Santa Cruz Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island
Photo by Diagnosis Wanderlust
Swim with fascinating sea life, walk through a spectacular lava tunnel, hike to lookouts and relax on sunny idyllic beaches.

Santa Cruz Island (Isla Santa Cruz) is the Galápagos Islands’ main tourist center. It has white-sand beaches, wildlife research centers and clear water teeming with colorful ocean life. The natural landscape of Santa Cruz Island has been shaped by extensive volcanic activity. Discover dramatic craters, secluded swimming holes and subterranean lava tunnels.

Puerto Ayora is a great first entry point to the islands. Hotels, seafood restaurants and tour agencies line the town’s streets and waterfront. Get an overview of the evolution of the islands, its plants, wildlife and conservation programs at the Charles Darwin Research Station. See giant tortoises and hatchlings at the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center.

Catch a boat from the town’s pier to the southwest side of the bay. Follow a trail to Las Grietas, a split-level waterhole with both freshwater and seawater. Walk or bike to El Mirador, a short lava tube and a great place to spot Darwin’s finches. Snorkel at the postcard-perfect Tortuga Bay in the calm waters to the north. Note that the main beach facing the ocean here has strong waves and undercurrents. Explore the tidal pools and watch flamingos at the mangrove-framed El Garrapatero Beach.

Travel north to the town of Bellavista, a popular spot for horseback-riding excursions into the highlands. Hike or ride to the crescent-shaped crater Media Luna and Crocker Hill, the island’s highest point. Deep in the highlands find Santa Rosa and the El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Tour the mystical underground lava tunnels, including the Tunnel of Love.

Enjoy excellent bird-watching opportunities at the twin sinkholes, Los Gemelos. The solitude of the Galápagos Islands is evident on a boat ride through Black Turtle Cove. Observe flamingos and sea turtles at Las Bachas and snorkel around the craggy shoreline of Dragon Hill. Swim with sea lions, sharks, rays and turtles at dive sites such as Guy Fawkes Rocks and Punta Carrión.

Reach Santa Cruz Island by flying to Baltra Island, a short ferry ride north. Alternatively, arrive by ferry to Puerto Ayora from San Cristóbal Island. Complete your day by reflecting upon the island’s grandeur while dining at delicious seafood restaurants.

Hotel Fiesta
Hotel Fiesta
3.5 out of 5
Calle Moises Brito y Juan Montalvo, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The price is ฿4,157 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
฿4,157
฿4,157 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (284 reviews)
"Great location near everything you can go walking"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2024

Hotel Fiesta
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
4 out of 5
Tomas de Berlanga 110 y Moises Brito, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
The price is ฿7,613 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
฿7,613
฿8,374 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
"This hotel is ok, location very good, staff is very helpfull, rest is your disaire???"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2024

Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Hotel Cucuve
Hotel Cucuve
4 out of 5
Charles Binford 083 y Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
The price is ฿6,911 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
฿6,911
฿7,602 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly B&B in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
"My stay was exceptional, the staff was friendly and helpful at all times. They always made sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed during my stay. The location was very convenient as it was close to the port and I was able to walk to the restaurants nearby. 10/10 would recommend and stay ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2024

Hotel Cucuve
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Galapagos
Villa Galapagos
2.5 out of 5
Fragata y Av. Seymour, Puerto Ayora
Stay at this holiday home in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Malecon are located ...
6/10 (1 review)
"着いて早々にダブルブッキングがわかった。これは施設というよりも、貴社のシステムの問題。前回も宿泊名簿に名前がなかったこともあり、強く改善をもとめる。"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2019

Villa Galapagos
Suites
Suites
3 out of 5
Barrington, Albatros, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping and a garden. Popular attractions Las Ninfas Lagoon and Fishing Piers are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Comfortable and easily accessible"

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2024

Suites
Torre Mar Galapagos Boutique Suites
Torre Mar Galapagos Boutique Suites
3 out of 5
San Cristobal y General Rodriguez Lara, Puerto Ayora
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Las Ninfas ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
"Owner was great"

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2024

Torre Mar Galapagos Boutique Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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