Santa Cruz Island

Travel Guide
Santa Cruz Island
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 ¥18,361 per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
¥18,361
¥18,361 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (283 reviews)
"Great location near everything you can go walking"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024

Hotel Fiesta
Hotel La Casa de Judy
Hotel La Casa de Judy
3 out of 5
Calle No. 10, Barrio del Eden Avenida y Escalecia, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
The price is ¥8,630 per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
¥8,630
¥9,493 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (128 reviews)
Pure heaven!
"This hotel is pure heaven! The staff is amazing! The room, restaurant and pool are total class and luxury. I could eat at the restaurant every meal for a week, so many options and all delicious! The gym has everything you could possibly want or need to get a fantastic workout in. I couldn’t recommend ..."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024

Hotel La Casa de Judy
Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge
Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge
4 out of 5
Ave. Charles Darwin S/n Y Piquero, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The price is ¥26,330 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
¥26,330
¥28,963 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly lodge in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (102 reviews)
"Very good property, Yelena went the extra mile preparing a birthday surprise. The experience was fantastic. All the staff very friendly. Daniel from the restaurant went the extra mile with the presentation of the menu. Housekeeping was great."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024

Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge
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 vacation home in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Aug 16, 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Comfortable and easily accessible"

Reviewed on Jan 27, 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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Las Ninfas ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
"Owner was great"

Reviewed on Apr 14, 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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