Lobos Island, situated around six miles (ten kilometers) north of San Cristobal Island, is a charming stop on a Galapagos tour. This flat, sandy islet may not be the most dramatic location on the itinerary, but it has a unique charm and appeal. Its name, Lobos, comes from the sea lions that inhabit the island, giving it a lively and playful atmosphere. Although it’s small enough to be considered an islet, Lobos Island offers plenty to explore and enjoy, especially for those eager to see the local wildlife up close.
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How to Get to Lobos Island
Lobos Island is a popular stop for Galapagos cruises, but it’s also accessible to those staying on San Cristobal with a land-based option. If you’re lodging in San Cristobal, you can take a boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to reach Lobos Island. It’s a short trip, about an hour from the port, and like many Galapagos destinations, visitors must be accompanied by a naturalist guide. This ensures that you can explore the island responsibly while learning more about its unique environment and wildlife.
Activities on Lobos Island
Lobos Island offers plenty to do and see, making it a rewarding stop on any Galapagos itinerary. As one of the top snorkeling spots in the Galapagos, jumping into the water here is a must. It was on this island that I saw stingrays for the first time in my life – an unforgettable experience!
One of the biggest highlights, though, was snorkeling alongside the sea lions. They love to join in on the fun, darting around us playfully as we explored the underwater world. For divers, Lobos Island is also a fantastic destination, with opportunities to dive deeper and see even more marine life.
In addition to snorkeling, there’s a short trek you can take around Lobos Island. The hike is just 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) but offers a chance to encounter more of the island’s wildlife on land, adding another layer to the experience.
Some tours to Lobos Island also include a dinghy ride, giving you the chance to observe the wildlife on the rocky shores from the ocean. This ride offers some great photo opportunities, but be careful with your camera! I nearly lost mine due to a moment of carelessness, and thankfully managed to grab it just in time.
Photography is definitely a highlight on Lobos Island. With scenic views and plenty of playful, camera-ready sea lions, there’s no shortage of moments worth capturing. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to document the natural beauty and lively wildlife of the Galapagos.
Wildlife in Lobos Island
One of the most unforgettable aspects of visiting Lobos Island is the sheer number of sea lions you encounter. Whether they’re lounging on the shore or swimming alongside you in the water, these playful creatures are everywhere, creating a lively atmosphere. The surrounding waters are also home to rays, sea turtles, and an array of tropical fish, adding to the thrill of snorkeling. Along the shore, we even spotted the vibrant Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling over the rocks.
Birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy here. Lobos Island is home to blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and frigate birds, along with other bird species that make the island their habitat. Brown pelicans are another common sight, adding to the rich diversity of wildlife you can experience on this beautiful islet.
Best Time to Visit Lobos Island
Lobos Island is a fantastic destination year-round, with its abundant wildlife present in every season. One of the best things about snorkeling here is that the waters between San Cristobal and Lobos Island are typically calm, making for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Whether you’re snorkeling, photographing wildlife, or simply soaking up the scenery, Lobos Island offers a consistently wonderful experience, no matter when you visit.
Planning trip to Galapagos Islands?
My wife and I spent two weeks on these magnificent islands, visited nearly every possible tour, and explored as much as we could. I shared all the important details in my comprehensive Galapagos Islands Travel Guide, where I cover everything you need to know about planning a trip to the Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands travel might surprise you with extra fees to enter the islands, the complicated logistics between islands, booking tours, and knowing which spots are free to explore and which ones are not. I’ve covered it all in this Galapagos Travel Guide.
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During the colder, drier season from June to November, the currents around Lobos Island can be stronger, making a wetsuit helpful for snorkeling during those months. On the upside, this is when the Humboldt Current brings in more nutrients, attracting even more marine life, so the underwater world is especially vibrant during this time.
That said, visiting in the warmer season has its perks, too. The water is more comfortable for snorkeling, making it a bit easier to enjoy the experience without the chill.
While Lobos Island may not be the top must-visit spot in the Galapagos, it’s certainly worth a visit if you have some extra time. The wildlife encounters and peaceful scenery make it a worthwhile addition to any Galapagos itinerary.
Planning trip to Ecuador?
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