Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Playa Mann
Galapagos PRO recommendation: This trip should not be missed in your Galapagos experience. You can go on your own or with a nature guide. Groups of 5 or more require the accompaniment of a nature guide when visiting the National Park.
We advise this independent excursion as an afternoon activity in order to enjoy an amazing sunset over the Pacific Ocean in the best possible spot of the archipelago.
Mann beach is the closest beach to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Just 10 minutes walk from the center of the town, it is the favourite of residents and local sea lions. You will for sure find a lot of them sunbathing in benches, boats, on the sand, or just relaxing with the calm waves at the shore of the sea. This beach is our first recommendation to start this tour because of its easy access and also the fun you will get joining the sea lions in the sea or in the sand.
One of the best things in the Galapagos is that animals are not afraid of humans as they are protected and therefore haven´t been harmed by them. We still recommend keeping your distance in order to respect their natural processes. However, they will often approach you, mainly the baby sea lions who love playing with humans on the sea. Join them and enjoy nature at its purest state!
Interpretation Center
The National Park Interpretation Center, on San Cristóbal Island, was built in collaboration with the Spanish Science Center. The tour offered by the Center for Interpretation's facilities provide a good overview of the Galapagos Islands. The tour takes us through the history of the islands in the context of nature, humankind, and conservation. It also tells the story of the first settlers on the islands. It is not far from the harbor and from there you get directly on the way to Frigatebird Rock or Punta Carola beach.
Playa Punta Carola
Following the path of the interpretation center, also another 10 minutes walk, you will arrive to Playa Punta Carola. This beach is a quiet white sand beach. Its crystal clear waters give great opportunities for easy snorkelling with turtles and sea lions. It is our recommendation to finish your independent excursion as this spot is by far the best place to observe the sunset over the Pacific. You will then understand why it is locally known as the "love beach" together with Playa Cabo de Horno just next to it.
If you prefer more sportive activities, you can enjoy the sunset also from Cerro Tijeretas. Enjoy a unique hike up to this hill which name means Frigates Rock. As the name already suggests, this visitor point is home to innumerable frigatebirds, who also choose this place as a nesting site. Besides observing several frigate birds and other species, this hike will offer you a great panorama of the whole bay and the volcanic rocks contrasting against the white sand of the Island's dazzling bright beaches.
Our dining suggestion!
If after this hike along the coast of San Cristobal Island you want to recharge with some delicious food, our recommendation is to try directly Muyu Galapagos restaurant. You will be delighted by their mix of local products and delicious recipes. And you can enjoy these tasty flavours just in front of the beach!