Out of all of the inhabited islands within the Galapagos, Santa Cruz Island is by far the most developed one, visited by nearly each traveler making their method to this a part of the world. Santa Cruz usually serves as a start line for excursions and cruises within the Galapagos. Because of the close by airport on Baltra Island, it is usually probably the most accessible island to fly into for these trying to discover the Galapagos independently.
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
The streets of Santa Cruz’s fundamental city, Puerto Ayora, are crammed with outlets, eating places, artwork galleries, and tour companies, and you’ll spend days getting your repair of scrumptious seafood and memento buying. There’s a lot to do and see on Santa Cruz Island that you’ll want a minimum of 4-5 days to soak all of it in!
We traveled to Santa Cruz Island as part of an 11-day Galapagos Island tour with Galakiwi, however as soon as we realized how a lot there was to do on the island, we determined to increase our keep for a number of extra days.
If you’re spending a number of days in Santa Cruz, Galapagos, listed here are some high actions so as to add to your to-do listing.
Prime Issues to Do: Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
Go to the Charles Darwin Analysis Station
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 1.7 km (1 mi)
Whether or not Santa Cruz is the primary cease in your Galapagos Islands tour or the final, a go to to the Charles Darwin Analysis Station is a should. Based in 1959, the station serves because the headquarters for scientific analysis and environmental schooling within the Galapagos.
Charles Darwin Analysis Station, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Right here, you may study extra concerning the varied animals inhabiting the islands. Whereas visiting, you will note tortoises in a number of phases of progress, stand up shut with the late Lonesome George and study the story of the extinction of his species. Additionally, you will study extra concerning the land iguanas breeding challenge and get an general really feel for the essential conservation and sustainability work behind the scenes within the Galapagos.
Taxidermy of Lonesome George, final identified Pinta Island large tortoise, on shows on the Charles Darwin Analysis Station
Come Face-to-Face with Tortoises on the El Chato Tortoise Reserve
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 21 km (13 mi)
There isn’t a higher place to admire large tortoises within the wild within the Galapagos Islands than by visiting the El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Right here, tortoises can be discovered roaming free of their pure atmosphere throughout 1000’s of sq. meters within the Santa Cruz highlands. You’ll uncover tortoises of all sizes and ages, with some as outdated as 100+ years!
Big tortoise roaming free on the El Chato Ranch on Santa Crus Island
Be ready for plenty of photograph ops, however don’t neglect to respect their atmosphere and preserve your distance (a minimum of 2 m).
Discover the Lava Tunnels
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 20.6 km (12.8 mi)
Shaped by the solidified molten lava move, the lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island abound. There are a number of nice tunnels positioned proper contained in the El Chato Tortoise Reserve however head to the tunnels close to Santa Rosa city if you wish to discover additional. Right here you’ll discover lava tubes which might be greater than 1 km (.62 miles) in size and get an opportunity to get an actual really feel for what life (or lack thereof) is like inside.
Spend a Day at Playa Brava/Tortuga Bay
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
Playa Brava, typically known as Tortuga Bay Seaside, is probably the most lovely seashores we’ve ever visited. The seashore is positioned on the finish of a 2.5 km (1.55 miles) path, southwest of Puerto Ayora, and regardless of being a little bit of a hike away, it’s a spot value visiting whereas exploring Santa Cruz Island.
Path to Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Tortuga Bay Seaside – probably the most lovely seashore within the Galapagos Islands
Silky white sands and turquoise waters look extremely inviting, however sadly, excessive winds and robust currents make it extra of a browsing seashore than a swimming seashore. Fortunately, you’ll discover Tortuga Bay on the finish of the seashore, a sheltered bay with loads of shade and shallow calm waters the place you may calm down and luxuriate in a laid again seashore day.
Marine iguanas pile up at Tortuga Bay in Santa Cruz Island
Take a Refreshing Swim in Las Grietas
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 3 km (1.9 mi)
Think about large rocks break up in half, forming a crevice crammed with cool waters good for a enjoyable swim. That is Las Grietas, a spot liked by the locals and frequented by curious travellers. Head there for a noon swim, and don’t neglect to carry your snorkelling gear to admire the rocks beneath the floor.
After cooling off, observe the trail above to get a fantastic view of Las Grietas from above.
Las Grietas from above
Witness a Frenzy on the Fish Market
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
You received’t discover many guidebooks recommending Puerto Ayora’s fish market as a must-see, however we liked hanging on the market. Positioned simply off the small docks in Pelican Bay, the Fish Market is a good spot to go to at round 4-5 pm when the anglers carry of their catches and the market will get swarmed by pelicans and frigate birds.
You’ll additionally spot an occasional sea lion or 3, begging for fish scraps below the desk. They placed on an superior present, so don’t neglect your digital camera!
Scuba Dive at Gordon Rocks
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 20 km (12.4 mi)
You don’t need to spend 1000’s of {dollars} on a liveaboard to expertise unimaginable diving within the Galapagos. A brief boat trip away from Santa Cruz Island, you’ll discover Gordon Rocks, two rock pinnacles teeming with astonishing wildlife beneath the floor. The dive websites at Gordon Rocks are nice locations to identify sea turtles, black and white tip reef sharks, manta rays, stingrays, and the elusive hammerhead sharks.
Drive journeys at Gordon Rocks, Santa Cruz Island
Sea turtle on the Gordon Rocks dive web site off the coast of Santa Cruz Island
Sturdy currents within the space make Gordon Rocks most fitted for skilled divers, however anybody with an Open Water certification is welcomed.
Kayak on Playa de Los Alemanes
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 1 km (0.6 mi)
Playa de Los Alemanes, a small quiet seashore in entrance of the Finch Bay Resort, is a good spot to calm down for the day. You possibly can benefit from the solar, shade, and shallow waters or hire some kayaks from the resort and head out for a kayak across the bay. Preserve your eyes peeled for wildlife in Academy Bay—you by no means know who may resolve to hitch you within the water.
Los Alemanes Seaside, Santa Cruz island
Have a Seaside Day at Playa El Garrapatero
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 21.3 km (13.2 mi)
This beautiful golden seashore lies on the secluded shores of japanese Santa Cruz. Garrapatero Seaside is a hotspot for snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing, and also you’ll usually have the entire place to your self. Aside from, after all, the ample wildlife that calls the seashore residence. Look ahead to sea lions, sally lightfoot crabs, sea birds, and different shorebirds like frigates and blue-footed boobies. After the seashore, take a brief stroll to the lagoon the place flamingos graze within the shallow waters.
Have a Picnic at Laguna Las Ninfas
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
The brackish water of Laguna Las Ninfas is residence to varied fascinating sea life and shorebirds. It’s only a brief stroll from the primary harbour and the most effective Puerto Ayora actions close to the city centre. Make your means across the lagoon on the picket boardwalk and cease for a calming picnic at one of many many lookout factors
See Wildlife in its Pure Habitat at Playa Las Bachas
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 39 km (24.2 mi)
Bachas Seaside, positioned on the north coast of Santa Cruz, has a peaceable shoreline and a customer web site that’s solely accessible by boat. The seashore is a incredible place to see birds, marine life, and flamingos within the close by saltwater lagoon.
The seashore is fascinating due to its World Warfare II historical past. When American barges washed up on the island of Santa Cruz, locals coined the identify “bachas” as an tailored Spanish pronunciation of “barges.” Now, it’s a great place for birdwatching, beachcombing, and snorkelling. Some Galapagos excursions may also cease at close by Black Turtle Cove to see sea turtles amongst the mangrove lagoons.
Las Bachas Seaside
Hike Round Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill)
Distance from Puerto Ayora: 30 km (18.6 mi)
On the northwest coast of Santa Cruz, Cerro Dragon is a favorite cease on many Galapagos cruises. It received’t take lengthy to determine the way it obtained its identify when you see the armies of land iguanas that reside right here. Funnily sufficient, land iguanas had been as soon as practically worn out by feral canines. However, due to conservation efforts by Galapagos Nationwide Park, they’re now thriving once more.
Attending to Cerro Dragon is boat entry solely, nevertheless it’s effectively definitely worth the journey. Dragon Hill has one of many longest trails within the Galapagos Islands that winds by means of totally different vegetation zones, all teeming with wildlife. You’ll stroll by means of desert and cactus forests whereas yellow warblers and Darwin’s finches fly overhead. As soon as on the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the north shore and surrounding islands.
Land iguana at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island
The Greatest Santa Cruz Accommodations
Resort Costa del Pacifico
There are dozens of resorts in Puerto Ayora, starting from high-end luxurious resorts to small B&Bs and hostels. For many of our time in Santa Cruz, we stayed on the small, domestically owned Resort Costa del Pacifico for many of our time in Santa Cruz. The resort was centrally positioned and had all the pieces you wanted for a cushty keep on the island: AC, good bathe, wifi connection, a 24-hour provide of cold and warm water (you may’t drink faucet water on the island), and a snug mattress.
On the time of our keep, breakfast was not obtainable on the resort, however Sonia (the proprietor) was engaged on build up a terrace and hoping to begin providing breakfast to her company by the top of 2017.
The proprietor, Sonia, and her two canines at Resort Costa del Pacifico
The resort completely blends homey comforts with travelling on a price range, with rooms beginning at USD $70 per night time. For extra details about Resort Costa del Pacifico and to test availability to your journey dates, click on right here.
Resort Ninfa
Resort Ninfa has a first-rate location, simply 5 minutes from Tortuga Bay and the Charles Darwin Analysis Station, with many outlets and eating places with ATMs and a grocery store shut by. You possibly can take a cooling dip of their outside pool in the event you don’t fancy the seashore. In addition they have bicycles obtainable so you may discover Santa Cruz Island in a inexperienced means! Rooms at Ninfa begin at USD $130 per night time and could be reserved right here.
Semilla Verde Boutique Resort
Among the best Santa Cruz resorts is the Semilla Verde Boutique Resort. It’s set just a little additional away from the centre of Santa Cruz as a rural retreat, secluded and surrounded by nature. The normal visitor home additionally boasts a unfavorable carbon footprint by means of varied inexperienced initiatives and eco-design. The funds raised by means of the resort return into the native financial system and conservation tasks.
In addition they have yoga retreats and tour packages obtainable for many who want to have a novel expertise on Santa Cruz Island! Rooms at Semilla Verde begin at USD $195 per night time. Click on right here to e book.
Lonesome George Eco Lodge
For one more sustainable resort choice whereas visiting Santa Cruz, Galapagos, take a look at the Lonesome George Eco-Lodge. The family-run lodge is positioned quarter-hour from the La Estación Seaside in Puerto Ayora by foot, 2 minutes from the well-known fish market at Pelican Bay, and simply 200 m from the primary avenue. Should you want to discover just a little additional, additionally they have free bikes so that you can use. It’s a wonderful budget-friendly choice at USD $68 per night time with a central location you may’t beat.
Resort Fiesta
Conveniently positioned 5 minutes from the harbour, Resort Fiesta presents eco-friendly lodging in a laid-back setting. The resort has many widespread areas, together with a big, sun-soaked swimming pool. They’ve eradicated all plastics from the property and rejoice locally-sourced meals and excursions. Rooms begin at USD $120 per night time and could be booked right here.
Pikai Lodge
Journey meets luxurious at Pikai Lodge within the secluded highlands of Santa Cruz. Set atop volcanic craters, Pikai Lodge presents 3-7 night time all-inclusive packages in an ultra-modern constructing full with an infinity pool. The lodge has fashionable rooms with personal balconies with entry to an onsite restaurant, spa, and outside firepit. Pikai acknowledges sustainability in all the pieces they do, from vitality conservation to reforestation and attaining carbon impartial standing. For the entire expertise, 3-night packages begin at USD $4,305 per particular person (all-inclusive).
The place to Eat: Isla Santa Cruz Eating places
Whereas Santa Cruz Island could also be higher identified for its nature and wildlife than its delicacies, there are nonetheless loads of choices to expertise the standard flavours of Ecuador. Listed here are a number of Isla Cruz eating places it is best to positively take the time to go to.
Finch Bay
The restaurant of the Finch Bay resort presents sustainable wonderful eating with the freshest natural components, combining conventional Ecuadorian dishes with Worldwide aptitude. Whereas the menu is usually seafood, they do provide a very good vary of vegetarian choices with a number of the herbs and produce coming from their very own vegetable backyard.
Galapagos Deli
The Galapagos Deli is tough to beat for extra down-to-earth, easy meals that’s equally scrumptious. They’ve a fantastic collection of pizza, sandwiches, salads, home made bread, ice cream, smoothies and extra! In addition they have vegan and veggie choices and might cater to these with gluten allergy symptoms.
Isla Grill
Positioned within the coronary heart of Puerto Ayora, the Isla Grill presents good, hearty meals and a enjoyable environment. They do have a vegetarian grill choice, plus a veggie pizza and salads to select from. In addition they do nice cocktails; attempt the mojito!
La Garrapata Galapagos – Resto Bar
La Garrapata is a great spot for anybody desirous to pattern contemporary, native meals sourced from producers within the Galapagos Islands. In addition they make some extent of using and coaching workers from the local people, and they’re thought of one of many main eco-restaurants serving to with the sustainability and conservation of the Galápagos Islands. They provide a different menu with loads of vegetarian choices and a fantastic collection of Ecuadorian specialties.
Important Journey Data for Visiting Santa Cruz, Galapagos:
Attending to Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador:
Most travellers arrive on Santa Cruz Island by aircraft from the mainland (the airport is positioned on Isla Baltra, only a brief ferry trip away from Santa Cruz). Avianca, TAME, and LATAM have every day flights from Quito, connecting by means of Guayaquil. It is usually potential to reach in Santa Cruz by boat from Isabela and San Cristobal (for round $25-35 USD).
Getting round Santa Cruz Island:
Puerto Ayora city is sufficiently small to get round on foot, however you’ll want a water or land taxi to get to locations exterior of the centre. Water taxis are available on the pier, and no trip ought to price greater than $1. Pickup vans perform as land-based taxis on the town.
Need extra on Santa Cruz, Ecuador? Watch our video highlights from the island beneath!