Santa Cruz Island

Travel 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 ₩167,070 per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
₩167,070
₩167,070 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 29 - Nov 30
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! (286 reviews)
"Boutique hotel with nice pool and hot tubs surrounded by lots of green and coloured trees. Very close to Santa Cruz restaurants and shops. Definitely recommend this hotel. Nice staff and good breakfast and served at the table."

Reviewed on Nov 20, 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 ₩307,445 per night from Dec 6 to Dec 7
₩307,445
₩338,190 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, 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 Oct 14, 2024

Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Hotel Cucuve
Hotel Cucuve
4 out of 5
Charles Binford 083 y Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
The price is ₩279,111 per night from Nov 25 to Nov 26
₩279,111
₩307,022 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly B&B in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, 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 Oct 18, 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 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Santa Cruz Island