4Globetrotters

By LineogJesper on June 25, 2024

Our third day on San Cristobal was a mix of highs and lows. Unfortunately, Vitus wasn’t feeling well, but he managed to rally enough to watch Denmark tie 1-1 with England in the European Championship. Despite his illness, he enjoyed cheering on his home team from the comfort of our apartment.

After the game, Noah and Jesper set off for Muelle Tijeretas to snorkel at the spot we missed the previous day. The water was crystal clear, and the area was almost deserted, making it the perfect setting for an underwater adventure.

Within moments of entering the water, they were surrounded by 2-3 playful sea lions. These curious creatures were incredibly interactive, circling around, underneath, and above them, often getting within 5 centimeters of their faces. One sea lion even started playfully nibbling on Noah’s fins and gently “biting” Jesper’s feet to encourage him to move faster. The snorkeling trip became even more magical when a marine iguana joined them underwater, ticking off a major item on their bucket list.

Day 4: A Scenic Hike and a Beach Paradise

On our last day on San Cristobal, Vitus was still under the weather but felt well enough to stay behind and watch a movie. Meanwhile, Line, Noah, and Jesper embarked on a challenging but rewarding 10 km out-and-back hike to Playa Baquerizo. The trail is officially listed as 2 km and 45 minutes from the Mirador Cerro Tijeretas viewpoint.

The hike is not easy, involving a lot of jumping from one lava rock to another. After a steep 10 minute downhill trek, we encountered a sign stating 15 minutes and only 1 km left (wow – that was fast), but don’t be fooled—covering the remaining distance in 15 minutes would require almost running across the lava rocks. It took us about 25 minutes from the sign to the beach at a fast walking pace.

At the end of the hike, we were greeted by a stunning beach teeming with marine iguanas and sea lions. We spent about an hour snorkeling with marine iguanas, turtles, and sea lions, before heading back to check on Vitus.

In the afternoon, Vitus mustered enough energy to join us at Muelle Tijeretas, hoping to experience the playful sea lions Noah and Jesper had encountered the previous day. Unfortunately, the area was packed with five large tour groups, and the playful sea lions were nowhere to be found. The crowded platform served as a reminder that experiences can vary greatly depending on timing, and there are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife encounters.

Our last two days on San Cristobal were a blend of relaxation, thrilling wildlife interactions, and challenging hikes. Despite Vitus’s illness, we managed to make the most of our time on this incredible island. Stay tuned for more adventures as we continue to explore the wonders of the Galapagos!

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