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Galapagos Islands Information - San
Cristobal |
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Where |
The island of San Cristobal (pop. 6000+) is the
westernmost island of the massive Galapagos Island archipelago
(covering 20,000 square miles) which straddles the equator approx.
600 miles from the coast of mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean.
It is located in the central time zone. The airport and most
of the population is located in the capital city of the Galapagos,
Porto
Baquerizo Moreno.
Equatorial climates make this the place to be from December through
May (the warm season). |
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Fishing |
Simply the best Marlin fishing in the world!
Striped Marlin 150lbs + (average 200lbs), Blue Marlin 300lbs+, and
Black Marlin 350lbs+ (500-800lbs not uncommon). Multiple
strikes are not uncommon. All of the marlin are abundant and
most are super sized. There is virtually no fishing pressure
because of the distance from the mainland and strict environmental
controls and diligent conservation. Thousands of porpoises
(dolphins) and sea birds (including albatrosses and frigates)
frequently give away the location of feeding fish. Yellowfin
tuna from small school size to 150lbs+, wahoo, jacks, mahi, and
other fish are also found in incredible quantities.
Click here to get more information
about the fishing! |
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Touring |
San Cristobal has nearly all of the land attractions
that the Galapagos are so famous for, including the giant
Galapagos tortoise, sea
lions (which are everywhere), marine iguanas, numerous exotic sea
birds (boobies, frigates, albatross, cormorants, etc.), and of
course several of Darwin's famous finches. Land tours to the
crater lake "El Junco" and the giant tortoise preserve provide
dozens of "once in a lifetime" sights. There are also several
scenic beaches that are shared with the sea lions and other
wildlife. All touring must be done with a naturalist guide
(many of whom speak English). |
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Water
Sports |
Inexpensive snorkel and scuba trips are available.
There is no need to bring your own gear. The snorkel trips
include a trip to Lobos Island and a chance to swim and romp with
the sea lions which are incredibly friendly and totally fearless in
the water. Scuba trips, kayak excursions, and water tours
include a trip to Kicker Rock, a tower volcanic leftover that is
frequented by sea lions, hammerhead sharks, blue footed boobies, and
more. There is also another very well kept secret; San
Cristobal has one of the finest surf breaks in the world.
Surfers come from many other parts of South America to surf the
breaks at the head of the harbor. They also hire boats to take
them up the coast and explore dozens of other breaks. |
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Getting
There |
Ecuador. San Cristobal, Galapagos is only 90
minutes from Guayaquil, Ecuador on
Aerogal
Airlines. Aerogal airlines is one the friendliest
and most professional airlines in the world. Continental and
American Airlines provide flights to Guayaquil. Guayaquil is 6
hours from Newark, NJ, 4 hours from Miami, FL, and 5 hours from
Houston, TX. |
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Staying
There |
There are several small hotels on San Cristobal.
There is also a variety of B&Bs and private rooms for rent.
The hotels are quaint, clean, and very reasonable. Some would
be considered spartan by US standards (with/without private baths, AC, TV, etc.).
Our first choice for lodging is the
Miconia which
has incredible views of the harbor, a first class restaurant, and
almost every amenity.
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Your Hosts |
Not only is the wildlife separated by a vast expanse
of ocean, but so is the culture. The mostly Spanish speaking
population is warm, relaxed, and very friendly. This is
due to the fact that they see very few Europeans and Americans.
During the day the spotless streets bustle with children and a few
tourists. There is virtually no crime and it is perfectly safe
to wander the streets at any time of night. The Mayor (Pedro
Zapata) and his offices are right in town and very accessible.
Almost no one smokes and the locals are rarely found in the bars and
clubs. |
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Food &
Drink |
Currency is the US dollar. The grow and catch
nearly all of the food on the island and the quality of fruits,
vegetables, and seafood is amazing. There are several very
good restaurants on the island. Beer, alcohol, and great
meals are very inexpensive. Chicken and seafood (any kind) are
always the best bet. The beef is best described as
"interesting". There are numerous shops where you can buy
nearly any food, drink, snack, or pharmaceutical product.
There is no need to bring any of this along. |
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Nightlife |
There are several intimate bars and a larger
discothèque. Three of them have pool tables and it is not
unusual to see some of the local teens at the table (but never with
a drink in their hands). The days activities can be so
exhausting that the nightlife tends to fizzle out fairly early.
Either way, San Cristobal is too amazing to waste even a moment of
sunlight nursing a hangover. |
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Phones |
There are inexpensive pay phones in several locations
that provide calling services out of the country. Most cell
phones will work on the island provided you have an international
roaming plan (check with your service provider). |
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Internet |
All of the internet service on the island is dial-up
and provided at several internet cafes. These cafes are
actually a social meeting place and a chance to interact with the
locals and other tourists on a daily basis while having a cocktail
or a fruit smoothie. |
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Galapagos Islands Information including
Galapagos Islands Fishing, travel,
activities, and much more! |
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Galapagos Islands Information - Galapagos Islands
Fishing
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