Galápagos-Inseln günstig entdecken: Unsere Erfahrungen, Tipps und Highlights für unvergessliche Tage test

The Galápagos Islands are on the bucket list of many travelers – including ours. Nevertheless, due to cost concerns, we spent a long time debating whether to visit the Galápagos Islands as part of our South America trip. In the end, the decision was made spontaneously – and we didn’t regret it for a second. But let’s be honest: A trip to the Galápagos Islands is anything but cheap. However, with a bit of planning, there are ways to keep the costs under control. In this post, we share our experiences from 14 days in this unique natural paradise, offer tips on tours, and show how you can save money during your visit.

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The Galápagos Islands – A Paradise for Nature and Wildlife Lovers

Swimming with sea lions, watching marine iguanas dive, and walking alongside giant tortoises – the Galápagos Islands captivate with their unique nature and wildlife. Located in the eastern Pacific near the equator, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, this archipelago boasts a unique flora and fauna and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, 97% of the land area and 99% of the surrounding waters are under strict protection. In January 2022, the marine reserve was expanded to 198,000 km², making it one of the largest in the world.

The Galápagos Islands are of volcanic origin. Due to their isolation from other landmasses, the archipelago is characterized by a wide variety of endemic animal and plant species. However, introduced species and human activities pose a threat to this fragile ecosystem. Animals such as dogs, cats, and rats are particularly harmful to native wildlife, as are parasites and diseases brought to the islands through food shipments.

Of the 697 recorded plant species, 439 are native. Of these, 167 species are endemic and found exclusively on the islands. The remaining 258 non-native species pose a threat to the ecosystem. The wildlife is equally unique: approximately 40% of the species living on the Galápagos Islands and in the surrounding waters are endemic and exist nowhere else in the world.

Das Archipel besteht aus 13 größeren Inseln (mit einer Fläche von mehr als 10 km²) sowie über 100 kleineren bis winzigen Inseln. Heute sind vier davon bewohnt: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela und Floreana. Funde von Keramikscherben deuten darauf hin, dass die Inseln bereits in vorkolumbianischer Zeit besucht wurden. Doch es wird davon ausgegangen, dass es keine dauerhaften Siedlungen gab. Vom 17. Jahrhundert  bis ins 19. Jahrhundert dienten die Inseln Piraten als Versteck. 1832 erklärte General José de Villamil die Inseln offiziell zum Besitz Ecuadors. Das markiert den Beginn der Besiedlungsgeschichte. In den 1920er-Jahren lebten lediglich etwa 400 Menschen auf den Inseln. Einige, wie Floreana und Isabela, wurden zwischen 1934 und 1959 als Strafkolonien genutzt. Heute zählt die Bevölkerung der vier bewohnten Inseln rund 28.000 Menschen.

Traveling the Galápagos Islands: Tips & Information for Your Journey

Cruise or Land-Based Travel – Which Option is Right for You?

You have two options for a trip to the Galápagos Islands: a cruise or a land-based journey. Each option comes with its advantages and disadvantages, which we outline here.

	Galápagos Cruise	Land-Based Galápagos Trip
Advantage	- Access to remote, uninhabited islands - Excursions in the early morning before day tourists arrive - Full board - Natural history lectures by guides - All-inclusive package: transport and excursions included - Opportunity for individual diving cruises	- More affordable option compared to cruises - Flexible and personalized itinerary planning - No risk of seasickness (except during boat excursions) - More insight into local life
Disadvantage	- Higher costs compared to land-based trips – Feste Routen und Tagesabläufe, wenig Freiheiten bezüglich Individualisierung - Risk of seasickness	- Limited range: Not all islands or attractions are accessible through day tours - No all-inclusive package (meals and excursions must be arranged independently) - Often more crowded at popular spots

Transport zwischen den Inseln bei landbasierten Reisen (Stand Nov 2024)

Those who opt for a land-based trip can travel between the islands by ferry or plane.

Ferries between the islands

• Costs: 30 US$ pro Person plus 10 US$ Hafengebühr bei Ankunft sowie 1 US$ für das Wassertaxi zum Boot und nochmals vom Boot zum Hafen.
• Booking: At local travel agencies, information can be found on signs at the agencies.
• Availability: Wir konnten problemlos spontan buchen. Allerdings waren wir in der Nebensaison unterwegs.
• Connections:
  • Santa Cruz – San Cristóbal (2.5 hours): 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM
  • Santa Cruz – Isabela (1.5 hours): 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM
  • Santa Cruz – Floreana (2 hours): 8:00 AM
  • Isabela – Santa Cruz (1,5 Stunden): 6:00 Uhr und 15:00 Uhr

Flights between the islands

• Costs: 170–200 US$
• Zeiten: Current times can be checked online with Emetebe or at local agencies.
• Booking: Online or on-site at travel agencies.
• Connections: Flights are available between Baltra (Santa Cruz), San Cristóbal, and Isabela.

Note: Man kann sowohl Fähren als auch Flüge online buchen. Allerdings sind die Preise bei einer Onlinebuchung höher. Online kosten die Fähren beispielsweise 35-40 US$ anstatt 30 US$. Daher macht es Sinn vor Ort in einer der Agenturen zu buchen. 

Transportation to and from the airport

Santa Cruz: Transportation from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora

The airport of Santa Cruz is located on the neighboring island of Baltra. Here’s how to get from the airport to the main town of Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora, or vice versa, from Puerto Ayora to the airport.

1. Bus from the airport to the Itabaca ChannelAfter arriving at Baltra Airport, buses are waiting directly in front of the terminal to take you to the Itabaca Channel in about 10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the counter near the buses. On the bus, you will hear some information over the speakers about the history of Baltra Island as well as its flora and fauna.
Costs: 5 US$ per person
Dauer: approx. 10 minutes

2. Ferry across the Itabaca Channel: At the channel, you board a small ferry that takes you across the water to Santa Cruz Island.
Costs: 1 US$ per person
Dauer: 5 minutes

3. Continue to Puerto Ayora: On the other side of the channel, you can continue either by bus or taxi.
Taxi: Weiße Pick-up-Trucks fahren dich  nach Puerto Ayora. Vorteil eines Taxis, ist, dass man unterwegs Zwischenstopps machen könnte, beispielsweise um die Schildkrötenfarmen zu besichtigen. Entsprechendes kann mit dem Taxifahrer verhandelt werden.
Costs: 20 to 25 US$ per vehicle (up to 4 person)
Dauer: approx. 45 minutes

BusPublic buses are the more affordable option. However, in Puerto Ayora, they stop a bit outside the city center. It’s 1.9 kilometers from the terminal to the pier. You can either walk (it’s downhill) or take one of the waiting taxis.
Costs: 5 US$ per person
Dauer: approx. 1 hour 

San Cristóbal: Transportation from San Cristóbal Airport to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

The San Cristóbal Airport is located about 1 kilometer outside the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The distance can be covered on foot in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi can be taken for $2–4. 

Cost overview of a land-based Galápagos trip (as of November 2024)

The costs of a trip to the Galápagos Islands consist of fixed and flexible expenses. Here is an overview to help with planning.

Fixed costs of a Galápagos trip

Some expenses are unavoidable and must be factored in by every visitor:

1. National Park Fee: Every visitor must pay a National Park fee upon arrival. As of November 2024, this fee is $200 per person. The cost is charged at the airport upon arrival on the Galápagos Islands and must be paid in cash.
2. Transit Control Card: To travel to the Galápagos Islands, proof of a return flight is required. Based on this booking, a Transit Control Card is issued, which records the entry and exit dates. The cost for this card is $20 per person. It is issued and paid for at the departure airport.

Flexible costs of a Galápagos trip

The following expenses are variable and depend on individual travel preferences. We have tried to keep these costs as low as possible. Detailed information about food and drinks, as well as tours, can be found in the descriptions of each island. 

1. Flights: For round-trip flights from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galápagos Islands, you should budget around $250 per person. We compared flight prices for last-minute bookings and bookings made several weeks in advance, and there was little difference in cost. At the time of our booking, there were also no significant price differences between the two departure airports, Quito and Guayaquil, and multi-leg flights were not noticeably more expensive either. 
2. Transportation Costs: Plan for corresponding transportation costs, depending on how many islands you visit and whether you use the ferry or the plane.
3. Accommodation: Prices for basic accommodations start at $30 per night—whether it’s a simple Airbnb or a double room in a hostel.
4. FoodFor an affordable "Menú del Día," you pay around $5 to $6. This typically includes an appetizer, a main course, and sometimes a juice. Otherwise, prices for a main dish usually start at $15. Drinks such as beer or cocktails are often cheaper during Happy Hour, where you can, for example, get two cocktails for $10.
5. Tours: Organized day tours generally cost between $100 and $130 per person. Half-day tours are somewhat cheaper. Tours to uninhabited islands take longer and are significantly more expensive, usually around $200. If you book multiple tours with one provider, you can often negotiate the price. 
6. Diving: Diving excursions, such as to Gordon Rock or Kicker Rock, cost between $180 and $200. As with other tours, if you book multiple dives or tours with one provider, you can often negotiate the price. 

Packing List: What should you definitely pack for a Galápagos trip?

The following items should go in your suitcase: 

1. Cash: Of course, there are ATMs on the Galápagos Islands, but they often only allow withdrawals of $100 per transaction with a $5 fee. Therefore, it’s recommended to withdraw enough cash in US dollars while still on the mainland. Some expenses, such as the National Park fee and transportation from the airport to town, must be paid in cash. For this, you should carry at least $250 in cash per person. While larger stores, restaurants, and agencies often accept credit cards, up to a 6% surcharge is applied for card payments. In smaller shops, paying by card is usually not an option. If you’re bringing money from Europe or the U.S., note that only $20 bills or smaller are generally accepted. 
2. Snorkeling gear: The underwater world of the Galápagos Islands is breathtaking. Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela all offer free snorkeling spots. While equipment can be rented on-site, it costs $8 per day. For those who plan to use the free snorkeling spots regularly, we recommend at least packing your own mask and snorkel. This way, you’ll be more flexible, have control over fit and quality, and it can also be more cost-effective in the long run. 
3. Tablets for motion sickness: Anyone traveling between the islands by ferry or taking tours on the Galápagos Islands should be prepared for potentially very rough seas. If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to bring anti-nausea tablets. I personally experienced severe motion sickness on the ferry from Isabela to Santa Cruz. These tablets are also sold in pharmacies on the islands.
4. Sunprotection: Sustainable and coral-friendly sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat, and sunglasses are absolute must-haves for your packing list.
5. Trekking sandals and lightweight hiking shoes: The paths on the Galápagos Islands are often uneven, rocky, and natural. Trekking sandals and lightweight hiking shoes are recommended for more challenging trails and longer explorations.
6. Light rain jacket: The weather on the Galápagos Islands can change quickly, as we were told, so it’s worth being prepared for occasional showers. However, we didn’t experience rain even once. A lightweight rain jacket is also useful on boat trips to protect against wind and splashing water.
7. Camera and waterproof ActionCam: A camera is, of course, an absolute must. If you also want to film and take photos underwater, it’s best to bring a waterproof ActionCam to capture snorkeling and diving experiences.

Galápagos Islands: The main islands and their highlights

Exploring Santa Cruz: Highlights, Activities & Food

If you’re planning a land-based trip to the Galápagos Islands, you can fly to either San Cristóbal or Baltra (Santa Cruz). We opted for a multi-leg flight—starting in Santa Cruz and flying back from San Cristóbal. This option was only slightly more expensive but saved us the cost of the ferry and port fees, which would have totaled $82 for two people.

On Santa Cruz, particularly in the port town of Puerto Ayora, you’ll find the best tourist infrastructure on the islands. If you arrive without a fixed plan, you’ll find all the necessary information and support here to organize not only your stay on Santa Cruz but also your trip to the Galápagos Islands overall.

Attractions and Budget-Friendly Activities on Isla San Cristóbal

Tortuga Bay – Snorkeling, Swimming, and Kayaking

Tortuga Bay is located west of Puerto Ayora. Access is free, but you need to register at the entrance of the national park. A narrow, paved path leads from the visitor center to the beach in about 30 minutes. Along the way, you can spot numerous iguanas and birds, and with a bit of luck, you might even see a Galápagos giant tortoise among the towering cacti.

After half an hour, the path opens up to the expansive Playa Brava. Green, yellow, or red flags indicate the swimming or snorkeling conditions. During strong waves, the beach is a popular surf spot. If you turn right, you’ll reach mangroves and lava rocks after about 10 minutes. Here, marine iguanas and sea lions bask in the sun. Another five minutes further, you’ll arrive at Playa Mansa. This beach is protected on two sides by rocks and mangroves, making the water calmer and usually suitable for swimming and snorkeling, even if conditions at Playa Brava aren’t ideal. Here, we spotted sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and plenty of colorful fish.

At Playa Mansa, kayaks can be rented for $10 per person per hour. Especially when the sea is calm and visibility is good, you can spot turtles and sharks directly from the kayak.

The distance from the visitor center to the beach is about 3 kilometers on foot. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from the main pier. The ride costs $10 per person each way.

Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station liegt etwa 1,5 Kiometer vom Pier entfernt. An der Avenida Charles Darwin, kurz hinter den letzten Häusern von Puerto Ayora findet sich der Eingang zu Nationalpark. Hier starten einstündige Touren, bei denen ein Guide die Geschichte der Galápagos-Inseln sowie deren Flora und Fauna erklärt. Die Darwin Research Station beherbergt eine Schildkrötenaufzucht, in der man Galápagos-Riesenschildkröten in allen Altersstufen beobachten kann.

On the way back to Puerto Ayora, you pass two beaches. The rocky Playa Ratonera is especially good for observing marine iguanas basking in the sun. Playa de La Estación is a small sandy beach with shaded spots, ideal for snorkeling. Both beaches can also be visited without a guide by informing the staff at the national park entrance that you want to go to the beaches instead of the Research Station. The entrance fee to the Darwin Research Station is $10 per person.

Rancho Primicias: Observe Giant Tortoises and Explore Lava Tunnels

In the highlands of Santa Cruz, there are several ranches where Galápagos giant tortoises live freely. Even on the drive from the airport, you can often spot the first tortoises grazing in the fields.

Buses to Santa Rosa depart from across the market in Puerto Ayora. The ride to Santa Rosa costs $1, and from there it’s about 4 kilometers to Rancho Primicias, which can be reached on foot or by taxi. The entrance fee is $7 and also includes access to the impressive lava tunnels. 

The Best Tours on Isla Santa Cruz

Tours to Uninhabited Islands

From Santa Cruz, numerous day tours to the uninhabited neighboring islands are offered. These tours provide the opportunity to get an even closer look at the unique wildlife and plant life of the Galápagos Islands. However, the cost of these excursions is often over $200 per person, which is why we decided to skip them. 

Diving at Gordon Rock

Gordon Rock is one of the most famous dive spots in the Galápagos Islands. For those not visiting the remote islands of Wolf and Darwin as part of a cruise, this is a fantastic alternative to experience the fascinating underwater world. Gordon Rock is renowned for its abundant marine life—with some luck, you can spot schools of hammerhead sharks here.

A diving excursion to Gordon Rock costs around $180 to $200. The tours typically include two dives, the necessary equipment, and lunch. A minimum of 20 dives is required, as dives go as deep as 30 meters, and the currents can be quite strong. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend a specific provider since we were not satisfied with the one we used.

Affordable and Delicious Places to Eat on Santa Cruz

Calle de Los Kioskos: One of the best spots for affordable and tasty food is Calle de Los Kioskos. This street is lined with numerous small restaurants offering traditional Ecuadorian dishes. The "Menú del Día" (daily menu) costs $5 and includes an appetizer, a main course, and a fresh juice. Typically, there are several options to choose from for both the appetizer and the main course. Calle de Los Kioskos is popular with both tourists and locals alike.

Empanadas Galapagueñas Milenita: About a ten-minute walk from the harbor promenade, at the corner of Islas Duncan and Gral. Rodriguez Lara, you’ll find the popular stand Empanadas Galapagueñas Milenita. They serve empanadas and tortillas. Prices for empanadas range from $1.50 to $2.75 depending on the filling. Options include meat, fish, and seafood, as well as a vegetarian version with vegetables and a sweet one with Nutella and banana. They also offer tortillas made from yuca, plantain, or potato, which are filled with cheese, chicken, or beef.

Both the tortillas and empanadas come with various sauces and coleslaw on the side—all included in the price. It’s an ideal spot for a quick, authentic, and affordable meal.

Cocktails with sea view: Along the waterfront promenade, numerous restaurants offer Happy Hour deals. The cheapest start at two cocktails for $10. Classics like Caipirinha, Mojito, Daiquiri, and Cuba Libre are on the menu.

For us, the best cocktails were at the restaurant Almar. Here, you get two cocktails for $12. Only slightly more expensive, but the quality is excellent, and the view of the bay makes the experience special. It’s the perfect spot to wind down the day.

Islander Coffee Roasters: This cozy café is located slightly away from the bustling waterfront promenade and is an excellent spot for truly great Galápagos coffee. While the prices are higher—300 grams of coffee cost around $20—those staying in an AirBnB or hostel with the ability to brew their own coffee can save compared to buying coffee at a restaurant every day. 

Exploring Isabela: Highlights, Activities & Food

Attractions and Budget-Friendly Activities on Isla Isablea

Isabela, the largest island in the Galápagos, offers unique natural experiences and beautiful excursion destinations. Here, you can explore remote beaches, stunning viewpoints, and a fascinating underwater world. Slightly removed from the tourist crowds of Santa Cruz, Isabela provides a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Snorkeling in Concha de Perla Bay

The small bay of Concha de Perla is located right next to the harbor and is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Isabela—and the best part: access is free. A wooden walkway leads through mangroves to a platform from which you can enter the water. The platform has some benches as well as clothing racks. However, the platform is not very large, so it can get crowded at times. 

While snorkeling in the bay, you can spot a wide variety of fascinating marine life, including turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, pufferfish, sea lions, marine iguanas, and many other fish species. For us, it was definitely one of the best free snorkeling spots on the Galápagos.

Hiking or Biking to the Muro de las Lágrimas

Von Puerto Villamil aus führt eine etwa 6 Kilometer lange Schotterstraße zur Muro de las Lágrimas (Tränenmauer), einem Relikt aus der Zeit, als Isabela als Strafkolonie genutzt wurde. Entlang des Weges weisen zahlreiche Schilder auf Sehenswürdigkeiten wie Strände, Aussichtspunkte und Lagunen hin. Ein weiteres Highlight ist, dass man hier sehr gute Chancen hat Riesenschildkröte in ihrem natürlichem Lebensraum zusehen. Der Weg ist weitestgehend flach, nur am Ende steigt er leicht an. Dennoch lohnt es früh morgens aufzubrechen, da es in der Sonne äußerst heiß werden kann. Fahrräder können bei viele Agenturen in Puerto Villamil ausgeliehen werden. 5 Stunden kosten 10 US$, der ganze Tag 15 US$. 

Unsere Highlights entlang der Route, bei denen sich eine kurzer oder auch längere Stop lohnt:

• Playa del Amor: A picturesque beach where shells and conch shells gather in the sand. The surrounding lava rocks are a favorite spot for marine iguanas to bask in the sun. Right next to the beach, you can explore a lava tunnel. We only ventured a short way in, as the water quickly became very deep.
• El Estero: Der Weg zu El Estero ist schon ein Erlebnis für sich: Ein kleiner Pfad führt unter den Mangrovenwurzeln hindurch. Eine Gabelung führt  bei Ebbe links zu einer kleinen Bucht mit wunderschönem Ausblick aufs Meer und die Mangroven. Der rechte Pfad führt zu einer kleinen Lichtung in den Mangroven, mit einem schattigen Strand, der bei Seelöwen beliebt ist.
• Mirador El Barranco: A 1.5-kilometer-long trail leads to this viewpoint. Take the right path at the fork—the left one leads to a surf beach. From this viewpoint, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the wild coastline on one side and the barren, cactus-filled landscape on the other.
• El Radar: Von der Tränenmauer führt eine Treppe hinauf zur ehemaligen US-Radarstation. Auch wenn von der Anlage nur noch die Plattform erhalten ist, lohnt sich der Aufstieg für die Aussicht. Oben gibt es zwei überdachte Bänke, auf denen man sich im Schatten ausruhen kann. Der Aufstieg ist nicht lang, aber in der Mittagssonnen  durchaus anstrengend.

Tip: If you rent your bikes from the same agency where you book a tour, you might be able to negotiate. We got our two bikes for free for the day.

The Best Tours on Isla Isabela

Isabela offers very diverse tours. Spectacular underwater worlds, unique landscapes, or the volcanic side of the island—there’s something here for everyone.

Los Tuneles – An Absolute Highlight

The tour to Los Tuneles is not only one of the most popular tours on Isabela but also on the Galápagos in general. After a short taxi ride to the harbor, a 30–40 minute boat ride along the coast follows. The first stop is a sheltered bay interwoven with lava bridges and tunnels. 

Die Tour beginnt mit einem Landgang auf einer dieser Lavainseln. Im kristallklaren Wasser lassen sich Schildkröten und kleine Fischschwärme entdecken. Ein Highlight  der gesamten Tour ist das Nest der Blaufußtölpel, das sich hier befindet. Die beiden Elternvögel und das Junge scheinen sich wenig an uns zu stören, geschweige sich Sorgen zu machen. Wir können kaum glauben, wie einfach es war diese Vögel hier zu beobachten.

Afterward, we head back to the boat. We slip into our wetsuits and grab the snorkeling gear for the first snorkeling session. Not only is the underwater world spectacular, but exploring this landscape from the water is also impressive. Our guide leads us under lava bridges and even through a lava tunnel. Then, we take a 15-minute ride along the coast to a second snorkeling spot: reef sharks, pufferfish, eagle rays, two seahorses, giant sea turtles, and many other marine creatures can be seen. Back on the boat, lunch is served, and we return to Puerto Villamil. 

Costs and Providers: Die Tour kostet 130 US$ pro Person und beinhaltet die komplette Ausrüstung (inklusive Wetsuit), ein Mittagessen (für uns gab es frisches Ceviche) sowie Tee und Kaffee zum Aufwärmen. Wir haben die Tour bei Agora gebucht und waren rundum zufrieden. Die Ausrüstung war in gutem Zustand, unser Guide sehr kompetent und freundlich, und auch die Crew auf dem Boot war großartig.

Tintoreras – The Cheaper Alternative

The Tintoreras tour is a shorter and more affordable option. These lava islands are just a few minutes from the harbor and are known for their numerous reef sharks that find shelter here. There are two tour options:

• Boat Tour (3 Hours): For around $90, you can explore the small islands by boat. The tour includes a walk on the islands and snorkeling.
• Kayak-Tour: For $60, you can explore the Tintoreras by kayak. However, snorkeling is not allowed with this option.

Volcán Sierra Negra – Adventure on the Mainland

Isabela is made up of several volcanoes, with Sierra Negra being one of the most active. If you want to experience more than just the coastal region and underwater world, you should consider the hike to this volcano. The hike takes you through impressive lava landscapes to the crater rim of Sierra Negra, where you’re said to have a breathtaking view over the island. Unfortunately, it’s only possible to explore the volcano as part of a guided tour. The tour lasts about 5–6 hours and includes lunch.

Costs: The price for this tour is around $60 per person.

We would have loved to do the hike to the Sierra Negra volcano but weren’t particularly keen on hiking in a group. We like to set our own pace, take photo breaks, and enjoy the surroundings in peace—you never know in advance if that will work well in a group. We had read mixed reviews about the tour beforehand, specifically addressing this aspect. Some praised the landscape and the insights into the volcanic history of the island, while others reported that the group tour was rather stressful and not very flexible. In the end, the cost of $60 per person was too high for us to risk taking a tour that didn’t match our travel style.

Affordable and Delicious Places to Eat on Isabela

Surprisingly, it was hardest to find affordable restaurants on Isabela. Prices for a Menú del Día are often around $10, and we found only a few restaurants offering it for $6 or $7. Additionally, the portions at the cheaper options were sometimes so small that we had to order something extra just to feel full. 

Albita Grill: Albita Grill is located a bit away from the beach and impresses with very good food at reasonable prices. For $6, you can get a simple Asado menu (grill menu), which includes a starter and a main course. There are several options to choose from for both the starter and the main course. The regular main dishes start at $7 and are slightly larger portions—perfect if you’re a bit hungrier.

Happy Hour: Along the beach, there are numerous restaurants and bars that offer Happy Hour in the early evening. The deals vary, but most often you can get two cocktails for $10–12. This is a great way to wind down the day at the beach while enjoying the sunset. 

Exploring San Cristóbal: Highlights, Activities & Food

Attractions and Budget-Friendly Activities on Isla San Cristóbal

Less visited than Santa Cruz but livelier than Isabela, San Cristóbal offers numerous free highlights and a beautiful waterfront promenade in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It is also famous for its many sea lions—these charismatic animals can be found almost everywhere here, whether on the beach, in the streets, or in the water. 

Snorkeling at Cerro Tijeretas

Just a 15–20 minute walk from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno lies the picturesque Cerro Tijeretas Bay. The path to the bay passes by two viewpoints that offer stunning views of the coastline. Especially in the late afternoon, when the sun is already low, the colors are gorgeous, and the view becomes even more spectacular. After the second viewpoint, the path descends into the bay, which is surrounded by lava rocks. A small platform with a staircase provides direct access to the water. A green, yellow, or red flag indicates the swimming/snorkeling conditions.

While snorkeling, you can observe an impressive variety of marine life here: stingrays, eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and many colorful fish like parrotfish, pipefish, and pufferfish. We even spotted two Galápagos sharks here. With a bit of luck, you might also see blue-footed boobies diving into the water to hunt for fish.

Hiking and Snorkeling at Playa Baquerizo

Another 45 minutes on foot from Cerro Tijeretas lies the secluded Playa Baquerizo. The path is narrow and rocky, often requiring you to climb over large boulders—closed-toe shoes are a must. The effort is worth it: the beach is rarely visited, and you’ll mostly share it with marine iguanas and sea lions.

Snorkeling is possible here, though the conditions are a bit rougher than at Tijeretas Bay. The strong waves and rocky entry into the water require some caution. Playa Baquerizo is known for its abundance of sea turtles. You can often see them drifting in the waves right from the shore. While snorkeling, you’ll usually have several of these creatures in view at the same time. With some luck, you might even encounter marine iguanas diving underwater to feed.

Playa Mann and Playa Punta Carola – Beaches Near the Town

• Playa Mann: Located right on the northern edge of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Playa Mann is a popular gathering spot—even among locals. The sandy beach is home to numerous sea lions, and you can also snorkel here. A small beach bar offers refreshments and snacks.
• Playa Punta Carola: Just a few minutes further lies Playa Punta Carola. It’s a bit quieter than Playa Mann. Here, you’ll usually find more sea lions than people, with the sea lions often claiming the shady spots. 

Playa La Loberia – Snorkeling with Sea Lions

If you follow the road west, past the airport, you’ll reach Playa La Loberia. A green, yellow, or red flag indicates whether swimming is safe. This beach is primarily home to sea lions, with the younger ones often being curious and very playful in the water.

If you walk a bit further, you’ll reach two viewpoints with spectacular views of the ocean and along the coastline of San Cristóbal. If you don’t want to walk, you can also take a taxi.

Tortoise Breeding Center and Island Exploration

The tortoise breeding center on San Cristóbal is located about 25 kilometers from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here, you can observe tortoises of all ages—the visit to the center is free.

• By Taxi: The cheapest option is to share a taxi. A round trip costs $60, which comes to just $15 per person for four people. The drivers also make stops along the way, such as at El Junco crater lake, one of the island’s few freshwater reservoirs, as well as at a secluded beach at the end of the road.
• With E-Bikes: A sportier alternative is renting e-bikes in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno ($20 per person). However, even with electric assistance, the many kilometers each way can be tiring and time-consuming.

The Best Tours on Isla San Cristóbal

Isla San Cristóbal offers a variety of exciting tours for nature lovers, snorkelers, and divers. 

360-Degree Tour – A Complete Island Circuit

The most well-known and popular tour on San Cristóbal is the 360-Degree Tour, where you circle the entire island in one day. Depending on weather conditions, various stops are made, with at least one planned landing. A highlight of the tour is snorkeling at Kicker Rock, where, with some luck, you might spot hammerhead sharks and Galápagos sharks. The advantage of this tour is that you get the chance to see the entire island. The downside is that you have limited time at each spot, and the tour is very tightly scheduled.

• Costs: $180 per person
• Duration: Dull-Day

Snorkeling and Diving at Kicker Rock

An alternative to the 360-Degree Tour is the Kicker Rock Tour, which focuses specifically on snorkeling and diving at this unique spot. The boat takes you directly to Kicker Rock, where you can either enjoy one longer snorkeling session or two shorter ones. Divers have the chance to explore the fascinating underwater world in depth during two dives. After snorkeling or diving, lunch is served on board, followed by a relaxing stop at a beach. In our case, it was Playa Cerro Brujo, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach.

• Costs: Snorkeling: $140 per person / Diving: $200 per person
• Special Options: Many providers combine snorkeling and diving tours, allowing couples or groups with different interests to participate together.

Operators: We went with Aquaventures and were very satisfied with both the overall organization and the snorkeling and diving guides. The dive masters were professional and ensured a safe and enjoyable experience.

Punta Pitt – The Bird Tour

For bird enthusiasts, the Punta Pitt Tour is a great way to experience the island's diverse birdlife. While the 360-Degree Tour only briefly stops at this location with limited time for birdwatching, the Punta Pitt Tour includes a landing. Here, you can see red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, and frigatebirds, among others.

• Costs: $140 per person

We would have loved to do the tour, but the price was too high for us after already doing the Kicker Rock Tour.

Affordable and Delicious Places to Eat on San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal offers a good selection of restaurants. Along the waterfront promenade, you’ll find many eateries, but it’s often worth heading one street inland to find more affordable options.

D’L Coco: In the street parallel to the waterfront promenade, D’L Coco stands out with very tasty Asado (grill menus) at good prices. For $6, you can choose between fish, shrimp, beef, or chicken Asado. It comes with rice, beans, and even a small salad. The portions are sufficient. However, drinks are not included in the price.

Golden Prague: Beer lovers, take note! Golden Prague is a great choice for a beer. From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the venue offers a 3-for-2 deal. If you ask nicely, the third beer will only be served once you’ve finished the first two. The craft beers are a welcome alternative to typical brands like Club or Pilsener. A half-liter costs $6.

The food at Golden Prague is also very good, though slightly more expensive: main dishes range from $15 to $23. However, you get a nice view of the harbor, which makes a visit especially worthwhile in the evening.

Kachi Tanta: Kachi Tanta is a small bakery and café. The bakery offers a selection of very tasty bread as well as quiches, focaccia, and sandwiches. They also have incredibly delicious cinnamon rolls. If you’re planning a beach day, you’ll definitely find something affordable to take with you here.

Conclusion of Our Galápagos Visit

The Galápagos Islands are a one-of-a-kind travel destination. Nowhere else have we seen so many different animals in such a small area. The diversity is hard to imagine unless you experience it yourself. Admittedly, the trip isn’t cheap, but the costs are absolutely worth it. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and didn’t regret a single moment.

If you want to explore all three main islands without stress, you should plan for 10 to 14 days. This allows enough time to take guided tours as well as enjoy the free or low-cost snorkeling spots and hiking trails.

However, if we had to choose just two islands, we would pick San Cristóbal and Isabela. Both offer a perfect mix of adventure, tranquility, and unique natural experiences that especially captivated us.