San Cristobal Island is the second oldest island in the archipelago. That is the reason some plants and animals found here are endemic to only to this island. One side has one of the driest places in Galapagos with its own flora and fauna, while the other side is one of the wettest areas in Galapagos. It features the only freshwater lake in this group of Islands and has its own flora and fauna. It is amazing to explore this oceanic archipelago aboard National Geographic Islander II.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 27 Jun 2023
Cristobal Island, 6/27/2023, National Geographic Islander II
- Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
- Galápagos
Walter Perez, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Walter was born in a very small town on the mainland of Ecuador. His first trip to the Galápagos was when he was 12 years old, visiting friends and aunt, who had moved to the islands. From the first moment he saw the Islands, he fell in love with the...
Read MoreShare Report
Galápagos Escape: An 8-Day Voyage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/1/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands
Our expedition onboard National Geographic Islander II took us to the captivating South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands where we were treated to an extraordinary day of wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a deeper understanding of the islands’ unique ecosystems.
4/29/2025
Read
National Geographic Islander II
San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and one of the oldest. It has a wealth of human, geological, and genetic history, with a unique contrast among its habitats. Today we visited its most iconic sites, including Punta Pitt’s golden beach, which is made from volcanic material and is a resting site for sea lions. Its mountain is comprised of compact ash, known as tuff cones. This destination has a healthy colony of red-footed boobies, which are the least known in the archipelago, and we were surprised by the dance of blue-footed boobies and the beautiful great frigatebirds nesting near the trail. We also visited the western central coast of the island at Cerro Brujo, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, with soft, fine white sand. Our day culminated with a beautiful sunset at Kicker Rock.