Explore La Lobería in 360°: a sea lion colony with marine iguanas and green sea turtles on San Cristóbal, Galápagos. 10 scenes with wildlife and plant guides.
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10 scenes · 44 points of interest
La Lobería, on San Cristóbal Island in Galápagos, is a stunning coral sand beach famous for hosting a large colony of playful sea lions. It is an ideal spot for snorkeling, surfing, and wildlife observation, including large marine iguanas, sea turtles, and blue-footed boobies on its cliffs.
Beach Morning Glory ("Ipomoea pes-caprae") - Its leaves are simple, alternate, and leather-like in texture. Their most distinctive feature is a deeply notched tip, giving them a shape resembling a goat's hoof print — hence the specific epithet pes-caprae.
A transition zone between the terrestrial and marine environments, characterized by its biodiversity and dynamism. It includes beaches, mangroves, dunes, and rocky areas, where tides, wind, and salinity interact. These ecosystems harbor a wide variety of plant and animal species adapted to changing conditions, and perform key functions such as erosion protection, climate regulation, nutrient recycling, and supporting human activities such as fishing and tourism.
The leaves of beach morning glory are thick, glossy, and resistant to salinity. Their characteristic shape recalls a goat's hoof print, which inspired its scientific name.
Infographic about Chala leaf (Croton scouleri): grayish-green leaves, small flowers and gray bark. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact and how can you protect it.
Chala ("Croton scouleri") - A shrubby plant endemic to Galápagos, adapted to arid zones, tolerating drought and poor soils. It plays an important role in terrestrial ecosystems as shelter and soil protection.
Infographic about Cat (Felis catus): efficient predator, impact on biodiversity and active day and night. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact and how to protect our ecosystems.
Infographic about Galápagos crested flycatcher (Myiarchus magnirostris): distinctive crest, large and strong bill and subtle plumage. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and good practices.
Infographic about White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa): flowers, leaves and roots. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and good practices.
Elliptical to oblong in shape, with a fleshy texture and light green color on both sides. A key feature is the two glands located on the petiole, right at the base of the leaf.
Infographic about Lava Lizard (Microlophus bivittatus): heat adapted, extreme habitat, resistant scales, perfect camouflage and agile and fast. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and best practices.
Infographic about Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus): salt glands, dark skin, dorsal crest, flattened tail and strong claws. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact and how to protect it.
A marine lizard endemic to Galápagos that feeds on algae. It dives in cold waters and has adaptations for swimming and salt excretion, connecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems along rocky shores and volcanic beaches.
This Galápagos ecosystem, with shallow waters and high biodiversity, is fed by nutrient-rich currents that favour algae and phytoplankton, sustaining fish, invertebrates, turtles and sea lions. The rocky and intertidal zones serve as shelter and nursery, essential for the ecological balance.
Infographic about Lava Heron (Butorides sundevalli): dark crown, sharp bill, streaked plumage and yellow legs. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and good practices.
Infographic about Beach Purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum): yellow flowers, creeping stems, succulent leaves, fleshy fruits and mat-forming growth. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact and how can you protect it.
The small lagoon that forms near the beach after rainfall results from water accumulating in low-lying areas where sand acts as a natural barrier, slowing drainage toward the sea. Soil saturation and a high water table also prevent absorption, forming temporary bodies of water that can last hours or days depending on evaporation and filtration rates.
Sally Lightfoot Crab ("Grapsus grapsus") - A colorful and agile crab found on rocky Pacific coasts, feeding on algae and invertebrates and recycling nutrients. Not evaluated by the IUCN; affected by human impacts on coastal areas.
Infographic about Poza Lobería: forms during heavy rains, decomposition, connects to the sea, coffee color and temporary habitat. Also covers: why are they important, interesting fact and how to protect them.
Infographic about American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus): striking eyes, strong and specialized bill, contrasting plumage and pinkish legs. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact and how to protect it.
White-cheeked Pintail ("Anas bahamensis galapagensis") -Usually found in pairs or small groups. A relatively quiet bird, though males produce soft whistles during courtship.
Lava Gull ("Leucophaeus fuliginosus") - A seabird endemic to Galápagos, opportunistic and scavenging, inhabiting rocky coasts. Important in nutrient recycling and ecosystem balance.
Infographic about White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis galapagensis): white cheeks, broad bill, black collar, speckled plumage and webbed feet. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and good practices.
Infographic about Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres): unique facial pattern, ruddy-brown plumage, short and strong bill and orange legs. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact and how can you protect it.
Galápagos Sea Lion ("Zalophus wollebaeki") - A marine mammal endemic to Galápagos, agile both in water and on land. It lives in coastal colonies, feeds on fish and squid, and shows sexual dimorphism.
Infographic about Female Galápagos Sea Lion (Zalophus wollebaeki): small and streamlined head, sensitive vibrissae, short and dense coat, front flippers and excellent swimmer. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and good practices.
Hermit crab ("Coenobita compressus") - coastal terrestrial crustacean, uses shells for protection, feeds on organic matter; plays a key role in nutrient recycling.
Infographic about Galápagos Sea Lion – Pup (Zalophus wollebaeki): large and expressive eyes, sensitive whiskers, soft and dark fur, developing flippers and dependence on the mother. Also covers: why are they important, interesting fact and how to protect them.
Infographic about Panamic Sergeant Major (Abudefduf troschelii): distinctive coloration, small mouth, territorial species, large scales and forked tail. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and good practices.
Sergeant Major ("Abudefduf troschelii") - A colorful, territorial tropical reef fish that forms schools and protects nests. Important in marine ecological dynamics.
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) — A migratory marine reptile, herbivorous in adulthood, inhabiting tropical coasts and oceans. It plays a key ecological role and is endangered due to human threats.
Infographic about Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii): adapted head, herbivorous diet, aerodynamic shell, front flippers and life cycle. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and tips for surfers.
Its front limbs have evolved into long flippers that function as oars for propulsion, while the rear limbs act as rudders for steering.
It has an oval, flattened shell that reduces water resistance. Unlike land turtles, it cannot retract its head or limbs into its shell.
Infographic about Blue Chin Parrotfish (Scarus ghobban): strong beak, fused teeth, ecological role, blue-green coloration and powerful tail fin. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and good practices.
Blue Parrotfish ("Scarus ghobban") - A tropical marine fish with blue coloring, feeding on algae over corals, contributing to sand formation and reef balance.
Damselfish (family "Pomacentridae") - Colorful marine fish of reefs, territorial and herbivorous or omnivorous. They protect algae patches and nests. Important in coral and rocky coastal ecosystems.
Infographic about Thoburn’s Mullet (Mugil curema): elongated body, lower mouth, silvery color and strong tail. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact and how can you protect it.
Infographic about Pufferfish (Sphoeroides annulatus): large eyes, strong beak, ring pattern, small fins and inflates. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to protect it and tips for surfers.
Infographic about Surf Lobería: wave type, size, best season, ideal tide and skill level. Also covers: why is it important, interesting fact, how to get there, tips for surfers and how can we protect it.
A marine mammal endemic to Galápagos, agile in water and on land. Lives in coastal colonies, feeds on fish and squid, and shows sexual dimorphism. Classification: Animalia — Chordata — Mammalia — Carnivora — Zalophus. IUCN Status: Endangered. Threats: climate change, food scarcity, disease, and human activities.