Top Things to do and see at Chinese Hat

Chinese Hat is a popular stop on many Galapagos cruise itineraries given the various adventure activities and wildlife encounters it offers, all in a small space easily enjoyed in a few hours! It can also only be visited as part of a small ship cruise, a rule enacted as a conservation measure, serving to add to the island’s desolate, otherworldly feel.

Tours typically begin at a beautiful beach, the site of many Chinese Hat wildlife encounters, including marine iguanas and the crimson-legged Sally Lightfoot crab. A path takes visitors through a colony of sea lions and to a lava field.

The trail continues up to the hat’s “point”, rewarding hikers with incredible views of the waves crashing into cliffs far below. From here, visitors can also spot Galapagos penguins across the channel, frolicking on the rocky shores of Santiago Island. This is the only species of penguin found north of the equator.

Once back at the beach, the calm waters are perfect for snorkeling and underwater wildlife encounters, including marine iguanas and sea turtles.

Top Tips for visiting Chinese Hat

• Chinese Hat cruises include a fair amount of hiking, so be sure to wear good walking shoes.
• Bring your camera to capture the panoramic views and unique volcanic formations.
• Pack your swimsuit and towel and snorkel gear to enjoy the clear waters.
• There are few sources of shade on Chinese Hat so sunblock and a good hat (maybe even a Chinese hat?) are recommended.
• Due to its small size, access to Chinese Hat is controlled and can only be visited as part of a Galapagos cruise. Ensure that your small ship cruise includes the island as part of its itinerary.

Best time to cruise Chinese Hat

There is truly no best time to visit Chinese Hat but plan ahead as different seasons may require specific preparations and may impact your chances to see wildlife.

For instance, the Galapagos penguins breed and nest year round, so they can be seen at any time of the year, while marine iguanas nest on Chinese Hat from January to May.

January to March on Chinese Hat offers the best water visibility and warmest waters, making it the perfect time of year to enjoy snorkeling.

To see marine wildlife, the months of July to November bring more nutrient-rich waters and greater variety of wildlife encounters.

January to May is especially hot and sunny so those wanting to enjoy adventure activities on the island will want to bring plenty of water, sunblock and a hat.

Where do Chinese Hat cruises depart from?

Chinese Hat cruises typically depart from Baltra, Puerto Ayora or San Cristobal Island. These three departure points are serviced by one of two airports. Visitors on cruises leaving from Baltra or Puerto Ayora will fly into the airport on Isla Baltra. Puerto Ayora, on the island of Santa Cruz, can be reached within an hour from Isla Baltra using public transit. Cruises departing from San Cristobal are serviced by the San Cristobal Airport, near the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Both airports are reached via regular flights from mainland Ecuador, specifically from Quito or Guayaquil.

Contact our reservations team to book your next adventure cruise to Chinese Hat and the amzing Galapagos Islands.