The best tours on San Cristobal Island cut straight to what matters – wildlife and natural wonders. I love the 360 San Cristobal Tour because it efficiently packs the island’s highlights into one day, with prime snorkeling stops. For serious marine life enthusiasts, the Kicker Rock Tour stands out, offering close encounters with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish. The Espanola Island Tour, while pricier, provides an intimate, all-inclusive experience away from the crowds. Small group island tours work well for travelers wanting flexibility, including stops at both Sardina Bay and the iconic Kicker Rock. Let’s explore the top tour options in detail.
Key Points
- The 360 San Cristobal Tour provides a rundown of the island, including snorkeling at top sites like Kicker Rock.
- The Kicker Rock Tour focuses on snorkeling and observing Galapagoan species, offering a more specialized experience.
- The Espanola Island Tour is a private tour that includes lunch, coffee/tea, and beverages, providing a personalized experience.
- The San Cristobal 360 Degrees Tour is a small group experience that includes snorkeling at Sardina Bay and Kicker Rock.
- Tours feature expert naturalist guides, diverse marine life, and the opportunity to see iconic Galapagos wildlife like sea lions, dolphins, and blue-footed boobies.
Full Day Tour 360 San Cristobal – Best of the Island
If you’re looking to explore the best of San Cristobal Island, the Full Day Tour 360 San Cristobal – Best of the Island is an excellent choice. This full-day tour offers a rundown of the island, including a snorkeling adventure to discover the Galapagos underwater world.
The tour takes visitors to top snorkel sites like Rosa Blanca, Sardinia Bay, and Kicker Rock, where they can spot a variety of marine life, such as hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, and octopuses.
The tour includes transportation, a certified naturalist guide, and all necessary snorkel gear. Meals, including a full lunch with options for special dietary needs, are also provided.
With a small group size of up to 10 participants, the tour ensures personalized attention. However, some customers have reported discrepancies in boat quality and issues with meal requests not being honored.
Plus, a few travelers found better deals for similar tours on the island. The Full Day Tour 360 San Cristobal – Best of the Island offers a chance to take in the stunning Galapagos underwater scenery.
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Full-day Adventure Tour at Kicker Rock (León Dormido)
The Full-day Adventure Tour at Kicker Rock (León Dormido) provides visitors to San Cristobal with an opportunity to enjoy the island’s stunning natural wonders.
This comprehensive tour includes snorkeling and the chance to observe a variety of Galapagoan species, such as sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish. Guests will also relax at a secluded beach and visit Lobos Island to see blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
The tour includes all necessary snorkeling equipment, a delicious lunch with vegetarian, vegan, and regular options, as well as coffee, tea, snacks, and bottled water. Participants can also bring their own video or photographic cameras and enjoy the convenience of restrooms on board and clean towels.
With a maximum of 12 travelers per tour, the experience promises to be intimate and personalized. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and located near public transportation.
Reviews highlight the extraordinary experiences, though some mention issues with last-minute cancellations by the tour operator.
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Full Day Galapagos 360 Tour From San Cristobal (Naturalist Guide)
Although the Full Day Galapagos 360 Tour from San Cristobal provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the Galapagos Islands, it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
This full-day tour departs from San Cristobal at 7:30 AM and returns to the same location. Travelers will be treated to a variety of inclusions, such as a vegan/vegetarian lunch, appetizers, and beverages, as well as the use of neoprene wetsuits, microfiber towels, and snorkeling equipment.
The highlight of the tour is snorkeling at Kicker Rock, where participants may spot turtles, small sharks, colorful fish, sea lions, dolphins, and even orcas.
The knowledgeable and bilingual naturalist guide is praised for their expertise and diving skills. While the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, it’s rated 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 9 reviews, with participants highlighting the excellent wildlife encounters and overall quality of the experience.
Read our full review: Full Day Galapagos 360 Tour From San Cristobal (Naturalist Guide) Review
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Full-day Adventure Tour at Espanola Island (Waved Albatross Island)
Galapagos Local’s Full-day Adventure Tour at Espanola Island offers visitors a chance to explore the renowned Waved Albatross Island. This private tour, starting at $330 per person, provides a full-day adventure on San Cristobal.
Guests will enjoy lunch, coffee/tea, and even alcoholic beverages while using provided snorkeling equipment.
The tour meets at Teodoro Wolf in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, with hotel pickup available. It’s not wheelchair accessible, and guests should have a moderate fitness level.
The tour earns a 4.3/5 rating based on reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guide and captain.
However, some reviewers note Viator’s pricing is higher than booking directly with the operator. Plus, concerns have been raised about Viator’s discount offers and pricing strategy.
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Full Day San Cristobal Tour – 360 Degrees
Exploring the diverse landscapes and marine life of San Cristobal, the Full Day San Cristobal Tour – 360 Degrees offers a comprehensive adventure for visitors. This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 10 participants, is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families seeking an immersive experience.
The highlight is snorkeling at Sardina Bay and Kicker Rock, where you’ll have the chance to spot hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, and octopi.
The tour includes pickup from the passenger pier, a freshly prepared lunch, and the services of a certified naturalist guide. While wetsuits aren’t included and must be rented separately, the tour provides snorkeling equipment.
Priced at $298 per person, the tour receives mixed reviews, with some praising the exhilarating encounters at Kicker Rock but others noting the long and rough ride, cloudy water, and higher booking fees through platforms like Viator.
Travelers are advised to book directly with the operators to avoid extra fees and to request the guide’s contact information for post-tour photo sharing.
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Tour Lobos Island From San Cristobal
What better way to explore the natural wonders of San Cristobal than by venturing out to Lobos Island? This scenic boat tour from San Cristobal, Ecuador, offers an in-depth land experience showcasing sea lions, frigates, and marine iguanas.
The tour also provides snorkeling opportunities to swim alongside stingrays and sea turtles.
With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience led by a professional bilingual guide. The tour includes a tasty lunch, snorkeling equipment, and all necessary taxes and fees.
However, gratuities, SCUBA gear, and towels aren’t included.
While the tour has received mixed reviews, many guests praise the guide’s expertise and the highlight of snorkeling with sea lions.
Suggestions for improvement include better communication and availability of wetsuits. Advanced booking is recommended to guarantee a spot on this popular tour.
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8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour-Explore 5 Islands-Snorkel,Hike & Wildlife
Enjoy the captivating diversity of the Galapagos Islands with this comprehensive 8-day tour. Explore 5 islands and experience snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife observation. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, you’ll enjoy a personalized adventure led by a certified English/Spanish speaking guide.
The tour includes 7 nights’ accommodation, 7 breakfasts, and 7 lunches. Snorkeling equipment, such as masks, fins, and wetsuits, is provided. The $100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee is payable upon arrival. Flight assistance and necessary transportation are also included.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infant meals aren’t provided. Dietary requirements should be advised at booking. The itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park regulations, and the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.
With a 5.0 review rating highlighting outstanding experiences with wildlife and local cuisine, this Galapagos Island hopping tour isn’t to be missed.
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6 Days Galapagos Land Tour Starting in San Cristobal Island Including Santa Cruz
This 6-day Galapagos land tour commences on San Cristóbal Island, allowing travelers to explore the archipelago’s captivating diversity.
The tour highlights include the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, Kicker Rock, La Lobería Beach, and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Guests can expect to snorkel with turtles, view giant tortoises, and learn about the islands’ remarkable biodiversity from expert naturalist guides.
The tour package includes 5 nights’ accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and all necessary transportation and equipment, such as snorkeling gear.
While airfare, park fees, and some meals are excluded, the tour provides excellent value. It’s important to note that the tour may be modified due to Galapagos National Park regulations or unforeseen circumstances.
Plus, moderate physical fitness is required, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
With a maximum group size of 12, this Galapagos land tour offers an intimate and enriching experience.
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7-Day Luxury Safari Tour of the Galapagos Islands
Setting out on a 7-day luxury safari tour of the Galapagos Islands, travelers can enjoy the archipelago’s captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Located on San Cristobal, Ecuador, this tour offers a maximum of 15 travelers the opportunity to explore the islands through snorkeling, sightseeing, and guided tours.
The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation, 6 breakfasts, and 3 lunches, as well as transportation between the islands.
Snorkeling equipment is provided, and 24/7 assistance is available in English, Dutch, and Spanish.
However, the tour excludes flights to/from mainland Ecuador, the Migratory Control Card, Isabela dock fee, water taxi, and Galapagos National Park entrance fee, along with optional tips for the guide.
Pickup is at the San Cristobal Airport, and early arrival and late departure flights are recommended to maximize activity participation.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t suitable for travelers with certain medical conditions.
Travelers must have valid travel and medical insurance.
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4 Days Galapagos Land Tour – Visiting San Cristobal Island
Although the Galapagos Islands are renowned for their diverse marine life, visitors can also experience the captivating landscapes and wildlife of San Cristobal Island through a 4-day land tour. This excursion offers a range of activities, including hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the island’s fascinating flora and fauna, such as sea lions, Galapagos turtles, and sharks.
Accommodations for the tour are in selected class hotels, and meals include 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches, one of which is a box lunch.
Transportation within the Galapagos is provided, and travelers will be accompanied by bilingual naturalist guides for the excursions and activities. Snorkel equipment is also included as per the itinerary.
The tour includes transfers from the San Cristobal Airport and public speedboat travel between islands. It’s important to note that seasickness precautions are recommended, and the maximum group size is 12 travelers.
Moderate physical fitness is required, and early flights for arrival and late flights for departure are advised.
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Sum Up
San Cristobal offers a variety of exciting tour options for visitors. From full-day island tours to multi-day adventures, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests and budget. Whether you want to explore Kicker Rock, visit Española Island, or embark on a comprehensive Galapagos island-hopping experience, these tours provide an opportunity to learn about the natural wonders of this remarkable destination.