Welcome to San Cristobal, the first island Charles Darwin set foot on during his famous voyage on the Beagle. San Cristobal is the oldest and easternmost island in the Galapagos archipelago. It is a volcanic island with a rich history and abundant wildlife.
San Cristobal is a place where you can see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The San Cristobal tortoise subspecies is one of the most endangered in the Galapagos. Today, the island is home to the largest freshwater lake in the archipelago, Laguna El Junco. It’s a place where you can see frigatebirds taking a bath in the fresh water.
If you walk across the island from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to the eastern side, you will see the iconic Kicker Rock, a massive volcanic rock that resembles a sleeping lion. It’s a popular snorkeling and diving site, where you can spot a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays.
A visitor center is located on San Cristobal. You can learn about the history, geology, and ecosystems of the Galapagos. It’s a great place to start your exploration. San Cristobal is a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty and wonder of the Galapagos Islands.