San Cristobal: Highlands, Beach, and Snorkeling Tour

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador



Explore San Cristobal's highlands, visit a turtle breeding center, and snorkel with sea turtles and sea lions at La Loberia on this guided tour with lunch.

San Cristobal Highlands and Marine Wildlife Tour

This guided tour on San Cristobal Island suits nature lovers interested in wildlife, snorkeling, and local conservation efforts.

Description

Start in the highlands of San Cristobal Island, exploring lush landscapes rich in diverse flora and fauna. Observe frigatebirds by the lagoon shore and visit El Junco, the island’s only freshwater lagoon, supplying local drinkable water.

Next, visit the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a Galápagos National Park turtle breeding center, to learn about conservation efforts protecting native turtles from predators.

Proceed to Puerto Chino Beach, a secluded white-sand beach accessible via a single trail, ideal for swimming and relaxation.

After lunch, explore La Loberia, a coral sand beach named for the sea lions resting on its rocks and shores. Snorkel alongside sea turtles, colorful fish, and young sea lions. Follow the nature path to Las Negritas cliff to observe sea birds, marine iguanas, and sea turtles.

Guests are picked up and dropped off at their hotel by a certified naturalist guide, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.

Highlights

  • Explore San Cristobal’s highlands and diverse wildlife
  • Visit the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado turtle breeding center
  • Snorkel with sea turtles, colorful fish, and playful sea lions
  • Relax at La Loberia coral sand beach
  • Enjoy a lunch with vegetarian and vegan options

Includes

  • Lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available)
  • Certified naturalist guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Comfortable round-trip transportation
  • Guided visit to San Cristóbal highlands
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Refreshments

Excludes

  • Transit control card
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips or gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Important Information

  • The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, depending on weather conditions.
  • Self-guided visits are possible but lack the insight provided by a naturalist guide.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

For the best experience, bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and water. Morning departures maximize wildlife sightings and calm seas for snorkeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour visits San Cristobal Island’s highlands including the El Junco lagoon, Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado turtle breeding center, and Puerto Chino Beach for snorkeling.
El Junco is located in the highlands of San Cristobal Island, Ecuador, and is the island’s only freshwater lagoon.
Yes, the tour offers opportunities to observe local wildlife such as frigatebirds near the lagoon and sea turtles at the conservation center.
Tour duration varies; check the official tour provider’s website for exact timing and schedule details.
No prior snorkeling experience is required; the tour is suitable for all skill levels and includes instruction if needed.
Most tour packages include transportation between key locations on San Cristobal Island, but confirm details when booking.
Snorkelers can see various fish species and marine creatures native to Ecuador’s Galapagos waters at Puerto Chino Beach.
The tour can be taken year-round, but weather conditions vary; check local forecasts and tour availability in Ecuador before booking.
Yes, visitors can explore the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado turtle breeding center as part of the guided tour on San Cristobal Island.
Meal inclusion varies by tour operator; check the tour details on the booking website for current information.

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Ecuador is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides. We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing.

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.