Cerro Brujo, Ecuador

A peaceful beach with otherworldly views.

A large marine iguana sunbathing on a black volcanic rock at Cerro Brujo beach, with a powerful wave crashing in the turquoise waters of the Galapagos Islands.

Overview

Cerro Brujo, Ecuador Cruise Port

Cerro Brujo (Spanish for "Witch Hill") is a captivating visitor site located on the northern coast of San Cristóbal Island in the Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador. This unique destination is an eroded tuff cone that features striking lava formations and a magnificent white coral sand beach, often described as feeling like "powdered sugar" underfoot. Cerro Brujo is a haven for diverse wildlife, making it a prime location for observing the iconic species of the Galapagos in their natural habitat against a stunning volcanic backdrop. It also offers breathtaking views of Kicker Rock (León Dormido) in the distance.

Cerro Brujo is a key visitor site for Galapagos expedition cruises and liveaboards. Due to the strict environmental regulations of the Galapagos National Park, access to Cerro Brujo is typically facilitated by "wet landings" from pangas (zodiac boats) directly onto the beach, with guided excursions. Cruise itineraries to the Galapagos are meticulously planned to maximize wildlife viewing and minimize human impact. A visit to Cerro Brujo offers cruise passengers an intimate and unforgettable encounter with the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, combined with opportunities for relaxation and stunning photography on its pristine beach.

Top Things to Do in Cerro Brujo, Ecuador

Wildlife Watching on the Beach

Stroll along the stunning white coral sand beach, which is a prime spot for observing a variety of Galapagos wildlife. You'll likely encounter sea lions lounging on the sand, numerous species of marine iguanas, and various shorebirds like whimbrels and ruddy turnstones.

Tip: Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. Remember that the animals in the Galapagos are not afraid of humans, but it's crucial not to disturb them.

Snorkel in the Turquoise Waters

Take advantage of the calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters just off the beach for an excellent snorkeling experience. The shallow areas are home to a rich diversity of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, rays, and often playful juvenile sea lions.

Tip: Your cruise will typically provide snorkeling gear. The water can be a bit cool, so a wetsuit (often provided or rented) might be comfortable.

Explore the Lagoon for Birdwatching

Behind the main beach, there's a brackish lagoon that serves as an important habitat for coastal and migratory birds. Look for species such as great egrets, great blue herons, black-necked stilts, and white-cheeked pintails.

Tip: Follow the designated paths to avoid disturbing the sensitive halophytic (salt-loving) vegetation around the lagoon.

Photography of the Volcanic Landscape and Kicker Rock

Capture the unique geological formations of Cerro Brujo, which is an eroded tuff cone composed of unique a-a lava. The site also offers fantastic vantage points for photographing the iconic Kicker Rock (León Dormido), a dramatic volcanic formation rising out of the sea, often seen in the distance.

Tip: Early morning or late afternoon light can provide the best conditions for capturing the colors of the volcanic rocks and the clear water.

Learn About the Site's History

Understand the historical significance of Cerro Brujo, which was one of the first landing sites explored by Charles Darwin during his momentous voyage. Your naturalist guide will provide insights into the geological formation of the area and its role in the island's ecosystem.

Tip: Pay attention to your naturalist guide's explanations, as they are a wealth of information about the unique geology and ecology of the Galapagos.

Kayaking Along the Coast

If offered by your expedition cruise, enjoy a serene kayaking excursion along the coastline of Cerro Brujo. This allows for a different perspective of the volcanic cliffs and provides another opportunity for quiet wildlife observation from the water.

Tip: This can be a peaceful way to get closer to some of the wildlife along the shore, such as pelicans or boobies perched on the rocks.

Cruises to Cerro Brujo

The ornate Baroque bell towers and domes of a historic stone cathedral in Cuzco, Peru, set against a bright blue sky with clouds.

15-night Hidden Galápagos & Peru Cruise/Land Package

Lima

Cuzco

Sacred Valley

Urubamba

Aguas Calientes (Peru)

Machu Picchu

Cuzco

Ollantaytambo

Cuzco

Lima

Guayaquil

Isla San Cristobal (Galapaguera)

Guayaquil

Genovesa (Tower) Island

Darwin Bay

North Seymour

Sullivan Bay

Mangle Point

Isla Isabela

Santa Cruz Highlands

Gardner Bay

Punta Suarez

Cerro Brujo

Isla Baltra

Guayaquil

+22 more

Aboard

Silver Origin for Tauck

From

Lima, Peru

18 Sailings

Apr 4, 2026 - Oct 16, 2027

Published prices from

$16,990

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) formation in Galapagos near San Cristobal Island under blue sky.

FREE Butler Service, Gourmet Dining & More*

14-night Galapagos Islands Cruise

Kicker Rock

Isla Bartolome

Isla Santiago (Buccaneer Cove)

Punta Vicente Roca

Ciudad Bolivar

Punta Espinoza

Isla Isabela (Caleta Tagus)

Elizabeth Bay

Post Office

Champion Island

Cormorant Point

Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora

Cerro Dragon

Isla Guy Fawkes

Bahia Bowditch

Isla San Cristobal

Kicker Rock

Isla San Cristobal

Genovesa (Tower) Island

Darwin Bay

North Seymour

Sullivan Bay

Ciudad Bolivar

Isla Fernandina

Punta Moreno

Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora

Gardner Bay

Punta Suarez

Isla San Cristobal

Cerro Brujo

+26 more

Aboard

Silver Origin

From

Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

8 Sailings

Jun 27, 2026 - Mar 6, 2027

Cruise Details

FREE Butler Service, Gourmet Dining & More*

7-night Galapagos Islands Cruise

Kicker Rock

Genovesa (Tower) Island

Darwin Bay

North Seymour

Sullivan Bay

Ciudad Bolivar

Isla Fernandina

Punta Moreno

Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora

Gardner Bay

Punta Suarez

Isla San Cristobal

Cerro Brujo

+8 more

Aboard

Silver Origin

From

Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

109 Sailings

Dec 13, 2025 - Mar 25, 2028

Published prices from

$12,200

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

View All Cerro Brujo, Ecuador Cruises

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Cerro Brujo, Ecuador Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Cerro Brujo, Ecuador

Wildlife Watching on the Beach

Tip: Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. Remember that the animals in the Galapagos are not afraid of humans, but it's crucial not to disturb them.

Snorkel in the Turquoise Waters

Tip: Your cruise will typically provide snorkeling gear. The water can be a bit cool, so a wetsuit (often provided or rented) might be comfortable.

Explore the Lagoon for Birdwatching

Tip: Follow the designated paths to avoid disturbing the sensitive halophytic (salt-loving) vegetation around the lagoon.

Photography of the Volcanic Landscape and Kicker Rock

Tip: Early morning or late afternoon light can provide the best conditions for capturing the colors of the volcanic rocks and the clear water.

Learn About the Site's History

Tip: Pay attention to your naturalist guide's explanations, as they are a wealth of information about the unique geology and ecology of the Galapagos.

Kayaking Along the Coast

Tip: This can be a peaceful way to get closer to some of the wildlife along the shore, such as pelicans or boobies perched on the rocks.

Cerro Brujo, Ecuador

Cerro Brujo, Ecuador Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Cerro Brujo, Ecuador

Wildlife Watching on the Beach

Snorkel in the Turquoise Waters

Explore the Lagoon for Birdwatching

Photography of the Volcanic Landscape and Kicker Rock

Learn About the Site's History

Kayaking Along the Coast

Cruises to Cerro Brujo

15-night Hidden Galápagos & Peru Cruise/Land Package

$16,990

14-night Galapagos Islands Cruise

7-night Galapagos Islands Cruise

$12,200

Cerro Brujo Cruise Lines

The reviews are in

Cerro Brujo, Ecuador Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Cerro Brujo, Ecuador

Wildlife Watching on the Beach

Snorkel in the Turquoise Waters

Explore the Lagoon for Birdwatching

Photography of the Volcanic Landscape and Kicker Rock

Learn About the Site's History

Kayaking Along the Coast

Cruises to Cerro Brujo

15-night Hidden Galápagos & Peru Cruise/Land Package

$16,990

14-night Galapagos Islands Cruise

7-night Galapagos Islands Cruise

$12,200

Cerro Brujo Cruise Lines

The reviews are in