Puerto Baquerizo, Cristobal, Galapagos Islands Cruise Port

San Cristobel is the easternmost island on the Galapagos archipelago and is the oldest geographically. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the archipelago’s capital and accepts ships on the southwestern tip of San Cristobal Island. Cristobal is named after St. Christopher, the patron saint of seafarers. While the English name of this fifth largest of the Galapagos is officially Chatham Island, Cristobal is favored by most visitors, including many English speakers. The community has a monument to Charles Darwin, the great British naturalist who spent a fair amount of time in the Galapagos for his studies. The capital is home to the Galapagos National Park’s interpretation center with handles many national and cultural affairs that arise. It also acts as a regular tourist/information center. There’s also a sea lion beach alongside a landing site where the blue-footed booby can be observed. The archipelago is rife with hills, rocks, and cliffs, all of which offer outstanding views of the region.

• For possibly the best panoramic view of the area, climb to the top of Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido—Spanish for “Sleeping Lion.” This is also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling with much underwater marine life to explore.
   
• For even more snorkeling, or just to enjoy a nice secluded spot to swim or spend time in the sun, definitely check out Puerto Chino Beach.
   
• Swim in pleasantly warm waters alongside a group of aged, yet majestic sea turtles at La Loberia. Be prepared to see some turtles that are monstrous in size.
   
• Watch out for an overload of animals at Isla Lobos. While this landing is most known as the premiere viewing spot for the blue-footed booby, the coast-lined, convenient area is a stomping ground for all sorts of Galapagoan creatures.