Port information & tips for Pitt Point (San Cristobal, Galapagos)
Punta Pitt is a spectacular natural highlight at the northeastern tip of the island of San Cristóbal and marks one of the most biodiverse locations in the Galapagos Islands. This pristine volcanic landscape impresses with rugged cliffs and a striking, shimmering olive-green sand beach, offering a unique backdrop for explorers. Highlights include the hiking trails to the nesting sites, where visitors can observe all three species of boobies—Red-footed, Blue-footed, and Nazca boobies—simultaneously and at close range, thanks to the special location. As it is a protected expedition destination, ships use the natural panga landing site for a wet landing directly on the shore. Additionally, this location is situated about 50 kilometers from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and promises an exclusive nature experience in total wilderness.
Pitt Point on San Cristóbal is a fascinating visitor site in the Galápagos Archipelago and is not to be understood directly as a cruise port in the classical sense. Arrival for cruise guests usually takes place via the main town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal, which is the administrative center of the islands and also serves as an important embarkation point for Galápagos cruises. The island itself is only accessible by plane.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region first involves a long-haul flight to Ecuador, either to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. From there, daily domestic flights operate to San Cristóbal Airport (SCY). Flights from Quito often include a stopover in Guayaquil and take a total of about 3 hours and 20 minutes. It is advisable to book flights that are coordinated with cruise times, as cruise lines often reserve seats on recommended flights to coordinate transfers efficiently.
Transfer on San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) is located only about 1 to 2 kilometers from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Taxis are available directly in front of the terminal and take travelers to the harbor or surrounding hotels in about 2 to 5 minutes. The cost for a taxi ride is only 2 to 4 US Dollars per taxi. For booked cruises, guests are often met at the airport by a naturalist guide from the cruise line and taken directly to the waiting ship. A walk into town is possible in about 15 to 25 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Regulations
Due to the long international flights and special entry requirements for the Galápagos Islands, an overnight stay on the Ecuadorian mainland (Quito or Guayaquil) is strongly recommended before the onward flight to Galápagos. In addition, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is advisable to start the adventure relaxed and have enough time for the necessary formalities. To enter Galápagos, a Transit Control Card (TCT, 20 USD) and the national park fee (200 USD for adults, 100 USD for children under 12 years) are required, which are usually payable in cash at the airport on the mainland or upon arrival on the islands. Strict Galápagos National Park rules apply, requiring visitors to stay on marked trails and maintain a minimum distance of two meters from animals.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the harbor accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Pitt Point on San Cristóbal is a fascinating visitor site in the Galápagos Archipelago and is not to be understood directly as a cruise port in the classical sense. Arrival for cruise guests usually takes place via the main town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal, which is the administrative center of the islands and also serves as an important embarkation point for Galápagos cruises. The island itself is only accessible by plane.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region first involves a long-haul flight to Ecuador, either to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. From there, daily domestic flights operate to San Cristóbal Airport (SCY). Flights from Quito often include a stopover in Guayaquil and take a total of about 3 hours and 20 minutes. It is advisable to book flights that are coordinated with cruise times, as cruise lines often reserve seats on recommended flights to coordinate transfers efficiently.
Transfer on San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) is located only about 1 to 2 kilometers from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Taxis are available directly in front of the terminal and take travelers to the harbor or surrounding hotels in about 2 to 5 minutes. The cost for a taxi ride is only 2 to 4 US Dollars per taxi. For booked cruises, guests are often met at the airport by a naturalist guide from the cruise line and taken directly to the waiting ship. A walk into town is possible in about 15 to 25 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Regulations
Due to the long international flights and special entry requirements for the Galápagos Islands, an overnight stay on the Ecuadorian mainland (Quito or Guayaquil) is strongly recommended before the onward flight to Galápagos. In addition, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is advisable to start the adventure relaxed and have enough time for the necessary formalities. To enter Galápagos, a Transit Control Card (TCT, 20 USD) and the national park fee (200 USD for adults, 100 USD for children under 12 years) are required, which are usually payable in cash at the airport on the mainland or upon arrival on the islands. Strict Galápagos National Park rules apply, requiring visitors to stay on marked trails and maintain a minimum distance of two meters from animals.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the harbor accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Pitt Point landing site is located at the northeastern tip of San Cristóbal and is accessed directly from the ship using maneuverable dinghies. This natural site offers travelers exclusive access to the pristine wilderness of the Galapagos Islands.
Pangas (Dinghies)
The transfer from the cruise ship to the shore is carried out safely using the ship's own pangas. Thanks to experienced captains, these boats allow for a comfortable landing on the beach or rocks and also serve as an ideal platform for observing coastal wildlife.
On Foot
Further exploration of Pitt Point takes place on foot via marked nature trails immediately upon arrival. A climb to the spectacular viewpoints and nesting sites of the boobies takes about 45 minutes and leads you directly through an impressive volcanic landscape.
Lanchas and Excursion Boats
Since Pitt Point is not connected to the road network, licensed lanchas provide the most important connection by sea. These fast motorboats bring day guests from the distant port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno comfortably to the cape and also provide access to nearby snorkeling areas.
To make the most of your stay at Pitt Point, we recommend a combination of a guided hike to see rare seabirds and an exploration of the crystal-clear coastal waters directly at the landing site.
Punta Pitt Wanderweg
The ascent through striking volcanic tuff formations leads to spectacular viewpoints and offers the exclusive opportunity to observe all three species of boobies found in the Galapagos Islands up close in a shared nesting area.
Playa de Punta Pitt
The shimmering olive-green sand beach right at the landing site impresses with its picturesque backdrop and, thanks to the resident sea lion colony, is the ideal place for your first fascinating animal encounters immediately upon arrival on land.
Pitt Islet
The waters surrounding this offshore rock formation are perfect for snorkeling excursions and, thanks to high visibility, offer impressive encounters with sea turtles and colorful schools of fish in a protected marine environment.
Viewpoint and Booby Colonies at Punta Pitt
The striking hiking trail at Punta Pitt is directly accessible upon landing at the golden-colored olivine sand beach and leads you up to one of the most spectacular natural highlights of the Galapagos Islands. This location is unique worldwide, as its special geographical position allows you to observe all three species of boobies—Red-footed, Blue-footed, and Nazca boobies—simultaneously in their nesting areas. The untouched, almost Mars-like atmosphere of the volcanic tuff formations is also perfect for impressive panoramic photos and offers a fascinating silence in the heart of the wilderness. Ideally, start your excursion with the first panga landing in the early morning to experience the wildlife during its most active phase and return to the ship relaxed by late morning.
The return journey from exploration tours on San Cristobal to the ship is particularly relaxed thanks to the well-organized transfer structure and short distances.
Taxi and Pick-up
In Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, typical white pick-up taxis are available at central locations such as the Malecón or in front of well-known hotels. The drivers will take you quickly and reliably to the central pier so that you reach your transfer boat on time.
Water Taxi and Panga Service
From the main pier (Muelle), local water taxis as well as the ship's own pangas operate, taking you directly to your cruise ship anchored off the coast. Thanks to the regular frequency and short distance, you will return on board comfortably and safely.
On Foot
Within Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, distances are short and you can reach the port from locations like Playa Mann or the Interpretation Center in just a few minutes. The Malecón Charles Darwin waterfront promenade serves as an ideal landmark and leads you directly to the pier without any detours.
