Marjolein Dilven
Are you heading to your dream destination, the Galapagos Islands? Be ready to surf alongside sea lions and giant tortoises and snorkel or scuba dive in world-renowned spots in Santa Cruz Galapagos.
Located at the center of the Galapagos archipelago. Santa Cruz has a total area of around 612 square miles (1,586 square kilometers) and a maximum altitude of 2,854 feet (870 meters). It is a preferred landing and launching spot for Galapagos travelers due to its convenient transportation options and numerous entertainment activities.
But there is more to Santa Cruz than its seemingly cosmopolitan facade, especially in terms of must-see natural wonders.
A beautiful island with turquoise waters, it is a paradise for people who love wildlife. Here, you can spot a fascinating variety of birds, such as the Galapagos hawk, lava gull, mockingbird, and marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and rays. On land, you can also spot iguanas and tortoises.
Read on and learn more about Santa Cruz Galapagos and the wonderful experiences that await you.
Best Things To Do in Santa Cruz Galapagos – Activities
1. Snorkeling and Other Activities at Las Grietas
Las Grietas is located south of Santa Cruz. It is a water channel in the middle of volcanic rocks. Snorkeling in the turquoise waters while watching multi-hued fish is an experience of a lifetime.
If you want to do something more adventurous and daring, climb up the rock and jump into the water, a favorite activity of expert locals. You can learn by watching them do acrobatic tricks mid-air.
From the capital town of Puerto Ayora, which is 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) away, take a boat taxi for less than $1. The place has now changed its policies for tourists with more restrictions. You will have to pay $10 per person to enter the area and stay for 40 minutes.
2. Highlands Tour
A Santa Cruz Highlands tour is an adventure that you shouldn’t miss. The tour will take you to Ecuador’s most beautiful places for a unique experience.
You will go through the sinkhole craters of Los Gemelos (Twin Craters), which are about 919 feet (280 meters) deep and a mile (1.61 km) in diameter. Next comes walking around 820 ft (250 m) into the lava tubes, natural tunnels around 1,312 ft (400 m) deep.
Trees and flowers add to the beauty of this place. You can also find various kinds of birds, including rare ones like woodpecker finch, vegetarian finch, and small tree finch. You will be able to spot 300 different kinds of fern and a Scalesias forest. Scalesias are similar to sunflowers, so the whole forest will make you feel like paradise.
3. Day Trip to Bartolome Island
There are many islands near Santa Cruz that you can visit for a day trip. Bartolome is one the best on the list. Head to Puerto Ayora and look for a catamaran named Adriana. Once you are on the island’s other side, a dinghy will take you to the boat, which can carry a maximum of 16 people to the island.
Bartolome Island offers many activities, such as hiking, playing with the dolphins, snorkeling, etc. The hike is a bit steep, so make sure you are fit enough for the boardwalk, where the views are breathtaking.
Have more fun by bringing a travel guide with you to tell stories about the place. It would take around $334 for a day trip to Bartolome Island, making it far from a budget activity.
4. Day Trip to Pinzon Island
A day trip to Pinzon is usually a half-day trip from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The place is quite famous for its mesmerizing views and marine life.
You can snorkel for 45 minutes at your first stop in Playa La Fe. While snorkeling, you can spot sharks, sea lions, turtles, tintorera sharks, and many more.
The whole activity will cost around $230.
Best Things To Do in Santa Cruz Galapagos – Sights
5. Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz. The entrance to this beach is free, but make sure you get there early to avoid the crowds. You will need to arrive here early in the morning to get the full experience, as the place closes after 5:30 p.m. From Puerto Ayora, it takes only $15 to reach Tortuga Bay.
At the entrance, you will see a sign of Tortuga Bay with details on how to respect the environment. Make sure you read them before entering. Also, you will need to write down your name for tracking purposes. Walking around 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) along the local vegetation and friendly birds will take you to the beach.
Apart from the amazing views of the sea, Tortuga is also known as the surfer’s paradise, so make sure you have a surfboard with you. The beach also has a lot of red and blue crabs, as well as many iguanas along the shore.
6. Charles Darwin Research Center
If you want to learn about the history of the Galapagos Islands, there is no place better than the Charles Darwin Research Center.
In this place, you can see the famous Lonesome George, a turtle from Pinta island in the northern regions of the Galapagos. He passed away in 2012, and since 2017, Lonesome George’s taxidermy has been on display in the Charles Darwin center.
7. El Garrapatero Beach
El Garrapatero beach is a great place to go kayaking. The beach is located only 30 minutes away from Puerto Ayora, and a taxi ride costing around $20 one-way will take you there.
You can rent a kayak and move towards the waters, enjoy amazing landscapes and watch pelicans flying near the sea’s surface. Make sure you visit on a sunny day, or the water will be too cold for swimming.
Please keep in mind that there is no phone signal on the beach.
8. Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is located in the middle of the Galapagos islands. Here, you can spend a few days relaxing in the coastal town, enjoying nearby restaurants, marine stores, nightclubs, clothing stores, and much more. The town is much more developed than other areas on the island, so it is an ideal place to shop and relax.
If you want day trips to other islands of the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora is the best place to start. There are many tour agents in this area. However, the tours are organized by the boat’s owners, and agents only sell them in return for a commission.
The price difference is at most $5, but make sure to bargain as much as possible if you book a trip through an agent.
9. Bachas Beach
If you love sea turtles, there is no better place than Bachas beach. The soft sand is what most sea turtles love for nesting. The white mangroves and the exceptional beach views create a different vibe. You can walk along the beach, swim, or snorkel to make the visit more interesting.
If you’re lucky, you can also spot Sally Lightfoot crabs, black-necked stilts, flamingos, hermit crabs, and whimbrels.
10. Cerro Mesa
Cerro Mesa is for nature lovers. It is an ecological reserve with forest paths filled with vegetation. The birds playing in the dense environment provide a relaxing experience.
Some eye-catching ones include white-cheeked pintail ducks, frigate birds, mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, warblers, and flycatchers.
11. Fish Market
The fish market is located 10 minutes away from the Charles Darwin center. For seafood lovers, this is heaven on Earth. You can buy different kinds of fish at a very reasonable price if you bargain well.
The most entertaining part of this place is watching vendors fight pelicans and sea lions as they try to steal their fish.
In this market, you can also purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs for your friends and family.
Best Things To Do in Santa Cruz Galapagos – Foods and Restaurants
12. Galapagos Deli
Galapagos Deli is famous for its delicious ice cream. You can also try other dishes, such as pizza. There are many toppings options for you to choose from.
13. Lobster at Los Kioskos
Head out to Los Kioskos, a restaurant strip on the streets of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, where lobsters are very cheap compared to other areas in the Galapagos.
The taste is great; combining it with other street foods makes it even better.
14. Isla Grill
Isla Grill has all you need in one place. It offers seafood, burgers, vegetarian dishes, etc.
This restaurant is located on the main street of Puerto Ayora.
15. La Garrapata Steaks
The place offers various dishes such as pasta and seafood. The taste of their steaks is unmatchable.
Order a dessert to complete a perfect meal.
How To Get to Santa Cruz Galapagos
To travel to Santa Cruz, you can choose between 3 options: travel by air, water taxi, and light aircraft.
- By Air
Flights to Santa Cruz leave daily from the 2 major cities of Ecuador: Guayaquil and Quito. To get to Santa Cruz, you must land at Baltra Island first. Once you are at Baltra, pay the entrance fee to the national park and go through the baggage check.
After you are done with these procedures, go outside the airport and book a $5 ticket for the airport bus known as Lobito. The bus will drop you off at the Baltra port. Here, you can get a taxi boat to Santa Cruz for as low as $1.
Once you enter Santa Cruz, a bus will take you to Puerto Ayora town, which is around 45 minutes away.
- By Water Taxi
A water taxi or ferry is another way of getting to Santa Cruz. You can also use this service to explore other islands, such as Isabela and San Cristobal.
The price of these taxis is around $35 to $40. Make sure you are present on time for departure, as ferries leave at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. sharp.
The total trip time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. When you choose this option, be sure to take some motion sickness medication with you, as the sea can be quite rough on some days.
- Light Aircraft
These aircraft move from one island in Galapagos to the next. You can book a ride from San Cristobal or Isabela to reach Santa Cruz and enjoy the beautiful sight of the sea from above. Two main airlines offer flight services: Emetebe and Fly Galapagos.
The price of a one-way ticket is around $150. Prices can change depending on the season.
Where To Stay in Santa Cruz Galapagos
The best place to stay in Santa Cruz is in Puerto Ayora. This small town is the only place with amazing hotels and hostels at reasonable prices. Some of the most famous hotels include:
Hostal El Pinzón
Hostal El Pinzón is a 15-minute walk from the Galapagos National Park Visitor Center, 26 mi (42 km) from Baltra Airport, and 656 ft (200 m) from Charles Darwin Avenue.
The property has air conditioning and a swimming pool, with some rooms equipped with cable flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms with a shower. Deluxe twin rooms with 2 single beds are available from $45 plus taxes and charges.
La Peregrina Galápagos
This bed-and-breakfast hotel is in front of Pelican Bay and a 15 minutes walk from Playa de Los Alemanes beach. Other features include free WiFi access, air conditioning, private bathrooms with showers, and a garden view from the rooms.
La Peregrina Galapagos B&B offers a double or twin room with an option for 2 single beds or a double bed. Room rates start at $90 plus taxes and charges.
Hotel Twin Galapagos
Hotel Twin Galapagos, a family-friendly, 3-star hotel, takes pride in its accommodation with mountain views, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fruit and vegetable plantation, where the hotel grows all its organic fruits and vegetables. It is only 656 ft (200 m) away from Tunel del Amor cave and 26 mi (42 km) from Baltra Airport.
Double rooms are available for a maximum of 2 people. The room comes with a single bed and an extra-large double bed, a garden/pool view from the terrace, air conditioning, an en suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi.
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Featuring a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a garden, this 4-star Puerto Ayora hotel has its guest rooms equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a shower, air conditioning, and a desk.
Its accommodations include a superior double or twin room with 2 double beds or an extra-large double bed.
Tortuga Bay is 1,640 ft (500 m) away, while El Garrapatero Beach is around 14 mi (22 km) away from this hotel.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
What To Pack for Santa Cruz Galapagos
Before leaving for Santa Cruz Galapagos, here are a few things you must carry:
- Some cash as there are not enough ATMs in the Galapagos Islands
- Sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun. Try this Australian Gold Sunscreen, a Climate Pledge-friendly broad-spectrum sunblock (SPF 30) made with natural ingredients. Compared to other sunscreens, it stays on your skin better when you go into the water.
- Bug repellent. This plant-based, unscented insect repellent will keep mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, and other bugs away.
- Some snacks and water bottles. Reduce plastic use with this water bottle from LifeStraw. It filters out all the microplastics, chlorine, and more.
- Snorkeling kit. These full-face, foldable snorkel masks are more convenient and safe than traditional ones with separate tubes. Its other features include three separate air channels and a camera mount, providing a 180-degree panoramic view.
- Sports shoes to walk in the volcanic fields
Important Tips for Enjoying Santa Cruz Galapagos
Follow these expert tips to get the best out of your Santa Cruz Galapagos trip:
- Before packing the items for your trip, check the restricted items list.
- Bring some cash, as there are not enough ATMs in the Galapagos Islands.
- Shop all the gear required for activities beforehand.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Santa Cruz Galapagos
How Many Days Do You Need in Santa Cruz Galapagos?
You need at least 5 days to enjoy Santa Cruz Galapagos completely. There are so many breathtaking sights, fun activities, and delicious food to experience on this wonderful island that a shorter time would not be enough.
What Is Unique About Santa Cruz Galapagos?
Santa Cruz is considered the primary tourism hub for the Galapagos archipelago. It offers unique geographical features in its highlands, excellent beaches and dive sites, and diverse wildlife.
How Do You Get to Santa Cruz Galapagos?
You can only get to the island via air travel from the Ecuadorian mainland, around 2 hours from Quito or Guayaquil.
Currently, there are no direct commercial flights to Santa Cruz, but you can fly to Baltra Island or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. You can then take a bus to the ferry that will bring you to Santa Cruz.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Galapagos?
The best time to visit Galapagos is from December to May, coinciding with the warm season.
During these months, ocean conditions are excellent for fun water activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
What Animals Live on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos?
You can find all the Galapagos fauna in Santa Cruz, like sea turtles, sharks, rays, penguins, sea lions, marine and land iguanas, tortoises, and a diverse variety of avians, such as blue-footed boobies, Galapagos hawks, waved albatross, and 8 different species of finch, among 150 other bird species.
Conclusion – Santa Cruz Galapagos
There is so much to experience in Santa Cruz, either in itself or as a launching pad for the neighboring Galapagos islands.
The awesome sights, the marvelous wildlife diversity, and the seemingly limitless adventure activities all combine to make this destination a contender for the top of your travel bucket list.
Enjoy Galapagos with Santa Cruz as your central point!
Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources
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Related reads:
- Is Ecuador Safe to Travel? 10 Safest Places For Tourists
- 12 Amazing Ecuador Beaches To Experience On Your Vacation
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.