Discover the island that has it all: adventure, history, wildlife, and the true essence of the Galapagos. Welcome to Santa Cruz, your gateway to paradise.
Santa Cruz is the meeting point for most travelers exploring the archipelago.
Puerto Ayora: The Soul of the Island: The vibrant port city of Puerto Ayora welcomes you with:
Boutiques & Flavors: Shops filled with local crafts and restaurants serving unforgettable cuisine.
Social Life: Magical sunsets where sea lions play by the dock.
Connection with Nature: The Charles Darwin Research Station unveils the scientific side of Galapagos.
Nature that takes your breath away
Beyond the city, Santa Cruz unveils its magic:
Dreamy Beaches: White sand, turquoise waters, and marine iguanas basking in the sun.
Highlands: Reserves where giant tortoises roam freely through muddy ponds.
For travelers landing at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, the road to Santa Cruz Island is simple and full of excitement:
Ferry Across the Itabaca Channel: A short ferry ride takes you to Santa Cruz Island. The ocean views already set the stage for your adventure!
Road to Puerto Ayora: A 25-mile drive through the highlands takes you to the heart of the island: Puerto Ayora.
From Puerto Ayora, the world is yours:
Explore Santa Cruz Island: Discover beaches, reserves, and lava tunnels.
Day trips: Visit nearby islands such as Isabela or San Cristobal.
Cruises: Set sail on an unforgettable adventure through the archipelago.
Daily Connections: Speedboats take you to other islands, bringing you closer to more Galapagos wonders.
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Santa Cruz Island: A world to discover: Every day is a new experience. There‘s something for everyone here: Hiking: Hike trails that take you to craters, Scalesia forests, and pristine beaches. Cycling: Pedal through the highlands and discover breathtaking landscapes. Kayaking and paddle boarding: Sail among mangroves and calm waters, surrounded by wildlife. Snorkeling: Dive into crystal clear waters and swim alongside sea turtles, sea lions, and colorful fish. Wildlife watching: From giant tortoises to marine iguanas to blue–footed boobies, wildlife awaits!
Founded in 1959, the same year as the Galapagos National Park, the Charles Darwin Research Station stands as a beacon of hope for the preservation of this fragile ecosystem. Each year, hundreds of scientists and volunteers work tirelessly to protect the islands’ unique wildlife and environment.
A Look at Conservation
Located just a 15-minute walk from Puerto Ayora, the station is home to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, a magical place where Galápagos giant tortoises are given a second chance. Here, you can:
Learn about the life cycle of turtles: From fragile eggs to adorable hatchlings and majestic adults.
Learning about the challenges: Invasive species such as dogs, cats, and pigs threaten turtles in the wild, but the center provides them with a safe haven.
Celebrate the Successes: Thanks to this program, tortoises are reintroduced into their natural habitat, bringing life back to islands where they were once extinct.
A Legacy of Hope: The Galapagos National Park has successfully reintroduced giant tortoises to islands like Floreana and Santa Fe, helping restore the natural balance. Moreover, a visit to the station immerses you in the geological and biological history of the islands, showcasing how science and passion can save endangered species.
Just a few minutes from Puerto Ayora, Las Grietas is a hidden gem on Santa Cruz Island. This stunning place offers three natural pools formed between high walls of volcanic rock, creating a perfect setting for swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing.
What can you do at Las Grietas?
Crystal-Clear Waters: A unique blend of seawater and freshwater flows through the crevices, creating a calm and transparent environment.
Activities for Everyone: Swim in serene waters, snorkel among curious fish, or dare to jump from the cliffs.
Breathtaking Views: Towering volcanic walls and the light filtering through them make this spot a photographer’s paradise.
Pro Tip: Las Grietas is a local favorite place, especially on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning!
The beaches of Santa Cruz are natural gems where wildlife and scenery blend in perfect harmony. Imagine sea lions playing along the shore, crabs painting the rocks a bright red, sea turtles gliding through turquoise waters, marine iguanas basking in the sun, and flamingos gracing the lagoons with their elegant pink hues.
Located southwest of Puerto Ayora, Tortuga Bay is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, renowned for its beauty and unique atmosphere.
The Path to Paradise: Access to this gem begins with a 1.5-mile walk through mangroves and cactus forests—a trail that sets the stage for the wonder ahead. At the end of the path, the landscape unfolds into a dreamlike scene, where white sand, turquoise waters, and abundant wildlife come together in perfect harmony.
Playa Brava for the adventurous: Sand and sun, and marine iguanas bask on the warm sand, while the waves crash in breathtakingly clear waters. Surfing and relaxing: This section is perfect for surfing or simply enjoying the scenery. Locals usually visit it early to avoid the midday heat.
Playa Mansa, pure tranquility:
At the end of Playa Brava, you will find Playa Mansa, a protected lagoon where you can swim or kayak, and the calm waters are ideal for a relaxing swim or for kayaking among mangroves.
Wildlife: A large colony of marine iguanas calls this place home, making it a true natural sanctuary.
Located northeast of Puerto Ayora, Playa El Garrapatero is a peaceful paradise, accessible after a 15-minute walk through a stunning cactus forest
But be careful! Along the way, you’ll encounter the famous Manchineel trees, one of the most poisonous in the world. While they are well-marked, be sure to avoid contact with their sap, as it can cause severe irritation.
Wildlife & Adventure: At Garrapatero, nature surprises you at every turn:
Snorkeling and swimming: Explore the tidal pool and swim alongside sea turtles, marine iguanas, and colorful reef fish.
How to Get There?
The trail begins about 10 km from Puerto Ayora. Most visitors choose to rent a bike or take a taxi. The good news? Especially on weekdays, you’ll likely have the beach almost to yourself.
Located on the northern tip of Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach is a must-see destination on any Galapagos cruise or day trip. With its white sand and turquoise waters, this beach is not only a tropical paradise, but also a key nesting site for sea turtles.
Nesting Season (January – June)
During these months, the mornings at Bachas give you a unique spectacle: turtle footprints in the sand that tell the story of new lives. Remember to respect the areas marked by the Galapagos National Park to protect these nests.
A Bit of History
The name «Bachas» comes from the barges abandoned by the U.S. Navy after World War II. Today, the rusted remains of these vessels peek out from beneath the sand, adding a historical touch to this natural paradise.
Wildlife in every corner:
Just a short water taxi ride from Puerto Ayora, Playa de Los Perros awaits with its unique charm. This small islet and its natural pool are home to marine iguanas and white-tip reef sharks, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
A world underwater:
Located on the way to Las Grietas, Playa de Los Alemanes is a hidden gem in Santa Cruz. To get there, take a short water taxi ride, followed by a brief walk along a well-marked trail that leads you to a charming boardwalk.
Activities for everyone:
Just 10-15 km from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz transport you to a completely different world. While the coast shines under the sun, here, a mystical fog blankets landscapes of lush vegetation, creating a cool climate that contrasts with the beachy atmosphere.
Why Visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz?
Founded in 1964, El Chato Reserve is a sanctuary located near the charming town of Santa Rosa, in the highlands of Santa Cruz. This magical place is divided into two areas: La Caseta and Cerro Chato, each offering its own charm and challenges.
Exploring the Reserve
Unforgettable Encounters
In both sections, you’ll have the chance to witness these majestic creatures:
Located near Santa Rosa, the Twin Craters are two impressive sinkholes formed by the collapse of magma chambers. Surrounded by the lush Scalesia forest, these craters offer a unique and lively landscape.
Biodiversity in every corner:
Spectacular trails and visits:
Well-marked paths take you to the edge of the craters, offering panoramic views and the opportunity to connect with nature in its purest state.
In the highlands of Santa Cruz, the largest and most accessible lava tunnels in the Galapagos Islands are located. These incredible formations were created more than a million years ago, when surface lava solidified while more fluid lava continued to flow underneath, leaving behind hollow tubes that we can explore today.
An Underground Adventure
Tips for Exploration
In the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, coffee plantations like Lava Java and El Trapiche open their doors to showcase the fascinating process of coffee cultivation and production. From planting the beans to the final cup, these tours offer a unique sensory and cultural experience.
What do these plantations offer?
Day-long diving tours in Santa Cruz allow you to explore the underwater wonders of the Galapagos, renowned as some of the best in the world. Local operators provide all the necessary equipment and expert guides to ensure you have a safe and unforgettable experience.
What Do the Tours Include?
Located on the northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island, Guy Fawkes Rocks is a stunning dive site made up of four islets. With a depth of 80 feet, this spot is perfect for intermediate divers seeking underwater adventures.
What Will You Find Here?
Located on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrion is an ideal dive site for beginner and intermediate divers. With depths of up to 27 meters, this place immerses you in a world full of marine life and vibrant colors.
What will you see?
Located off the east coast of Santa Cruz Island, Gordon Rocks is considered one of the archipelago’s best dive sites. This impressive submerged cone of an extinct volcano offers an adrenaline-fueled underwater experience, ideal for intermediate and advanced divers thanks to its strong currents.
What makes Gordon Rocks special?
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: THE HEART OF THE GALÁPAGOS WHERE ADVENTURE AND MAGIC MEET ✨
In summary, Santa Cruz Island is one of the most complete and fascinating islands in the Galapagos. With amazing biodiversity, exciting activities, and a lively environment, it’s the perfect place for unforgettable experiences.
📍 PUERTO AYORA: THE SOUL OF THE ISLAND
WHY STAY IN SANTA CRUZ?
Many travelers choose to spend a few days here before or after their Galapagos tours. And for good reason! Santa Cruz offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and culture.
Thomas de Berlanga sector s/n in front of Santa Cruz Garden, Puerto Ayora
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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