kwood1955

Which do/did you like better – Santa Cruz or San Cristobal? I’m looking at a solo, loosely-escorted, reasonably-priced tour that includes Quito, Amazon, Guayaquil and one Galapagos island. 12 day trip with 4 days on one of the islands. Flying to one of the islands from Quito i.e. not cruising.
From my research, Santa Cruz is more popular, a tad more expensive and would require flying to Baltra and then ferrying to Santa Cruz; and San Cristobal is more laid back and has a direct flight from Quito.
I am an active 60s female, interested in tortoises, boobies, nature.
What’s been your experience between these two islands? Thanks in advance!

mlgb

I didn't go to San Cristobal. Are you sure you do not want to do a short cruise? If you are going soon, have a look at Angelito cruises as an option. The do break up some north and east legs into 4 and 5 day which let you get to some of the better wildlife locations.

https://www.galapagoscruiselinks.com/ships/angelito/

GalapagosGuy

Realistically, Isabela is where you want to be. If thats not in the cards, go to Santa Cruz. Its more centralized, a ton more options for lodging and tours. Taxis are easier. If you only have 4 days a cruise is tough, but it doesnt sound like you care for it. Try and arrange your tours in advance with your hotel so you can maximize your time, thats the key.

Enjoy your time in Ecuador..You're gonna love it!

-Aaron

I lived in Ecuador for 13 years, hit me up with any questions.

SantacruzGuy

If you are visiting the Galápagos islands by yourself rather than on a cruise ship, I would recommend Santa Cruz since it's the bigger island, and the main town Puerto Ayora is also way bigger than San Cristobal's main town Puerto Baquerizo so more spots to visit. There is also the budget factor, restaurants in Santa Cruz are fancy and really expensive while in San Cristóbal they are simpler and more affordable. The shops in San Cristóbal are more like souvenir shops, while Santa Cruz has art galleries. I personally visited both after my staying of 12 days in Santa Cuz, I wanted to discover what I was missing in San Cristóbal so I took a taxi boat with my wife (btw it's the only way to travel from Santa Cruz to Santa Cristobal), the trip takes about 2 hours (depends and what the sea conditions are) and there is only one trip each day in the early afternoon 1:45 PM.

olivierbourgeois5276

Hello, I would say both, if you love nature and wildlife you will definitely love San Cristobal, animals and humans really coexist, wildlife is everywhere on land and in the sea (very good snorkeling to do there also : I recommend going to Playa Loberia in the morning, many locals go there for their morning jog but very few tourists on this side and many animals: birds, sea lions, etc.) Santa Cruz is busier but this is where you have to go if you want to observe
the underwater fauna (the best dive sites from the shore)

stdevore

Hi Aaron: Trying to find a small cruise line (16-20) people for a trip for 5 adults in late May early June. I went to the Galapagos 30 years ago & loved it. I found Surtrek & love their itinerary & price but they can't make it happen end of May. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Suzanne DeVoreInfinity Yacht – HOT DEAL


Cruise capacity: 20 passengers

Itinerary: 8B – 7 nights



Itinerary at glance



Day 1 - Tuesday: Arrival in San Cristobal Airport – Transfer to Boat – Puerto Chino OR Jacinto Gordillo Tortoise Breeding Center (San Cristobal Island)

Day 2 - Wednesday: Santa Fe Island – South Plaza Island

Day 3 - Thursday: Charles Darwin Research Station – Twin Craters (Santa Cruz Island)

Day 4 - Friday: Moreno Point – Elizabeth Bay (Isabela Island)

Day 5 - Saturday: Urbino Bay – Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)

Day 6 - Sunday: Espinosa Point (Fernandina Island) – Vicente Roca Point (Isabela Island)

Day 7 - Monday: Puerto Egas Beach (Santiago Island) – Bartolome Island

Day 8 - Tuesday: North Seymour Island – Transfer to Baltra Airport (Baltra Island)