San Cristóbal is the fifth-largest island (558 km2) and lies on the southeast extreme of the archipelago. Rapid development of tourist and educational facilities, as well as the existence of an airport, has caused island visitation to grow in recent years.

San Cristóbal boasts the only freshwater lagoon in the archipelago, beautiful beaches, amazing snorkeling and scuba-diving opportunities, and some of the best surfing spots in the archipelago.

The island also provides an interesting socio-environmental element missing from other islands: visitors interested in the human component of the Galapagos Islands can see colonial architecture, visit organic coffee plantations and other agricultural centers, and even dabble in local politics in the provincial capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Tourists can either arrive by air from Baltra or by private boat from Puerto Ayora.