Later, we had to get back to the hotel and grab our things since we were about to catch a speed boat ride to Isabela Island.
The cost was $25 per person, plus an additional $3 for the water taxi to the boat and a $2 import fee per person upon arriving on Isabela. We decided to withdraw plenty of cash beforehand, as we’d heard there were no ATMs on Isabela Island. However, we actually did find one there, and it worked for my Canadian card – though I saw a few people having trouble with theirs. So, it’s still wise to bring enough cash when heading to Isabela.
Let me tell you, though, the whole process of getting there is definitely a bit of a hassle. We had to arrive at the pier by 2 p.m., find our boat, check in, line up for the security bag check, and then wait again for the water taxi to arrive.
The journey takes about 2.5 hours on a speedboat, and let me tell you, it can be quite a rough ride if you’re prone to motion sickness. Be sure to bring travel pills if that’s the case – we saw quite a few people suffering, throwing up continuously (which wasn’t exactly pleasant for them or for the rest of us!). So, unless you’re an ocean enthusiast like me, the ride might not be the highlight of your day.
After arriving, we had to pay an import fee, and then we were finally free to explore the island. Between the boat ride, check-ins, and fees, the whole process took about 4-4.5 hours, so we essentially lost half a day. But once we set foot on Isabela, it felt worth it.
We asked a local for some dinner recommendations and ended up at this cozy street grill café, which turned out to be a great choice. The food was tasty, and it only cost us around $25 for the two of us, making it a perfect end to a long travel day.
Finally, it was time for a sleep and to head on with the first tour.
Day 3: Los Tonelles tour, Tintoretas tour (Isabela Island)
We had an early tour scheduled for Los Tuneles (or Cabo Rosa) at 7 a.m. that morning, a half-day adventure we were really looking forward to. Normally, the driver picks you up directly from the hotel, so we were waiting in the lobby, but by 7:15 a.m., no one had arrived. We tried contacting the agency we booked through, but they were unreachable. Thankfully, the hotel staff helped us out and reached the tour operators for us. It turned out that the agency had messed up our names and address in the booking – a frustrating start, but we were relieved to still make it in time for the tour.
Once again, we’d never recommend these guys to anyone looking to buy tours:
Eventually, we were picked up around 7:30 a.m., and I’m pretty sure the whole group had to wait for us – not the ideal start! It was about a 30-minute boat ride to Los Tuneles, but with the weather turning cloudy and a bit stormy, there was a moment when it looked like we might have to turn back. Thankfully, we pushed on and finally made it to our destination.
Cabo Rosa’s incredible landscape was created by lava flows colliding with the sea, forming these mesmerizing lava tunnels and bridges, both above and beneath the water. We kicked off the tour with snorkeling, and it felt surreal to swim through the underwater tunnels. I was completely in awe, surrounded by all kinds of Galapagos marine life – an experience like no other.
The combination of these formations and the marine life was outstanding. We could spot turtles, sharks, different types of fish, and even seahorses!
I’ve never even seen seahorses and sharks that close, so my euphoric level was near the top.
After snorkeling, we hopped back on the boat to weave through the lava tunnels. Our guide took us on a short hike along the formations, sharing fascinating details about how they came to be. I won’t spoil it for you – you have to hear it firsthand to appreciate it fully! Walking around these ancient formations, with almost no one else around, we could really feel the raw, untouched energy of the place. It was such a surreal experience to be so close to nature in its wildest form.
We had lunch, rode a boat through the tunnels, and spotted some of the amazing Galapagos penguins.
Being surrounded by so much marine life was unbelievable – creatures I’d never even seen before! At the end of our tour, we hit one more snorkeling spot where we got to explore more lava tunnels and swim alongside the same amazing array of marine life.
In the afternoon, we headed out for the Tintoreras tour. The highlight was gliding through this narrow inlet where we spotted tons of sharks resting at the bottom. It was both thrilling and surreal, seeing them up close in such a natural setting!
The Tintoreras area was truly a highlight for us, especially because it’s a prime spot to see Galapagos penguins. Depending on the season, you might catch them nesting. The waters here are also teeming with sea turtles, rays, sea lions, and white tip sharks. Witnessing such a rich array of marine life in their natural habitat was an incredible part of our journey in the Galapagos.The walk on lava forms was stunning as well:
At the end, we had an amazing dinner at a street food cafe owned by Galapagos resident Don Carleone.
Day 4: Exploring Isabela Island and boat to Santa Cruz
I really regretted our decision to stay on Isabela Island for only two nights. Contrary to online feedback suggesting it’s the least appealing, we absolutely loved it. Our return boat to Santa Cruz wasn’t until 3pm, giving us ample time to explore more of the island. We started the day with a 3km trail through the lush Galapagos forest, where we encountered several stunning lagoons, a turtle breeding center, and a flamingo lagoon. There, we had the incredible opportunity to observe pink flamingos in their natural habitat—a memorable experience that highlighted the unique beauty of Isabela.
The hike was breathtakingly scenic, and once again, we found ourselves the only people on the trail, adding a serene exclusivity to our experience.
Along the way, we made a stop at the Centro de Crianza Tortugas Gigantes Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidan, a turtle breeding center dedicated to the preservation of the famous Giant Galapagos turtles. This visit offered us an up-close look at these majestic creatures and their conservation efforts, deepening our appreciation for the island’s unique wildlife.
We paid $10 each for entry, which was absolutely worth it. The breeding center is dedicated to the preservation and increase of the endangered Cerro Palomo tortoises, comprising only four males and two females. Additionally, the center cares for over 300 more giant tortoises, which we could observe during our tour. Although the turtles are only visible from behind a fence, making some other spots potentially better for viewing these magnificent creatures up close, the educational value of our visit was immensely enriching.
Eventually, we reached our destination: the Flamingo Lagoon.
In the middle of the day, we had lunch and walked around the city center. It’s quite wild and unique as well, which we really enjoyed.
At the end of the day, we simply relaxed at Puerto Villamil’s Main Beach. It’s an expansive wild beach with warm waters. As we alternated between walking and swimming, we realized we were still the only people there. It was a magnificent experience, and it felt like a blessing to find such secluded spots still existing on our planet.
We arrived at the boat station a little earlier to check out another popular place – the Concha Perla, which is great for snorkeling.
You can explore freely here without needing a guide. We didn’t actually do it, but many recommended it; so if you have time and are experienced in snorkeling, you can just walk down here and enjoy swimming and snorkeling. You might be lucky enough to see Green Pacific Turtles (Galapagos turtles), Marble Stingrays, Galapagos Penguins, Tropical Fish, Sea Lions, and even young sharks.
There are also countless more places to see on Isabela Island. One of the most popular is the Sierra Negra Volcano, but we skipped it since we saw several volcanoes on the Ecuador Mainland already.
Isabela Island has so much to offer, with countless places to explore. One of the most popular spots is the Sierra Negra Volcano, known for its breathtaking views and impressive crater. My wife and I decided to skip it, though, since we had already seen several volcanoes on the Ecuador mainland. Instead, we focused on other unique experiences that felt fresher and more aligned with our time in the Galapagos.
There is also the Route to the Wall of Tears, where you can do a scenic hike and spot the stunning Galapagos turtles in the wild.
You could also take a bike.
I covered several other places to visit on Isabela in my article on the website.
Finally, it was time to take the boat to Santa Cruz. When we showed up at the registration booth, I was surprised to hear that there was no record of our booking! They told us we couldn’t board, which was a bit of a nightmare after all our planning. Thankfully, one of the local captains took pity on us and let us on, though he asked us to go through security under different names. It was an odd experience, but eventually, we got on the boat and settled in for the 2.5-hour journey. Once we arrived in Santa Cruz, we checked back into the same hotel and later enjoyed a relaxed dinner in one of the more affordable areas—a nice way to unwind after the day’s unexpected adventure.
Day 5: Turtle Ranch, Las Grietas (from Santa Cruz Island)
Early in the morning, we asked the hotel to arrange a taxi for us to head out on an adventure to the so-called “Highlands of Santa Cruz.” This outing included stops at the famous Twin Craters, a walk alongside giant tortoises at a local turtle ranch, and a visit to the island’s lava tunnels and caves. For $35, the taxi took us around to each spot, letting us explore the unique sights of the region at our own pace.
The Twin Craters are opposite each other on both sides of the road.
These formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers.
I’d be lying if I said the views didn’t leave an impression—they were absolutely stunning from the top. After taking it all in, we headed to the turtle ranch, our next stop, which turned out to be a definite highlight. It’s one of those places you really don’t want to miss.
The entrance fee is $5 per person, and it’s about 30 minutes to take the tour to walk around the ranch and meet the turtles.
Volunteers do the tour on the ranch, but you can tip them (as we did because it was an amazing experience). Look at the turtles and see how huge they are; some of them are as old as 150 years!
Finally, you could walk through the lava tunnels, which was quite an impressive tour.
I highly recommend visiting this!
Back at the hotel, we grabbed lunch and then decided to explore a nearby spot—Las Grietas. To get there, we hopped on a water taxi from the main pier, which only cost $0.50. It’s a short ride that takes you to another part of Santa Cruz Island, opening up a new area to explore.
In order to get to the Las Grietas, you’ll need to get a guide for $10 per person.
To reach Las Grietas, we followed a walkway and path that wound from the hotel through a landscape filled with mangroves and opuntia cacti. Along the way, we passed some old salt mines—a striking sight, with vibrant pink hues against the rugged terrain. It was such a unique and fascinating scene, adding a little extra magic to the journey.
We finally reached Las Grietas, and the place was truly so beautiful. The water is crystal clear, and we massively enjoyed swimming there.
Las Grietas felt like a hidden oasis—three crystal-clear blue lakes tucked between steep volcanic walls, creating a stunning natural crevice. As I snorkeled around, I spotted a few fish species, though nothing too exotic. Still, it’s easy to see why both locals and visitors love this spot; it’s perfect for cooling off while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Las Grietas is ideal for a few relaxing hours, whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or daring enough to try some cliff diving.
At dinner, we tried a popular local fish: Brujo.
I recommend you try it as well, as it was quite good, and the portion is more than big enough for two people!
Day 6: Barlolome Island, Pinzon Island(from Santa Cruz Island)
This was the day I was looking forward to the most since we booked our trip to Ecuador. We bought a tour to Bartolome island, which features on almost every Galapagos Islands ad or brochure.
This was the day I’d been most excited about since we first booked our trip to Ecuador. We had planned a tour to Bartolome Island—a place that seems to grace nearly every Galapagos ad or brochure.
The unreal landscape is mesmerizing, along with the incredible snorkeling opportunities, but our tour got canceled at the last minute.
The day of our Bartolome Island tour had finally arrived, but things didn’t go as planned. The boat we were supposed to take had sunk just two days before, and the agency—supposedly “amazing”—hadn’t informed us. They eventually refunded our money on the last day, but by then, all the spots for Bartolome were filled for the next four days. Unfortunately, we’d already be on San Cristobal Island by then, which doesn’t offer tours to Bartolome due to the distance. I was crushed and furious, but my wife quickly calmed me down with a smile, saying, “Come on, it’s the Galapagos. Let’s find another tour; there’s so much to see.” She was right.
During our Los Tuneles tour, we crossed paths with an explorer who’d been visiting the Galapagos every six months for work. He recommended Pinzon Island as the ultimate snorkeling spot, saying it was the best he’d ever experienced. We decided to go for it, and since we booked last minute, we got a discount and paid just $90 per person.
Wow. It turned out to be the most incredible snorkeling experience of my life—and probably my favorite tour of all the Galapagos Islands. The tour group was small, making it feel even more special. I can’t understand why Pinzon Island isn’t more famous; it’s an absolute gem.
On the way to Pinzon, our captain caught a fresh fish to make ceviche after, and then the snorkeling experience began.
If you love snorkeling, I highly recommend taking this tour, as the water is so crystal clear, and there is so much marine life up close.
It was amazing: turtles, sharks, playing around with sea lions, and so many fish making amazing formations in the gorgeous turquoise waters around the island.
The tour also included a brief walk where we spotted iguanas basking in the sun, but keep in mind that 95% of the experience is dedicated to snorkeling. For lunch, we were treated to the freshest ceviche I’ve ever tasted—it was the perfect way to refuel before jumping back into the water.
We were so happy with the tour, and the Galapagos have so much to offer indeed.
Even though we did not visit the hot spot of the Galapagos, we were never disappointed, but just as another reminder – don’t use the same agency as we did when booking your tour:
After that hiccup, I canceled all our remaining tours with the first agency and switched to another one, which, thankfully, only messed up once. It seems like that’s just part of the Galapagos experience—everyone’s so laid-back that things don’t always go smoothly. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip!
Day 6: North Seymour Island Tour (from Santa Cruz Island)
The next day we took probably the best bird-watching tour – North Seymour Island, where you can spot most of the bird species of Galapagos like Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Species.
Blue Footed Boobie
The tour kicks off bright and early, around 7 a.m., with a 45-minute drive to Baltra Island. From there, we boarded a boat for about an hour’s journey to the islands. As soon as you step off, you’re greeted by iconic birds dotting the landscape—it’s like stepping straight into a nature documentary.
The island landscape is unreal, of course, just like everything else on the Galapagos.
The main goal was to see famous Galapagos blue-footed boobies, and we did. They are so cute.
The second part of the tour involved snorkeling, but honestly, it felt a bit underwhelming compared to some of our previous adventures. On the way back, though, we got to witness something truly unique—sea turtles in the middle of a mating ritual! It was such an unexpected sight and made the day memorable in its own way.
If you’re interested in birdwatching, I’d also recommend Seymour Island, where you can see a variety of bird species up close. Just a heads-up—the tour isn’t cheap, running about $145 per person.
Day 7: Boat from Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal Island
This was probably our least favorite day in the Galapagos, so I’ll keep it brief. With our departure to San Cristobal Island scheduled for 3 p.m., we decided to check out the Charles Darwin Station nearby. It’s close to the boat pier, and we ended up paying $20 for a guide, as required.
The Charles Darwin Station is essentially a museum and a turtle breeding center. In hindsight, though, it probably wasn’t worth the stop; there are definitely more exciting places to explore in the Galapagos.
Next, it was time to catch our boat to San Cristobal, and guess what? Once again, our names weren’t on the list. This time, though, the agency was in contact with me, trying to help sort things out. Eventually, we managed to board the last boat of the day, but it felt more like a cargo run than a tourist trip. The boat was loaded with seafood, had only a few passengers, and the captain didn’t speak any English. It was slower than usual, swaying constantly, and that seafood smell—let’s just say it wasn’t exactly pleasant.
Right in the middle of the open ocean, the engine decided to quit on us. We were left adrift, wobbling from side to side with the waves for about 25 minutes. Eventually, the engine kicked back in, and we made it to San Cristobal, arriving an hour late.
Checking into the hotel brought more frustration. There was nobody at reception, so we spent another half hour trying to track someone down. When we finally did, we learned our room had been taken! After another 30 minutes of sorting it out, they gave us a “deluxe” room for the night, though the only deluxe part was its size—not something we particularly cared about at that point.
By 10 p.m., we were exhausted and hungry, so we headed to the city center for a quick bite. A local performance was going on, which added a nice touch to our evening walk. After a long, chaotic day, it was a relief to end on a lighter note and finally get some rest—definitely not the smooth day we’d come to expect from the Galapagos.
Day 8: Exploring San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal truly lives up to its reputation as a wildlife paradise! The sea lions were everywhere—lounging on the beaches, waddling across the paths, and even popping up near the docks. It was incredible to see so many of them up close; they were practically part of the island’s rhythm, and it felt like they were as curious about us as we were about them.
The sea lions were absolutely adorable to watch, but that smell… well, it was certainly distinctive! Some people found it overpowering, but luckily, it didn’t bother me much. In fact, I was more fascinated by the sounds they made—a mix of barks, grunts, and occasional squeals that added so much character to the experience. It felt like they were chatting away, making San Cristobal feel even more alive and vibrant.
We first walked through the city center and then visited a few of the island’s beaches, such as Playa Oro and Playa Mann.
Spending time with the sea lions was a highlight; they were so relaxed and playful that it felt like we were part of their world for a bit. After that, we headed over to the hiking area, which rewarded us with some fantastic viewpoints along the way. At the end of the trail, we discovered an incredible snorkeling spot, where the clear waters were perfect for spotting all kinds of marine life.
There are two similar viewpoints locally called Cerro Tijeretas and Punta Carola.
After soaking in the stunning viewpoints, we made our way down to Playa Tijeretas for even more snorkeling. This spot is a beautiful lagoon, home to countless sea turtles gliding peacefully beneath the surface. And the sea lions—well, they were in full playful mode, darting around us with such energy! It was like they were inviting us into their world, making Playa Tijeretas a truly unforgettable snorkeling experience.
Day 9: Puerto Chino Beach (San Cristobal Island)
I was eager to surf in the Galapagos, so I asked a local surfer for recommendations. Most of the well-known spots, like Tongo Reef, are pretty challenging and better suited for experienced surfers. He suggested a smaller, local beach called Puerto Chino, which is great for beginners. Of course, I couldn’t resist trying Tongo Reef, but it ended up being a bit intense for my skill level—definitely pushed my limits!
So we headed to Puerto Chino Beach.
We spent the whole day surfing and chilling with the sea lions, and once again, we were the only people on the beach for the entire day!
To reach Puerto Chino, you’ll need to hire a taxi for $30, as it’s on a more remote part of the island and not the easiest place to access. After the drive, there’s a twenty-minute hike to the beach—but there’s a catch. The local sea lions pretty much decide if they’ll let you pass! It’s their territory, and they definitely make it known, adding a unique twist to the journey.
Luckily, they did with us.
Puerto Chino turned out to be a small, scenic paradise. The water was warm, and chilling alongside the sea lions felt surreal. At one point, a curious sea lion even licked my wife’s toes—she thought it was me at first! We couldn’t stop laughing about it. And yes, we even got to surf with these playful locals. It was one of those rare experiences that made the beach feel like our own little adventure with nature.
It was such a lovely, chill day, just us and the wild beach that we highly enjoyed.
Day 10: Tour 360 (San Cristobal Island)
On our final day, we took San Cristobal’s most popular excursion, the “Tour 360.” This tour covers a bit of everything, with several stops along the way, including the iconic Kicker Rock. Each stop brings a unique experience—whether it’s hiking through scenic trails, bird watching, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or the highlight for me, deep water snorkeling. Here, there’s a chance to spot hammerhead sharks gliding through the blue, adding an unforgettable thrill to the day.
Our tour started by visiting Punta Pitt, where we spotted a few bird species, including blue footed boobies. Then, we headed to Bahía Sardina for snorkeling.
The water was not really clear, but it gave me the chance to see some stunning Galapagos rays. I’d never seen them in the wild before.
We also had the chance to see sharks, turtles, and all the amazing creatures we were already used to around the Galapagos Islands.
After that, we chilled at Cerro Brujo with some simply stunning photo opportunities – it was such a nice landscape and place.
Finally, one of the top snorkeling destinations was absolutely Kicker Rock.
It’s a vertical tuff cone formation that rises over 153 meters above the water.
While snorkeling around Kicker Rock, we encountered an amazing array of marine life—sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, Galapagos sharks, and vibrant tropical fish. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of hammerhead sharks cruising by, adding a thrilling touch to the experience. It’s truly a world-class spot for snorkeling.
Plus, the underwater view was unique because of the massive depth, and the water was almost crystal clear.
It’s a must-have tour of San Cristobal to see everything all at once.
Even though it was our last day in the Galapagos, it felt like there was still so much left to explore around San Cristobal. Places like Española Island, the Punta Pitt Tour, and Isla Lobos were still on our list, each offering unique experiences and wildlife encounters. It’s the kind of place that leaves you feeling like there’s always something new waiting around the corner.
Bottom Line
The stunning Galapagos Islands are truly one-of-a-kind. These islands have an incredible variety of experiences to offer, and it’s one of those rare places where the wildlife calls the shots, not the people. We were constantly surrounded by amazing animals and found countless beaches where we could relax in peaceful solitude. The Galapagos is a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers—whether you’re looking for an active adventure or just want to unwind on pristine beaches with wildlife at your side. Honestly, I’d recommend trying a bit of both.
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Check our road trip video throughout Ecuador’s mainland as well!
