San Cristobal

Our last Galapagos Ferry brought us to San Cristobal Island. The ferry ride was in between the other two as far as pain and suffering. We all got off the ferry rejoicing that it was our last one! At this point it was 9 in the morning, we were hungry and needed to find a hotel for our stay. We left Seth to watch our bags while the rest of us ventured out. We bought some yogurt and granola to eat while sitting on a bench feeling a bit homeless.

Breakfast after the ferry

Soon after we  found a hotel that was much more comfortable than our last one and we were ready to explore San Cristobal.


We rented some snorkeling equipment and took a walk out to Las Tijeretas Bay. We stopped by the visitor center where there are good displays about conservation and the history of the Galapagos. The Bay didn't have a beach but there is a small dock where we sat. Rich first got in the water and Jenna was getting ready to when a large sea lion came up to her and started barking at her. It gave her a bit of a scare. Apparently the sea lions are a bit territorial and think the rocks by the dock are their area. So you have to wait for the sea lions to swim away and then you can get in the water. It took a lot of coaxing, and a few tears, but Jenna tried again and successfully snorkeled. We saw giant sea turtles, lots of fish and of course sea lions. Some of the sea lions would swim right around us. At first it kind of startled me when they would come up from behind and then swim around me. We talked to several locals and they all said this was the best place on the island to snorkel. We were not disappointed.

Joe and Seth on the small dock, Rich and Jenna are swimming to the dock.

Jenna liked the little sea lion

The following day we hired a taxi and a guide and went into the highlands of the island. I was surprised how much cooler the temperature was. When we stopped to climb the hill to the lakes our guide pulled out a jacket. I didn't think it was that cold, but it was definitely much cooler than at the coast. We hiked up many stairs to see the lakes

only to kind of see them through fog instead. Oh well, it was still a fun hike.

We went to the island's tortoise breeding center and this one was by far my favorite. As we first entered a large tortoise was on the path.

The littlest turtles are in enclosures, but the largest ones are just around the grounds. We were able to see quite a few of them. Our guide said we were there on a good day because sometimes you don't see very many.

We then went to Puerto Chino beach where we had hoped to snorkel but the waves were so big that our guide suggested we go to another beach instead. But first we hiked up to see the views.

We drove back to the town and to La Loberia Beach. It still looked a bit rough but our guide said it was good and took us out. We soon saw a giant sea turtle. But my mask wasn't adjusted right and with the waves and currents I decided it wasn't a good idea for me to be out there so I headed back to shore before my small panic attack became a big panic attack. The others lasted a bit longer, but none of really enjoyed that snorkeling experience. We did enjoy seeing the sea lions on the beach.

Joe and I rented bicycles and rode uphill 7 or 8 kilometers to a tree house. They had a beautiful bike path to ride on but it was a hard climb. The last stretch of hill was to much for me and I ended up walking and pushing my bike. We arrived at the tree house sweaty, tired and glad to be off our bikes for a bit. The ride home was much better, until the rain started. At first it was just a little mist that felt good on a hot day, then it started getting a bit harder and by the time we were down we were pretty wet.

In the late afternoons the kids played soccer with the local kids at the community courts. Next to the soccer court a bunch of older men were playing some intense bad volleyball while dozens of other men sat around watching. While on a stage some teenagers were having a dance practice of some type and younger children played on the playground. A lot of commotion in that area. But the thing I noticed right away is other than some teen girls dancing, there were no girls or women there at all. I guess it's the town guy hang out.

Our hotel came with a kitchen so we cooked our own breakfasts but found dinners for $3.50 or $4.00 each so we ate out each night.

On our fifth day it was once again time to move on. This time it was away from the Galapagos Islands and back to mainland Ecuador. We really enjoyed our time and it was a bit sad to leave knowing we most likely won't be back. While we loved it, it is an expensive place and there are so many other places in the world that we want to see.  I am glad that we spent time on each of the main islands. Each one had it's own feel. Santa Cruz is busier, Isabela feels like a town from  years ago with it's dirt roads, But I think San Cristobal ended up being our favorite. It had a nice mix of tourist and local places.

And here's a few more photos from our stay on San Cristobal.

A street

The only traffic light on all of the Galapagos

Jenna at the harbor

Seth and a sea lion