Just a short distance south of the San Cristobal airport, you’ll find the Loberia Beach, an excellent introduction to the dreamlike landscape of the Galápagos. The beach takes its name from the lobos marinos – the sea lions lolling around the beach. (Fun fact: “Lobos” actually means wolves in Spanish.) Whether they’re sea wolves or sea lions, these animals are fun to watch and are a great introduction to the marine wildlife of the Galápagos.

As you walk to the beach, you’ll see tropical plants that can only live in a very particular set of conditions, like white mangrove trees and palo santo. This is a delicate environment, and your guide will remind you to stick to the paths. On the rocks near the beach, you’ll see the marine iguanas that don’t live anywhere besides the Galápagos. If you want, you can squeeze in time for a hike to a cliff where you’ll be able to see unusual bird life, including the especially odd-looking blue footed boobies, as well as swallow-tailed gulls and frigatebirds.

Male marine iguanas are enormous, and weigh up to 550 pounds (250 kg), and lord over groups of around 30 individual members. They resemble tiny dinosaurs and feed on seaweed and algae. Sea lions are also quite territorial, and for that reason guests must keep a safe distance. You’ll hear them barking as a warning to anyone who encroaches on their tiny kingdoms.

In spite of these beach having somewhat pushy occupants, you’ll still find plenty of space to experience the sun and the sand. Your guides will provide snorkeling equipment so you can look for sea turtles and manta rays. Of course, you’ll probably also want to spend plenty of time simply strolling the beach and documenting a scene the likes of which you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, towel, bathing suit, and sandals or other water shoes.

Naturalist guide and snorkeling equipment.