Yes I did read the fantastic trip report from a year ago and others even older. Was hoping to get more post Covid answers and updates if available.

I think the only “do not miss” in capitals on San Cristobal, particularly for snorkelers/divers is Kicker Rock.

Everything there is good and interesting enough, but that is the only exceptional thing.

My favorite hike was to to Playa Baquerizo, from the interpretation center. Rigorous enough to be interesting- not for anyone with mobility challenges, and my favorite beach on the island at the end of the trail. The hike to the end of the trail past Playa Loberia on the other side of town is also excellent.

I would put the interpretation center on the list because it is good, and if you are going to galapagos I think you have have an obligation to learn something. And the tortoise center Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado probably needs to be on the list if you won’t see tortoises on Santa Cruz or Isabela, although this was my least favorite tortoise experience of the three. The tortoise center is part of a very common 3 part tour to a lagoon and beach but the lagoon and beach are only part of it to make it enough of a ‘tour’ to charge enough for. They are ok, as is everywhere, but if you want to maximize, just get a round trip taxi to the tortoise center. What they call the 360 tour is very popular and very good but if you do a diving trip to Kicker Rock, the 360 tour will visit Kicker Rock too, which you may or may not want, but prioritize diving Kicker Rock. On the 360 tour we saw a seahorse at a cove where we stopped to snorkel somewhere on the south/east coast of the island. Also note that tours to each site do not run every day. And last- note that tours will say they “go to” a certain place but that does not mean they actually stop there, or if they “stop at” a place that doesn’t mean you can get off the boat and look around. Maybe they just sail past, or maybe they stop and have lunch there, but you just anchor but can’t go ashore. So be explicit in your understanding/expectations of exactly what will occur at each named location when booking. And there is no post office. What you may see called the Post Office is a restaurant. Whatever you do will be fun.

We went as independent travellers but with a group of other people travelling independently, 40 or so, and nobody had a bad experience with anyone they booked with so I wouldn’t worry too much about that

SASFall91 this is exactly what I was looking for. Just a bit of insight as we are so excited at the thought that this is happening. Years and years of planning and we are here and have our own thoughts but it's always so helpful to get insight from a fellow TA reader. Thanks so much!

islanders Galapagos ("Galapagos Yacht Day Tours" on Facebook) is a great tour operator in San Cristobal. I had a wonderful experience with them last year to Cerro Brujo & Kicker Rock. They also have day tours to Española and Punta Pitt and offer a full-day tour of the highlands that includes a visit to the family coffee farm. Each tour only operates on certain days of the week. I communicated with them via email (salesislandersgalapagos@gmail.com) and WhatsApp (+593 98 631 0202). Very friendly. A third-generation Galapagos family.

On your own, definitely go to Playa Punta Carola and walk the trails behind the Interpretation Center up to the Cerro Tijeritas lookout and down to the bay below. Beautiful sunsets from Playa Mann & Punta Carola.

Have a wonderful trip!