Playa de Oro
The sea lion colony.
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The capital of Galápagos province, a small, easygoing town on San Cristóbal Island that many visitors reach directly by plane, since the airport sits on the edge of town. It is best known for sea lions living right among people. On little Playa de Oro beach in the town centre lives a sea lion colony, sleeping on the sand, squabbling and nursing pups, and climbing onto waterfront benches, boats and the pier, so you find them sprawled where people walk. Pelicans and herons pass on the rocks. From town, short trails lead to the free Interpretation Centre on the islands' history and nature, to Cerro Tijeretas with nesting frigatebirds and a small snorkelling cove, and to La Lobería beach with more sea lions. Boat trips to Kicker Rock leave from here. The malecón is lovely at sunset with its cafés. Keep at least two metres from the animals, and never touch or feed them.
The sea lion colony.
Frigatebirds and snorkelling.
Cafés and sunset.
Playa de Oro and the malecón, San Cristóbal Island
Yes, they live on Playa de Oro and the waterfront in the town centre, free to see, keeping two metres away.