San Cristobal Island (Chatham) holidays
San Cristobal Island (Chatham) holidays at a glance
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Known historically as Chatham Island, San Cristóbal is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. Its age shows in the landscape. Millennia of erosion have worn the volcanic peaks of the north into weathered, rugged shapes, while the south is far greener, with rich vegetation cloaking the higher ground.
It’s also the archipelago’s administrative heart. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galápagos, a relaxed harbour town where the Interpretation Centre traces the story of the islands, from their volcanic origins to the people who’ve lived on and shaped them. It’s the ideal place to get your bearings before heading out into the wider archipelago.
Then there’s the water. At Cerro Brujo, excellent snorkelling starts just off the beaches, while Isla Lobos is a dramatic basalt outcrop whose resident sea lions earned it its name. Between the two, San Cristóbal Galápagos visits offer a satisfying mix of time ashore and time in the sea, and the island slots easily into a wider Galápagos holiday.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to San Cristobal Island (Chatham)
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
San Cristóbal Island is a wonderful introduction to the Galápagos, where sea lions, volcanic landscapes and superb snorkelling bring the islands’ extraordinary wildlife to life.
When to visit San Cristobal Island (Chatham)
The Galápagos is a year-round destination, and wildlife is easy to spot in every month. There are two seasons, and the best time depends on the weather you prefer, how you want to explore and any wildlife events you’d like to catch.
The wet season in the Galapagos starts in December. During these months you can consistently expect clear blue skies, lots of sunshine and high temperatures (average highs of 26°C in December rising to 30°C in Feb). Snorkelers and divers will enjoy warm, calm waters and excellent visibility at this time of the year and the wet season rains are usually reserved to light afternoon showers in the highlands. With exceptional wildlife viewing all year, many consider these months an ideal time to escape the European winter and visit the archipelago. We therefore highly recommended booking well in advance, especially for Christmas holidays.
This is the second half of the wet season so visitors at this time of the year will experience the same almost permanent sunny clear days and high temperatures of the preceding months. Rains are still mostly confined to the highlands, keeping them a lush green, and the calm warm seas and fantastic underwater visibility are ideal for those wishing to explore aboard a smaller expedition cruise or wanting to do lots of snorkelling. With great weather (assuming you’re not shy of the sometimes stiflingly hot days, which average 31°C by April!), it’s an equally popular time to visit as Dec-Feb so it’s advisable to book well ahead, especially for Easter week!
The arrival of cold nutrient-rich ocean currents marks the start of the cooler dry season in June. Average highs drop to a more comfortable 24°C and you may need a light sweater in the evenings. Hazy skies offer some protection from the strong sun, which some people favour, and choppier seas make larger vessels a popular choice at this time of the year. Underwater visibility reduces but there’s a surge in underwater activity with larger shoals of fish and, in July and August, the chance to spot humpback whales and maybe even orcas and whale sharks. Being such a fantastic family holiday destination accommodation does book up early for the school holidays.
The cooler dry season continues with more comfortable average highs of 24°C, choppier seas that favour larger vessels and colder nutrient rich waters with reduced visibility but incredible underwater activity. Hazy skies continue to protect from the strong sun and a low mist hangs in the highlands for much of the day. September and October are the best months for spotting humpback whales, orcas and whale sharks as well as large pods of dolphins and groups of rays and sharks. Water temperatures rise in November, winds ease and calmer seas mark the transition towards the warmer wet season to come.
Accommodation in San Cristobal Island (Chatham)
Land-based stays on San Cristóbal give you a comfortable base for exploring the island and venturing further into the Galápagos. Casa Blanca, Golden Bay Hotel and Spa and Indigo Hotel Galapagos each offer a different style of stay, and all put you within easy reach of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the island’s highlights.
Casa Blanca is a cheerful, Moroccan-style family-run guest house in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made San Cristobal Island (Chatham) Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Ecuador’s Andes and Galapagos Islands hop
Places visited: Quito · Avenue of the Volcanoes · Guayaquil
13 days from £4,940
FAQs about visiting San Cristobal Island (Chatham)
San Cristobal Island (Chatham) is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- What is San Cristóbal Island known for?
It’s known for its eroded volcanic peaks and lush southern vegetation, excellent snorkelling at Cerro Brujo, the sea lions of Isla Lobos and the Interpretation Centre in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
- What are the best things to do on San Cristóbal Island?
Highlights include visiting the Interpretation Centre in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, snorkelling off the beaches at Cerro Brujo and heading out to Isla Lobos.
- Can you snorkel on San Cristóbal Island?
Yes. Cerro Brujo has excellent snorkelling just off its beaches.
- What is Isla Lobos?
Isla Lobos is a dramatic basalt island outcrop whose name translates as ‘sea lion island’.
- Where is the Galápagos Interpretation Centre?
It’s in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos.
- Is San Cristóbal the same as Chatham Island Galápagos maps refer to?
Yes. San Cristóbal was historically known as Chatham Island, and you’ll still see the older name on some maps and in historical accounts.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.