Hotels near San Cristóbal Airport - SCY, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

I came for a volunteer trip during which we did the 360 boat tour (snorkeling in 3 locations) and a trip to the highlands together (2 separate days). I stayed 3 extra days alone, which is either not enough or just enough depending on what you want to do. I do NOT recommend staying the entire time on San Cristobal because you’ll run out of things to do but I found out too late that a day trip to Santa Cruz is better if you can dedicate 1.5-2 full days (depart a 7 am and return the next morning or afternoon). A same day trip only gives you about 7 hours before you have to return. To go to Isabela requires 2 separate boat trips and at least half a day (not sure about Española but it is currently closed). You can visit all the major beaches in 1-2 days but anything else on the island requires a booked boat trip so if you want to snorkel in every single spot you need to spend probably 5 days minimum. Snorkeling every single day isn’t for me so depending on your interests, plan accordingly. Except for Playa Mann, most of the beaches are a little far and/or require a hike over lava rocks to access so bring good walking shoes over sandals if you have to pick. Overall after 3 more days I was bored and ready to leave, but if I had more time to visit the other islands I would probably have felt differently!

I enjoyed walking in direction to Bahia Tijeretas, Playa Baquerizo, Playa La Loberia, Las Negritas view and also to the local mine near the airport. The evening / dinner in The Pier restaurant was excellent. The afternoon trip to El Junco volcano, Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado was not worth the money, although swimming near Playa Puerto Chino was nice.

Puerto Barquerizo Moreno is a great center of San Cristobal where you encounter sea lions on the beach along the main street. It is also full of charming restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops where prices are more reasonable than Santa Cruz.

Great place to stay if you are not doing a cruise around the islands. Friendly people, choices of places to eat. Some are quite expensive, but if you check around there are other alternatives. Peaceful and quiet with options of daily trips available. Very yummy bakery!

Such a lovable and sweet place. Not much going on during the night but if you‘d like to enter in contact with the nature, see incredible sunsets, meet nice people and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, this is your place.

The port is great with parks, piers and bay views. The interpretation center is also a good place to visit, not only the museum displays but also the hiking to the hills for panoramic views of the ocean, yes, you can see Kicker Rock with naked eyes, but also to the beaches free of guides. Best of all is the 360 tour to fully enjoy the beauties of the island.