Day Tour to San Cristobal Island With Private Land Tour and Snorkeling

Exploring the captivating San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos archipelago is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This full-day small-group tour combines a private land exploration with thrilling snorkeling, allowing you to learn about the island’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. From observing sea lions and iguanas to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience. Savor a freshly prepared local lunch, and enjoy breathtaking views from Frigate Bird Hill and Cerro Tijeretas. With top-notch gear and a knowledgeable guide, you’re sure to uncover the secrets of this natural wonder. But there’s more to this tour than meets the eye…

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Santa Cruz.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive day tour to San Cristobal Island that combines land exploration and snorkeling to observe diverse Galapagos wildlife.
• Exclusive private land tour through native vegetation to a coral beach for up-close encounters with sea lions and snorkeling.
• Top-notch snorkel gear and wetsuits provided, eliminating the need to rent personal equipment.
• Freshly prepared local Galapagos cuisine served for lunch, with options for dietary accommodations.
• Guided tour with knowledgeable and engaging guides, highly rated by previous participants.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group tour to San Cristobal Island combines land exploration and snorkeling, offering visitors the chance to observe an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, marine birds, iguanas, sea turtles, and sharks.

The tour includes top-notch snorkel gear and wetsuits, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable underwater experience. Guests will also savor a freshly prepared lunch at a local restaurant.

With an experienced guide leading the way, this tour promises an immersive and educational glimpse into the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands.

Meeting and Logistics

The meeting point for this tour is Guiding Galapagos Expeditions, located at Calle Enrique Fuentes 106 in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

The tour starts promptly at 6:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

You’ll take a comfortable speedboat for a round-trip boat ride to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, you’ll use water taxis to get to and from the speedboat, which cost $0.50 per person for boarding and $0.75 per person for disembarking.

Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are optional and not included in the tour price.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Disembarking at the capital of Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is known for its abundant sea lion population. Visitors can expect to see the playful marine creatures lounging on the docks and beaches. The town offers a charming mix of local culture and natural wonders, providing a glimpse into the everyday life of Galapagos islanders.

Attraction	Description
Interpretation Center	Offers insights into the islands’ unique flora, fauna, and human history.
Frigate Bird Hill	Offers panoramic views and the chance to spot magnificent frigate birds.
Cerro Tijeretas	Features a scenic hike with stunning ocean vistas and sea lion colonies.
Laguna El Junco	A freshwater crater lake, a rarity in the Galapagos.
Puerto Chino	A beautiful beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Playa Punta Carola

At Playa Punta Carola, visitors embark on a private land tour through native vegetation, leading them to a coral beach ideal for observing baby sea lions and snorkeling.

The tour provides an up-close encounter with the island’s diverse marine life. Guests can spot sea lions lounging on the beach, iguanas basking in the sun, and a variety of colorful fish in the clear waters.

The snorkeling experience allows travelers to enjoy the Galapagos’ vibrant underwater world, where they may encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish.

This exclusive land tour and snorkeling excursion offer a truly immersive Galapagos experience.

Snorkel Gear and Wetsuits

As an additional convenience, the tour provides top-notch snorkel gear and wetsuits for all participants.

The snorkel equipment includes high-quality masks, snorkels, and fins to ensure a comfortable and safe underwater experience. Wetsuits are also available to keep participants warm during the snorkeling portion of the tour.

This eliminates the need to bring or rent your own gear, making the overall experience more seamless. The guide ensures a proper fit and provides guidance on how to use the equipment effectively.

With this gear provided, guests can focus on seeing the stunning marine life without worrying about their equipment.

Freshly Prepared Lunch

A freshly prepared lunch at a local restaurant is included as part of the day tour to San Cristobal Island. This ensures that visitors are well-fed and energized for the rest of the day’s activities. The lunch menu features a selection of local Galapagos cuisine, highlighting the region’s fresh seafood and produce. To provide greater context, the following table outlines the key details of the included lunch:

Item	Description
Cuisine	Local Galapagos
Dietary Accommodations	Vegetarian, Gluten-free options available
Drink	Bottled water, juices, or sodas
Duration	Approximately 1 hour

The lunch break provides a welcome respite and an opportunity to savor the flavors of the Galapagos Islands.

Confirmation and Booking

Typically, confirmation for the day tour to San Cristobal Island is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Guests can expect to receive a confirmation email or call, which will include all the necessary details about the tour, such as the meeting time and location.

It’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable, and there are no refunds for cancellations.

Infants are required to sit on laps, and the tour is accessible for strollers.

Most travelers can participate, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Guests should be prepared to pay for any optional gratuities or alcoholic beverages not included in the tour package.

Reviews and Ratings

The day tour to San Cristobal Island boasts an impressive overall rating of 5.0 based on 9 reviews. The vast majority of these reviews are 5-star, with 8 out of the 9 reviewers providing the highest possible score. Only one review awarded 4 stars. The positive feedback consistently highlights the knowledgeable and engaging guides as well as the amazing snorkeling experiences.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	8
4 stars	1
3 stars	0
2 stars	0
1 star	0

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. It’s accessible for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair-friendly. Infants are welcome on the tour as long as they’re seated with an adult.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment if they prefer. However, the tour provides top-notch snorkel gear and wetsuits, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience. It’s recommended to use the provided equipment for best results.

Is There an Opportunity to See Any Specific Wildlife?

The tour offers the opportunity to see sea lions, marine birds, iguanas, sea turtles, and sharks. Visitors can spot these fascinating Galapagos wildlife during the land exploration and snorkeling activities included in the tour.

How Much Time Is Spent on the Boat Versus on Land?

The tour spends about half the time on the boat and half on land. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the island’s natural landscapes and go snorkeling to see the diverse marine life.

Can I Cancel or Make Changes to My Booking?

The tour is non-refundable and no changes can be made to the booking. Cancellations will not receive a refund. Travelers should confirm their reservation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The Sum Up

The full-day tour to San Cristobal Island offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the island’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Combining a private land tour with thrilling snorkeling, the experience promises breathtaking vistas, up-close encounters with marine life, and a delicious local lunch. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.