We wake up moored in the harbour at San Cristobal, our starting point a week ago. We disembark and say our goodbyes to the divers flying out today. There is a small group staying on the island.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the urban centre of San Cristobal, is a town that is not sure of what it is. There are modern buildings and new construction but there are also dilapidated houses and commercial buildings. It is like it is trying hard to be an international destination but it can’t quite compete with the older bigger sister of Pueto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. The noticeable lack of tourists may play a big part.
The sea lions are in abundance in town. The town appears to have confined the sea lions to the beach area by erecting a wire fence that separates the beach from the sidewalk. We walk down onto the beach and get within 10 or so feet of a few sea lions. They are humorous to watch as they search for the best sunning spot just slightly out of the water. They will clamber over one another in their quest for the perfect repose position. We hear mom and pup sea lions calling to one another.
Traffic is sparse. There are taxis, small white trucks, easily hailed. Taxis are relatively cheap, so it is easy and affordable to hop in one instead of walking. Amazingly, there are bike lanes on the roads. But not so many bikes either.
There are an abundance of dive shops in town. Our group of 8 divers staying on the island tried to arrange diving for tomorrow, but even with the many dive operations, the number of boats is restricted so we were not able to go out. We are meeting to go snorkeling and beaching instead.
We will stay on San Cristobal for 2 nights to explore the area and then move over to Santa Cruz.