Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Written by Carmen Vallejo, Keith Roberts, Carlos Zambrano
03/08/2025
a few hours ashore at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on Isla San Cristobal...cool Bed and Breakfast
Murray Foubister, Wikimedia Commons

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of San Cristobal Island, offers an authentic experience centered on abundant wildlife and diverse natural landscapes. Visitors can encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, and unique bird species while enjoying activities like swimming, snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and diving in its pristine beaches and significant natural sites.

The town's Malecón, or boardwalk, serves as a lively hub with various restaurants and shops, where visitors can mingle and observe local daily life. Hostels throughout the town also provide communal areas for travelers to connect.

Top 5 Things to do in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

In Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, one discovers a range of activities, from leisurely beach visits and immersive wildlife encounters to adventurous snorkeling and diving excursions.

1. Explore La Lobería Beach

A visit to La Lobería offers a pristine beach experience, where sea lions are a constant presence, often found lounging on the sand or swimming playfully in the clear waters. It is an excellent spot for snorkeling, with opportunities to see sea turtles and colorful fish within the protected bay. For those seeking waves, the area outside the bay is ideal for surfing. A walking trail extends from the beach to a cliff, providing a chance to observe various seabirds such as Galapagos albatross, gulls, and finches.

Cost: Access to La Lobería is free, as it is part of the Galapagos National Park.

Transport: La Lobería is located approximately 2.5 km from the town center. One can reach it by foot in about 30 minutes, by bicycle, or by a short taxi ride, which typically costs around $2-$3.

2. Hike Cerro Tijeretas and Visit the Interpretation Center

Embarking on the trail to Cerro Tijeretas, or Frigatebird Hill, rewards one with panoramic views of Bahía Naufragio, Kicker Rock, and Isla Lobos. This site is particularly notable for observing both species of frigatebirds, which share a nesting colony here. Along the path, one can find a statue of Charles Darwin, commemorating his visit. At the base of the hill, the Interpretation Center offers insights into the natural and human history of the Galapagos Islands, detailing their volcanic origins, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. One can also snorkel in the cove below Cerro Tijeretas, often encountering sea turtles.

Cost: Both Cerro Tijeretas and the Interpretation Center offer free entry.

Transport: The Interpretation Center is located in the northern part of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and Cerro Tijeretas is a short walk from there. One can easily reach both on foot from the town center.

3. Relax at Playa Mann

Playa Mann is a readily accessible and popular beach, a favorite spot for both locals and sea lions. It offers calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, where sea lions often approach swimmers with curiosity. This is also an excellent location for sunbathing and enjoying the sunset. Food stalls are typically present, providing options for lunch or snacks with ocean views.

Cost: Playa Mann is a public beach with no entry fee.

Transport: Located just a ten-minute walk from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno's main pier, Playa Mann is easily reached on foot. Taxis are also available for a short ride, costing approximately $2-$3.

4. Take a Tour to Kicker Rock (León Dormido)

A full-day tour to Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido (Sleeping Lion), is a highlight for marine life enthusiasts. This eroded volcanic formation rises dramatically from the sea, creating a unique environment for snorkeling and diving. Underwater, one can swim with a diverse array of species, including hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, and various rays. The tour typically includes navigation around the rock for birdwatching, observing blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and pelicans, followed by snorkeling sessions and a visit to a pristine beach like Cerro Brujo or El Manglesito for relaxation.

Cost: Full-day tours to Kicker Rock vary in price depending on the boat and inclusions, typically ranging from $140 to $215. These tours usually include lunch, snacks, wetsuit, and snorkeling equipment.

Transport: Tours depart from the main pier in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, requiring boat navigation for about an hour to reach Kicker Rock.

5. Visit Isla Lobos on a Half-Day Tour

A short boat trip from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno leads to Isla Lobos, a small islet renowned for its abundant wildlife. Here, one can walk among sea lion colonies, observing them resting or playing. The island is also a significant nesting site for blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. Snorkeling in the clear waters around Isla Lobos allows for close encounters with sea lions and other marine life. The tour often includes a stop at nearby Ochoa Beach for further snorkeling and relaxation.

Cost: Half-day tours to Isla Lobos generally cost around $145 and include a certified guide, snorkeling equipment, and often lunch or snacks.

Transport: Tours depart from the main dock in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, with a navigation time of approximately 25-30 minutes to reach Isla Lobos.

Check out our other pages on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Ecuador

Amazon Basin
Andes
Galapagos Islands
Pacific Coast