All costs and knowledge on this information are correct as of our current go to in April 2023.
Santa Cruz is the most well-liked and populated island within the Galapagos with the best number of tourism companies, making it the very best place to name dwelling for most guests.
Puerto Ayora, the one main city on the island, has all kinds of eating places, bars & breweries, outlets, tour operators, and lodging choices that vary from finances to luxurious.
As well as, the Galápagos Ecological Airport (GPS) that companies Santa Cruz is one in all solely two Galapagos airports that hook up with mainland Ecuador!
On this final information to Santa Cruz, you will see that every part you have to know in your first go to to the island. This contains info on getting there, the place to remain, the place to eat, what to see and do, and a lot extra.
Disclosure: In an effort to preserve offering you with free content material, this submit possible incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. For those who make a reserving or buy via one in all these hyperlinks we earn a small fee at no further price to you. So a HUGE thanks to you in case you click on one in all these hyperlinks 🙂
🦎 Santa Cruz Island Ideas & Overview
Earlier than entering into the specifics, take a second to grasp some important fundamentals and high suggestions which are price realizing previous to visiting Santa Cruz island.
Santa Cruz Island Overview
| Inhabitants | ~18000 |
| Important City | Puerto Ayora (the place you will see that 99% of lodges & eating places) |
| Airport | Galápagos Ecological Airport (GPS) (technically on Baltra island) |
| Get There | From Mainland: Flights from Quito or Guayaquil (Ecuador). From Different Islands: Ferry or Inter-island flight. From Worldwide: Not accessible. |
| Identified For | Finest dwelling base for Galapagos holidays. Most eating places, vacationer companies, & lodging. Highest % of english-speaking locals. |
| Highlights | • Charles Darwin Analysis Middle • El Chato Tortoise Ranch • Highlands • Las Grietas • Playa Tortuga Bay • Gus Angermeyer Pier |
Prime Ideas for Visiting Santa Cruz
| Carry Money | Most companies solely settle for money and ATMs are unreliable in Galapagos. |
| Web & WiFi | Free WiFi is accessible in lots of locations however could be very gradual in Galapagos. |
| Cell Service | Cell service is patchy, however information may be extra dependable than WiFi in important cities. Claro gives the very best protection on the islands and SIM playing cards are cheaper on mainland Ecuador. |
| Sunscreen | Sunscreen on the islands could be very costly and the solar is powerful, so you’ll want to convey loads with you. Guarantee you might be utilizing reef-safe sunscreen to guard the unbelievable marine life. |
| Excursions | It can save you some cash by reserving excursions whenever you arrive on the islands. Nonetheless, you danger the most well-liked excursions being offered out. Contemplate reserving on-line, or not less than organize your excursions as quickly as you arrive. |
| Ferries | For those who plan on touring between islands utilizing the inter-island ferries, you’ll want to think about reserving these on-line prematurely as they’ll typically promote out. Tickets price $30 on island and $35 on-line. |
✈️ Get to Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is one in all solely two Galapagos islands that you would be able to fly into, though technically the Santa Cruz airport is on the neighboring island of Baltra (previously often known as Seymour Island).
There are additionally solely two cities that fly to Santa Cruz: Quito and Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador. There aren’t any worldwide flights to the Galapagos archipelago.
The Galápagos Ecological Airport (GPS) on Baltra is the busiest airport within the Galapagos regardless of its fairly inconvenient location.
To achieve Puerto Ayora, the primary city on Santa Cruz the place you’ll want to be based mostly, requires a 90+ minute journey. This begins with a bus from the airport to the ferry terminal adopted by a brief boat trip throughout the Itabaca Canal and ends with a 45-minute bus or taxi trip to city.
Scorching to get to Santa Cruz From Mainland Ecuador
Flying to Baltra Airport (GPS)
To get to Santa Cruz island within the Galapagos from mainland Ecuador, you’ll have to fly to Baltra (GPS) from both Quito or Guayaquil. These are the one two cities with airports that service the Galapagos.
You have to to buy an INGALA Vacationer Management Card at a desk within the airport previous to departing the mainland. This prices $20 and takes about 20 minutes, however doesn’t require any reservations nor preparation prematurely.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: GALAPAGOS FLIGHT PRICES
Be cautious of by accident reserving a locals-only fare!
Flight comparability websites typically yield costs which are just for Ecuadorian residents.
As a overseas customer, it’s essential to e-book the upper worth level or you’ll be charged an extra $150-200 on the airport.
There are three airways that fly from Ecuador to Galapagos. The fares you have to buy for every airline are:
- “L” fare for Avianca
- “Prime” fare for Latam
- “Cacao-Premium” fare for Equair
Sadly, this isn’t clear on airline web sites and we met many individuals on the islands that had made this error.
Getting from Baltra Airport (GPS) to Puerto Ayora
As talked about, Puerto Ayora is title of the one main city in Santa Cruz. Accordingly, that is the place you’ll want to keep throughout your time on the island.
Sadly, the airport that serves Santa Cruz is on the neighboring island of Baltra. To get to Puerto Ayora from the airport, your journey is as follows:
| Price | Length | |
| Bus from Baltra airport to Itabaca Canal | $5 | 10 minutes |
| Quick ferry throughout the canal | $1-$2 | 5 minutes |
| Bus or taxi from the port to Puerto Ayora | $5 bus or $40-$50 taxi | 35-45 minutes |
Whereas the journey could appear a bit difficult, relaxation assured that in apply it’s fairly simple. The airport could be very small and everybody goes to the identical place, so you’ll be able to simply observe the crowds.
From Baltra Airport, you’ll take the airport bus to the Itabaca Canal. These go away from straight exterior the airport and depart each 10 minutes. It prices $5 per individual and takes round 10 minutes.
On the Itabaca Canal, you’ll board a ferry to achieve Santa Cruz island which prices $1 (public boat) or $2 (personal boat) per individual and takes round 5 minutes. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll be sat on the ferry for some time as passengers and baggage are loaded and unloaded.
Lastly, when you arrive on Santa Cruz, you have to to take both a taxi or bus to Puerto Ayora. City is 26 miles (42km) from the Itabaca Canal.
Taxis within the Galapagos are white pickup vans that may accommodate as much as 4 individuals. One can find them ready exterior the airport.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to take the general public bus to Puerto Ayora for $5. These are normally ready by the ferry and can drop you off within the heart of Puerto Ayora.
Get to Santa Cruz From Different Galapagos Islands
If you’re attempting to get to Santa Cruz from one other Galapagos island (particularly Isabela or San Cristobal), the commonest and cost-effective method to take action is by taking the inter-island ferry.
There are solely two ferry instances accessible to Santa Cruz from Isabela or San Cristobal every day; one within the morning and one within the afternoon.
Tickets price $35 on-line or $30 domestically, and sometimes replenish prematurely. Be sure you organize this forward of time!
Technically, it’s attainable to fly between the islands. Nonetheless, we don’t advise this for Santa Cruz due to the longer commute from the airport which mitigates the time saved by ferry.
🚕 Get Round Santa Cruz
One of the best ways to get round Santa Cruz is by strolling. Most points of interest and tour beginning factors are positioned inside the city of Puerto Ayora, which is well walkable.
Nonetheless, taxis are available and brief journeys are very inexpensive at round $1-$2 inside Puerto Ayora. Taxis on the Galapagos are white pickups and may simply be flagged down or discovered ready in standard spots.
For a number of the distant locations chances are you’ll want to go to, such because the Santa Cruz Highlands, there are buses and taxis accessible, in addition to bicycle leases for the actually adventurous.
A number of locations, reminiscent of Las Grietas and Tortuga Bay, may be reached through water taxi. These depart from the primary pier in Puerto Ayora.
There aren’t any automobile leases accessible within the Galapagos islands.
🏠 The place to Keep in Santa Cruz
Finest Areas to Keep in Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora is by far the very best space to remain in Santa Cruz. That is the place you will see that the one main city on the island and the overwhelming majority of lodging, eating places, vacationer companies, and outlets.
95% of individuals visiting Santa Cruz island ought to select to remain in Puerto Ayora!
If you’re searching for luxurious lodging and/or favor to remain someplace extra remoted, the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn and Finch Bay Resort in Punta Estrada are each good choices.
Whereas extraordinarily restricted, there are additionally some lodges within the close by barrio (neighborhood) of Bellavista, simply north of Puerto Ayora. If you’re visiting on a honeymoon or demand seclusion, chances are you’ll discover some interesting choices right here – in any other case, there’s little motive to decide on this space.
Exterior of those two areas, chances are you’ll discover a random lodge and/or homestay scattered concerning the Santa Cruz Highlands. We don’t suggest this feature to anyone besides for many who discover a place they’re particularly enamored by.
Finest Motels in Santa Cruz
| Approximate Hostel Value (mattress in a dorm room) |
Beginning at $15 |
| Approximate Price range Value (primary personal room in a lodge, hostel, or homestay) |
Beginning at $20 |
| Common Midrange Value (3+ star lodge rooms and flats) |
Beginning at $50 |
| Common Luxurious Value (5-star lodges, complete houses, and villas) |
Beginning at $200 |
Santa Cruz has the widest vary of lodging choices to select from of the Galapagos islands. One can find a higher number of finances and mid-range lodges than luxurious ones.
With that stated, there are a number of luxurious lodges on Santa Cruz, most notably Angermeyer Waterfront Inn and the Finch Bay Resort in Punta Estrada. Each of those highly-rated lodges provide distinctive stays with their very own personal piers from which the lodge water taxis can take you to the primary pier in minutes.
Under are a number of the top-rated lodges for every finances vary:
📸 Finest Issues to Do in Santa Cruz
Because of the superior infrastructure and excessive fee of tourism, Santa Cruz gives extra points of interest, excursions, and customer alternatives than every other island. This additionally makes it the very best place to remain in Galapagos for almost all of holiday makers.
Under are costs and knowledge on all the finest issues to do in Galapagos positioned on, or accessible from, Santa Cruz island.
The next locations and points of interest can all be performed with out reserving a tour or information!
1. See Wild Tortoises at El Chato Ranch
Highlights: Wild tortoise encounters
Price: $10 entry price + transport
El Chato Ranch is the very best place to see the enduring and endangered large Galapagos tortoises of their pure habitat.
This tortoise sanctuary may be simply reached by hiring a taxi. For the extra adventurous, you’ll be able to decide to cycle or take the bus.
As it’s positioned en path to the airport from city, essentially the most time-efficient solution to go to is by stopping there on the best way to or from Baltra airport.
🐢 READ MORE:
EL CHATO RANCH GUIDE
2. Snorkel at Las Grietas
Highlights: Distinctive geological formations and crystal clear waters for snorkeling
Price: $10 entry price, $2 water taxi
Las Grietas is a big fissure positioned close to Puerto Ayora and is among the many most heralded locations to snorkel in Galapagos.
The fissure is comprised of towering darkish volcanic rock that runs alongside either side, with calm crystal clear water at its base.
🤿 READ MORE:
LAS GRIETAS GUIDE
3. See Child Tortoises at Charles Darwin Analysis Station
Highlights: Child tortoises, seashores
Price: $10 entry price
Except for the wildlife, Charles Darwin Analysis Station is maybe essentially the most well-known attraction in Galapagos.
Guests not solely get to study concerning the fascinating historical past that the islands performed within the lifetime of the nice scientist Charles Darwin, however in addition they get to hang around with child tortoises!
The walkability of the analysis station from the foremost vacationer city of Puerto Ayora is one more reason it’s thought-about one of many must-do actions whereas visiting Santa Cruz.
4. Discover Lava Tunnels
Highlights: Caves fashioned by lava
Price: Included with a go to to El Chato or Highlands Tour
All through Santa Cruz, you’ll be able to uncover quite a lot of underground tunnels created by historic lava flows.
Among the finest methods to go to the lava tunnels in Santa Cruz is to mix it with a Highlands tour.
There are some spectacular tunnels inside El Chato Tortoise Ranch which are included along with your entry price. Nonetheless, you’ll find even bigger tunnels close to Santa Rosa city which exceed 0.6 miles (1km) in size.
5. Stroll the Pier at Night time
Highlights: Reef sharks, turtles, rays, sea lions
Price: Free
Taking an evening stroll alongside the primary pier in Puerto Ayora (formally often known as Gus Angerymeyer Pier) is among the finest issues to do in Santa Cruz, but additionally probably the most ignored!
Without charge and a minimal time dedication, guests can stroll the docks at evening and see an assortment of marine life feeding close to the floor.
Reef sharks and sea lions are the commonest sight, however you might be additionally prone to see turtles and golden rays.
6. Go to the Santa Cruz Fish Market
Highlights: Wildlife mixing with locals
Price: Free
While exploring Puerto Ayora, you’ll want to cease by the Fish Market. This vigorous spot is correct in the course of city alongside the waterfront, only a 5-minute stroll east of the primary pier.
In addition to being a bustling location for locals, it additionally attracts a good quantity of wildlife hoping for scraps!
You might be nearly assured to seek out sea lions lounging right here, in addition to pelicans, lava herons, nice blue herons, and marine iguanas.
It’s a distinctive place to see wildlife so seamlessly built-in with the resident human inhabitants.
7. Store at Mercado Artesenal
Highlights: Searching for souvenirs & items
Price: Relies upon how a lot you purchase!
Mercado Artesenal (or Handicraft Market in English) is a good place to buy souvenirs and items.
You’ll discover quite a lot of domestically made gadgets, together with keyrings, purses, t-shirts, towels, and far more.
8. Jardín Cerámica (Mosaic Backyard)
Highlights: Small backyard with mosaic murals & sculptures
Price: Free
Jardín Cerámica, which interprets to Mosaic Backyard in English, is a hidden gem in Puerto Ayora.
Simply missed, Jardín Cerámica is on the best way to the Charles Darwin Analysis Middle and may be noticed by a mosaic-tiled archway seen from the street.
As it’s free to enter, it’s price meandering down this shaded walkway to see a few of these stunning artistic endeavors.
9. Stroll to Laguna de las Ninfas
Highlights: Tranquil oasis
Price: Free
Simply exterior of Puerto Ayora, Laguna de las Ninfas gives a peaceable place to take a stroll and luxuriate in some wildlife.
The brackish lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and gives a house to quite a lot of totally different species.
Whereas it was attainable to stroll the boardwalk all the best way across the lagoon, a part of the boardwalk was destroyed limiting guests to only a brief stroll.
10. Hike Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill)
Highlights: Mountain climbing path with spectacular views and land iguanas
Price: Solely accessible by cruise
That is the one vacation spot on the listing that may solely be visited as a part of a cruise. Nonetheless, because it is among the hottest issues to do on Santa Cruz we felt it needed to be talked about.
Aptly named, Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) is dwelling to a big inhabitants of land iguanas.
The mountain climbing path to the summit is among the longest in Galapagos, winding via opuntia cacti and Palo Santo timber. As soon as there, you’re rewarded with stunning views.
🏝 Finest Seashores in Santa Cruz
Surprisingly, the Galapagos islands are literally fairly restricted with regards to accessible seashores, and Santa Cruz is essentially the most restricted of all of the inhabited islands.
That is extra to do with infrastructure than availability. There are a plethora of secluded seashores tucked away in distant areas of every island, however they’re solely accessible by boat.
Of the numerous seashores scattered throughout Santa Cruz, only a few are simply accessible and fewer nonetheless are inside strolling distance of Puerto Ayora.
🏖 READ MORE
TOP 25 BEST GALAPAGOS BEACHES
1. Tortuga Bay
Definitely, Tortuga Bay is the premier vacation spot for a seashore day on Santa Cruz Island. This white sand seashore is pretty simple to get to and gives guests with an expansive stretch of gorgeous shoreline with loads of wildlife.
You may technically stroll to Tortuga Bay from city, however most individuals will both take a brief taxi to the trailhead ($1.50) and stroll 1.5 miles (2.5km) from there. Additionally it is attainable to take a water taxi for $10 per individual every method from the primary pier.
There are a number of seashores within the bay, however the major one, Playa Mansa, is extraordinarily family-friendly offering loads of shade and calm water.
2. Playa de La Estación
Playa de La Estación is a favourite vacation spot for locals and vacationers alike, largely as a result of it’s the closest seashore to city!
This stunning little cove is a 5-10 minute stroll at most from anyplace in Puerto Ayora and is free to enter.
Whereas it might not characteristic the softest sand nor swaying palm timber, it’s simply the very best place to go for a refreshing swim on a scorching day close by.
🤿 READ MORE:
PLAYA DE LA ESTACION COMPLETE GUIDE
3. Playa Ratonera
Playa Ratonera is only a few minutes stroll from Playa de la Estación.
Accordingly, you’ll uncover an identical high quality of sand, swimming situations, and wildlife.
Playa Ratonera is positioned straight adjoining to Charles Darwin Analysis Station. To get right here, observe Charles Darwin Ave simply past Playa de La Estacion and search for indicators to the seashore.
4. Playa El Garrapatero
Playa El Garrapatero is extraordinarily distant, but simply accessible for these with spare time on Santa Cruz island.
This stunning seashore is positioned on the east coast of the island on the literal finish of the one main freeway (E5).
The seashore is often pretty quiet and is sweet for swimming or snorkeling, or for an informal seashore day if time permits.
The draw back is that it’ll price about $40 roundtrip for a taxi to Playa El Garrapatero and the horseflies right here may be obnoxious!
5. Playa de los Alemanes
Until you might be staying at one of many few close by lodges, reminiscent of Finch Bay Resort or Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, you have to to take a brief water taxi to achieve Playa de los Alemanes.
From the primary pier in Puerto Ayora, the water taxi prices $1 and takes only some minutes. As soon as dropped off, the stroll from the pier to the seashore is simply 0.25 miles (0.4km) alongside a paved path then a boardwalk.
For those who plan to go to Las Grietas, you’ll naturally cross this seashore, making it an excellent cease in your solution to or from this well-known snorkel spot.
6. Playa las Bachas
Playa Las Bachas is not only a ravishing seashore teeming with wildlife, however a spot of contemporary historic significance as nicely.
On the seashore, you’ll uncover the stays of outdated barges from WW2 buried within the sand, the islands having been used for protection by the US towards Japan.
The attractive white sand seashore can be a significant nesting website for inexperienced sea turtles, that means you might be very prone to see them whereas snorkeling right here. There’s additionally a close-by lagoon with flamingoes.
This can be a widespread cease for Galapagos cruises on account of its proximity to the primary airport on Baltra, however may also be visited with the North Seymour Island day tour from Santa Cruz.
⛵️ Finest Day Excursions in Santa Cruz
Under are the very best day journeys and excursions that you would be able to take from Santa Cruz Island.
A few of them discover the island itself, such because the Highlands excursions, however most might be to one of many distinctive uninhabited islands close by.
On a private be aware, our day journey to Bartolome Island was the spotlight of our go to to the Galapagos in 2023 and is one thing we extremely suggest!
1. Santa Cruz Highlands Tour
A Santa Cruz Highlands tour will sometimes embody a go to to one of many highland farms, reminiscent of El Chato Ranch, to see wild Galapagos large tortoises and lava tunnels.
It would additionally sometimes embody a cease at Los Gemelos (Twin Craters), that are massive sinkholes fashioned following volcanic exercise.
The Highlands Tour is an effective solution to see the remainder of Santa Cruz island exterior of Puerto Ayora.
🐢 READ MORE:
EL CHATO RANCH GUIDE
2. Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay Tour
Isla Bartolome is essentially the most stunning and photogenic of all of the Galapagos islands. The colourful panorama is implausible and the picture alternative from the point of view is the primary motive individuals go to.
Past the pure magnificence, Bartolome can be maybe the very best place to see Galapagos Penguins.
This was our favourite day journey, largely as a result of we received to swim with penguins and noticed blue-footed boobies for the primary time.
🐧 READ MORE:
COMPLETE GUIDE TO BARTOLOME ISLAND
3. Gordon Rocks (Scuba Diving) Tour
For individuals who are SCUBA licensed, Gordon Rocks is among the finest dive websites within the Galapagos.
Most notably, it is among the finest areas to identify hammerhead sharks. Additionally, you will possible encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, and a plethora of vibrant fish.
I went with Academy Bay Diving and had an amazing expertise.
4. Santa Fe Island Tour
Isla Santa Fe is dwelling to the biggest number of endemic wildlife within the Galapagos, together with a novel species of land iguana.
The bay is also dwelling to a big group of sea lions, that means you might be all however assured to snorkel with them right here!
The panorama of the island itself can be spectacular, with large prickly pear cactus staged towards a backdrop of picturesque turquoise water.
5. Pinzon Island Tour
These all for island hopping ought to put a day tour to Isla Pinzon close to the highest of the listing.
Whereas the island itself is just not a lot to have a look at (landings are usually not permitted, in actual fact), the water right here is the clearest we snorkeled anyplace in Galapagos.
This unbeatable visibility made for some actually particular images and movies, and Pinzon was one of many few locations we received to see Galapagos sharks.
🦈 READ MORE:
COMPLETE GUIDE TO PINZON ISLAND
6. North Seymour Island Tour
North Seymour Island is maybe the very best island for bird-watching within the Galapagos.
It’s dwelling to the biggest colony of magnificent and nice frigate birds, famed for the males’ vivid purple throat pouches.
Blue-footed boobies additionally nest on North Seymour, making it an amazing place to witness their iconic mating dance.
Past the avian life, North Seymour additionally boasts one of many largest sea lion colonies, wonderful snorkeling, and a plethora of different wildlife together with the endemic Galapagos snake and land iguanas.
7. South Plaza Tour
The Plaza Islands encompass two small crescent-shaped islands; North Plaza and South Plaza. Nonetheless, solely South Plaza is accessible to vacationers.
South Plaza is dwelling to the biggest colony of land iguanas, in addition to a novel hybrid iguana and a bunch of sea birds.
Along with spectacular wildlife and nice snorkeling, you’ll additionally discover a dazzling array of vegetation. This creates a novel panorama in contrast to every other within the Galapagos.
Vibrant purple and purple Sesuvian creates a dense, colourful carpet, contrasting towards the prickly pear cacti.
8. Floreana Island Tour
Of all of the Galapagos islands, Floreana has the richest and most fascinating human historical past.
In addition to being the positioning of the primary “submit workplace”, it was dwelling to the primary Galapagos resident from 1807-1809 and was subsequently the primary island to be colonized by Ecuador in 1832.
Though its restricted freshwater entry makes it robust to inhabit as of late, Floreana nonetheless sustains a inhabitants of round 150 individuals and guests can keep in a single day.
Along with its human historical past, Floreana can be dwelling to each a black sand and inexperienced sand seashore, in addition to a colony of flamingos.
9. Academy Bay Snorkeling Tour
Academy Bay is the pure bay that Puerto Ayora inhabits.
A half-day tour will take you on a ship trip to quite a lot of totally different areas all through the bay and provide you with time for each snorkeling and on-land excursions.
🍽 The place to Eat & Drink in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has all kinds of nice choices for consuming and consuming to suit all budgets and preferences. This contains every part from high-end luxurious eating to native avenue meals and every part in between (even breweries)!
As you may anticipate, native meals comes with extra native worth tags, whereas European, Asian, and American fare can be found however will come at an identical worth to what you’d pay again dwelling.
Finest Price range & Native Meals: Los Kioskos
On Charles Binford Road you will see that a block of native, low-cost eating places that provide comida tipíca (typical native meals) at a really affordable worth.
You’ll discover many choices for $5 that embody juice, soup, and a important.
Finest Espresso: 1835 Espresso Lab
If you’re like us, you want an excellent cup of espresso to get you going within the morning. 1835 Espresso Lab is the place you’ll want to keep in mind as it’s the finest cafe in Puerto Ayora.
All their espresso is nice, however their chilly brew goes down notably nicely within the warmth! The truffles, nevertheless, are simply okay.
Finest Beer: Santa Cruz Brewery
A brew with a view is what you will see that at Santa Cruz Brewery!
The craft beers at Santa Cruz Brewery are all made within the Galapagos. The brewery has a number of totally different ingenious beers on faucet and is among the few locations on the islands you’ll discover something past mild lager.
We didn’t eat right here however heard the meals is common at finest.
Finest Ice Cream & Pizza: Galapagos Deli
This was the very best place we discovered for each pizza and ice cream in Santa Cruz. With that stated, we’d have thought-about this pizza simply mediocre if we’d had it at a restaurant again dwelling. Nonetheless, it was fairly good for the Galapagos (although not so good as Giuseppe’s on San Cristobal island).
The ice cream was excellent and got here in all kinds of wonderful flavors. Our favorites have been lemon and the salted caramel.
Finest for a Particular Event: Finch Bay Restaurant
Assuming you’re staying in Puerto Ayora, you have to to take a water taxi to achieve Finch Bay Restaurant.
Situated on the Finch Bay Resort, you’ll be able to anticipate wonderful high quality seafood, in addition to a variety of different dishes, and scrumptious cocktails.
Finest for Sushi: Midori Sushi
Whereas we by no means received round to attempting it, Midori Sushi was really helpful to us time and time once more and, as their title suggests, their sushi is reportedly unbelievable.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Santa Cruz
Under are solutions to essentially the most incessantly requested questions on Santa Cruz Island that the majority first-time guests have.
Merely click on the drop-down arrows to disclose solutions.
Is Santa Cruz the very best Galapagos island to remain on?
Santa Cruz gives a wider array of vacationer companies, reminiscent of eating places, lodges, and outlets, than every other Galapagos island, making it the best choice to remain on for many guests. It additionally has an airport!
Some think about San Cristobal to be the superior alternative of islands to remain on in Galapagos, however which is finest is fully subjective to private preferences.
What’s Santa Cruz island within the Galapagos recognized for?
Santa Cruz is the foremost vacationer hub of the Galapagos islands. It’s the most populated and developed of the islands and residential to one in all solely two airports that you would be able to fly into.
Along with all kinds of retailers, eating places, bars, lodges, and tour operators, a number of the important points of interest on Santa Cruz island are the Charles Darwin Analysis Station & Tortoise Breeding Middle, Tortuga Bay, Gordon Rocks, and Las Grietas.
Why go to Santa Cruz island in Galapagos?
Santa Cruz is the very best Galapagos island to start and/or finish a visit as it’s one in all solely two locations that you would be able to fly to or from Galapagos. Moreover, Santa Cruz is the foremost vacationer hub of the area and gives extra tourism companies than every other island.
Different causes to go to Santa Cruz embody seeing large Galapagos tortoises within the wild at El Chato or child tortoises at Charles Darwin Analysis Station, diving Gordon Rocks, and arranging day journeys to a number of the close by uninhabited islands reminiscent of Isla Bartolome, Isla Pinzon, Isla Floreana, or North Seymour.
Are you able to keep on Santa Cruz Island Galapagos?
Santa Cruz is by far the most well-liked of the 4 islands that you would be able to keep on in Galapagos. The islands you’ll be able to keep on, so as of recognition and inhabitants, are:
- Santa Cruz
- San Cristobal
- Isabela
- Floreana
What number of days do you want in Santa Cruz Galapagos?
You’ll solely want 2-3 days to discover the highlights and high points of interest of Santa Cruz island, however you’ll want to finances an additional day for any excursions you want to add to your itinerary.
Santa Cruz is the gateway to many uninhabited islands that may solely be visited through cruise or on a tour starting in Santa Cruz. These embody the islands of Floreana, Bartolome, Santiago, North Seymour, Pinzon, South Plaza, and Santa Fe.
How do you get round in Santa Cruz Galapagos?
One of the best ways to get round Santa Cruz is by strolling as most points of interest and tour beginning factors are positioned inside the city of Puerto Ayora.
For a number of the distant locations chances are you’ll want to go to, there are buses and inexpensive taxis accessible, in addition to bicycle leases for the actually adventurous.
There aren’t any automobile leases accessible within the Galapagos islands.
The place can I see a Galapagos large tortoise on Santa Cruz?
One of the best place to see a wild Galapagos large tortoise in Santa Cruz is at El Chato Ranch within the Highlands, however you can even see child and juvenile tortoises on the Charles Darwin Analysis Station & Breeding Middle on the town.
Are you able to stroll round Santa Cruz Galapagos?
Puerto Ayora is the one main city on Santa Cruz island and may be explored fully by foot. For locations that aren’t in strolling distance, you’ll have to rent a taxi, e-book a tour, or lease a motorcycle.
📚 Extra Galapagos Journey Guides
The 2 of us work very laborious to create these free journey guides that will help you plan your dream trip. For those who assume we’ve performed an excellent job and wish to say thanks, please think about clicking the donate button beneath 🙂
Now that you understand how many days you’ll need in your Galapagos trip, it’s time for the remainder of your planning!
These guides will provide help to via the method step-by-step, offering perception on every part from discovering flights to high actions and a lot extra.
💬 Ultimate Ideas
The 2 of us work very laborious to create these free journey guides that will help you plan your dream trip. For those who assume we’ve performed an excellent job and wish to say thanks, please think about clicking the donate button beneath 🙂
We actually hope you could have discovered this whole information to Santa Cruz island in Galapagos helpful as you propose the Ecuadorian trip of a lifetime.
Now we’d like to listen to from YOU!
Was there any info that you just discovered complicated, inaccurate, outdated, or lacking?
Or maybe that is the very best information you’ve discovered on the subject and had your whole questions answered?
No matter your ideas, we wish to hear them! Assist us to assist future readers like your self by offering your suggestions within the feedback beneath.
Now we’d like to listen to from YOU!
Was there any info that you just discovered complicated, inaccurate, outdated, or lacking?
Or maybe that is the very best information you’ve discovered on the subject and had your whole questions answered?
No matter your ideas, we wish to hear them! Assist us to assist future readers like your self by offering your suggestions within the feedback beneath.
Loved this Final Information to Santa Cruz? Pin it! 🙂
