To kayak on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos you are required to go with a tour guide. Across from Playa Mann down the sunshiny cobbled street is a bright blue storefront where you can sign up, same day.
Our group was small, just four people and a guide.
Kayaking around Puerto Baquerizo Moreno didn’t bring me anywhere I hadn’t been to on foot, but it gave the world a new perspective being out on the water. Sea lions were happy to follow us playfully, for quite some distance.
They are so curious.
Instead of being above the seawall, we were beside it and notice dozens of brown noddys nesting
and flying from nooks.
Sea turtles swam close by frequently.
At Shipwreck Cove we put on our wetsuits, snorkels, and fins – and jumped in right from our kayaks. This was one of my favorite spots to snorkel on the archipelago because of all the turtles, the water was so clear. Hopping back on the kayaks in the middle of the water was a funny sight, but no one tipped! We head back and toured around the port, busy with ships.
San Cristobal sea lions where everywhere! There was at least a one boat to one sea lion ratio, I wish I could have seen them amble up.
On a sunny blue day, I loved to see the colors of the Ecuadorian flag in this sea lion scene.
After a half day of paddling, our group was beat. Thankfully our guide knew just what we needed. Once back on land he offered us a complimentary beer next to the shop, complete with hammock access.
Although I didn’t see anywhere new, I saw everything in a new light and really enjoyed my kayaking experience.
It’s slightly nerve wracking but worth it, just have to trust in the experienced guides that they are not interested in humans!
I am still intrigued by the sharks you mentioned previously. I would be concerned about capsizing the kayak under such circumstances.