The Best Things to do in Santa Cruz Galapagos

In this guide, you’ll find lots of information about things to do in Santa Cruz Galapagos and how to plan your time.

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If you’re are planning a visit to the Galapagos you may also [easyazon_link identifier=”1786570629″ locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]find this guide to the islands useful.[/easyazon_link]

Santa Cruz Ecuador is the most popular island in the Galapagos, and whether you’re visiting on a cruise or taking a land-based tour, you’re likely to visit the island on your Galapagos travel.

It’s no surprise that Isla Santa Cruz is so popular; it’s close to the main airport, its the largest and most developed town.

The beaches are beautiful and easily accessible, there are some excellent snorkelling and dive sites nearby, and remote highlands are home to the wild tortoise, lava tunnels and much more.

It’s worth spending at least three days on Santa Cruz during your trip to Galapagos Islands, although you could quickly fill a whole week.

The main town is called Puerto Ayora and is on the south of the island. Almost everyone who visits stays in the city as that’s where the hotels, restaurants and travel agents are.

The main street, Avenida Charles Darwin, is home to most of these although you will find a few local shops in the blocks behind.

If you are expecting the town to be a green oasis full of exotic animals, you’ll be disappointed. It’s not too dissimilar to other small towns in Ecuador.

However, you will find sea lions on the beach and at the local market.

Things to do in Santa Cruz Island Galapagos

When looking at what to do on Santa Cruz Island Galapagos you may be surprised. There are quite a few free things to do in Santa Cruz, compared with other islands. 

There’s also a good variety of day trips to explore which are reasonably priced.

It’s no secret that Galapagos islands travel is expensive but here on Santa Cruz island Ecuador your money does go a little further.

Things to do in Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora, maybe the largest of the Galapagos towns, but it’s small in comparison to most towns. That said there are a few things that you can do, many of which are free.

Charles Darwin Research Station

At the end of Avenida Charles Darwin (opposite end to the waterfront) is the Charles Darwin Research Centre.

It’s one of the top places to visit on Santa Cruz and a great place to start your Santa Cruz itinerary. 

The centre is home to 200 scientists who continue to research and preserve the precious eco-systems of the Galapagos archipelago. The centre has an extensive breeding program for Giant tortoise, and you can get up close to these mammoth animals during your visit.

You can also spend time in the baby tortoise house and see the incubators which are vital to the breeding program. Once the tortoises are 4-5 years, the centre releases them back into the wild on their home islands.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

The giant tortoise is endemic to the Galapagos, but there are 16 different subspecies. However, six are now extinct, leaving only 10 in existence today.

You can recognise which species they are from the shape of their shell. The ones found on Santa Cruz have a much more rounded shell compared to those living on Isabela island.

The islands of Galapagos are indeed named after the shape of the tortoiseshell. The Santa Cruz tortoise has a shell that resembles the saddle of a horse, which is galapaguera, in Spanish, hence the name Galapagos.

To get the most out of a visit to the Charles Darwin Centre its best to take the guided tour. They are free, and then you’ll learn lots about the research work at the centre.

Lonesome George

One of the highlights of the trip, although it is a little unusual is the embalmed body of Lonesome George.

George was the last tortoise of his species to exist, and when he died a few years ago, the breed became extinct. The scientists tried hard to match his DNA but failed, so George was preserved and is now an exhibit.

To see him you spend 2 minutes in pre acclimatisation unit, which also eliminates any bugs and then you’re taken into a white and relatively dark room, in which he is there, stuffed and behind glass.

George is enormous and more significant than any of the other tortoises I’d seen throughout my Galapagos vacation.

What else is on display at the Charles Darwin Centre?

There are also informative displays about some of the other endemic animals of the Galapagos Islands.

These include a section on land iguanas with information of the centre’s efforts to restore their numbers on islands in Galapagos where they are now almost extinct.

At the end of the tour, don’t miss the impressive Skelton of Bryde’s whale, he’s gigantic.

If you don’t get a chance to see a whale during your time in the Galapagos this skeleton will give you a good idea of how large these mammals are.

The exhibition centre also has exhibits which display the natural history of the archipelago in a fun and informative way.

If you want to learn more, you can spend some time in the library which has lots of books and research papers on the Galapagos. There’s also a cafe if you need a bite to eat and a caffeine boost.

The paths around the whole Darwin research centre are well laid out, and there are some beautiful flora and fauna to enjoy in the gardens.

Its a place where you can spend a good couple of hours relaxing and learning about the spectacular natural wonders of these magnificent islands.

Getting a Galapagos stamp in your passport

Tip – At the end of your visit, you can get a stamp in your passport. It’s a little hefty at $25, but the money goes towards further research.

Given that the centre is free to visit, I think its a donation to a worthy and vital cause.

Santa Cruz Fish Market

If you walk to the Charles Darwin Centre from town, you’ll pass the small but exciting fish market along the way. It’s easy to spot as its a popular spot for the local pelicans and sea lions to hang out. Can’t think why? 

The fish is not only fresh, but there’s a broad and diverse selection. You can see fresh lobsters getting weighed, the fishmongers in action as they portion up the tuna fish for sale and breeds that you’ll have never seen before.

Be warned though they don’t keep the fish on ice and the large frigate birds swoop in low and fast above your head, chancing their luck at an easy catch.

Tortuga Bay Galapagos

Tortuga Bay is one of Santa Cruz islands hidden gems. Most people only walk as far as Playa Mansa. Still, if you walk that little bit further, you’ll be rewarded by the idyllic surroundings and spectacular snorkeling opportunities in Santa Cruz, Tortuga Bay.

To get to Tortuga Bay, you can take a water taxi, but most people choose to walk.

It takes around 45 minutes from the centre of Puerto Ayora, although you can shorten this by taking a taxi to the start of the trail.

The trail begins near the educational centre, which is not far from the waterfront and its signposted to Tortuga Bay. The path is open between 6 am and 6 pm.

On arrival, you have to sign in at the small building. There are no washrooms at the beach, so take the opportunity to relieve yourself here before continuing. The kiosk there is the last place that sells snacks and refreshments if you forgot to pack some.

The Trail to Tortuga Bay

The climb at the start of the trail up the stone steps is the most challenging part. At the top, the paths are mostly flat as they wind through the surrounding bushland.

Keep your eyes peeled along the way for wildlife and birds. Amongst the cacti and plants that line the path, you’ll see numerous birds of the Galapagos Islands such as mockingbirds and yellow warblers.

Lookout on the trail for lava lizards and iguanas basking in the sun. There are lots to see, so take your time, and enjoy the walk. The stone path is approximately 2.5km, and it’ll bring you to Playa Brava where you can stop and relax for a while.

Playa Brava is a stunning beach with beautiful white sand. However, swimming is prohibited due to the strong currents, so don’t be tempted.

For a perfect stretch of an idyllic paradise, you need to walk along the beach to the right where you’ll see a trail that leads through the mangroves. This path will bring you to a Playa Mansa which is a safe swimming cove.

The water here is crystal clear, and there’s plenty of marine life to see so don’t forget to bring your snorkelling gear. You can also rent Kayaks on the beach if snorkelling isn’t for you.

There’s a good chance of swimming with marine iguana’s, and if you’re lucky, turtles, rays and sea lions may also join you.  

Laguna de las ninfas 

A few blocks from the main pier is the peaceful and beautiful Laguna de las Ninfas. It’s a great place to escape from the crowds in town.

The boardwalks make it easy to walk around the beautiful turquoise water and see the water birds that visit.

It’s a great place to relax and read a book. You’re unlikely to be disturbed as few tourists make it here.

Garrapatero Beach 

An alternative to Tortuga Bay is El Garrapatero Beach, but you’ll need to take either a land taxi or water taxi to get there.

From Puerto Ayora it’s approximately a 35-minute ride in a cab. Make sure you make arrangements with the driver to pick you up.

You can spend anything from a couple of hours to half a day here, it depends on how much you like snorkelling and relaxing at a Galapagos beach.

From the car park, there’s a trail similar to the one at Tortuga but much shorter, and it’ll only take you around 15 minutes to get to El Garrapatero Beach.

The beach is much quieter during the week than those at Tortuga Bay as it requires more effort to get here. The reward is having a stretch of paradise all to yourself.

However, it is a hotspot for locals at the weekend.

The white silica sand and calm waters are perfect. There’s plenty of marine life to see snorkelling, and you’re bound to come across the marine iguanas either sunbathing or taking a dip in the sea. 

There’s also a short trail that you can follow to a lagoon that often has flamingos and other water birds.

If you prefer to book an organised trip, check out this full-day trip which includes Garrapatero Beach.

Things to do around Isla Santa Cruz Galapagos

Taking the time to explore the island is well worth the effort and unlike many of the other islands, you don’t always need a National Park guide.

Las Grietas Galapagos Islands

Close to Puerto Ayora and almost a free excursion is the popular activity of swimming at Las Grietas. However, its more about the unusual location and rock formations than the snorkelling.

Grieta translates to crevasse or cracks. Here the earth has opened to form a channel where you can swim in the ocean. The lava formations make for compelling underwater viewing, and the water is crystal clear.

There is some fish to see, but it’s nowhere near as exciting as other snorkelling places. That said the water is warmer here and quite shallow so you can see the fish in close proximity.

How to get to Las Grietas

To get there you need to take a water taxi from the central pier in Puerto Ayora to Angermeyer Waterfront Inn which is just across the way.

Follow the beach with the ocean on your left-hand side to the start of the trail. Its takes around 15 minutes to get to Las Grietas and the path is a little precarious in places.

You’ll pass through a Cacti forest and a salt lagoon with lava rocks dotted around. It’s far removed from the landscape of Puerto Ayora and rather Jurassic like in character.

The wooden viewing platform over Las Grietas and the surrounding area offers spectacular views. The water that flows through the crevasse looks emerald green from above, and it’s worth visiting for the surrounding natural beauty.

To swim in Las Grietas you have to climb over the rocks at the end of a wooden jetty. It can be busy and the algae on the rocks makes it rather slippery, hence its best to wear [easyazon_link identifier=”B07496VHQJ” locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]water shoes[/easyazon_link] to avoid injury.

To avoid the crowds get there early. If you do go later in the day make sure you leave while there’s still plenty of daylight as the trail and area has no lights.

Once you get back to the pier if you wave at one of the water taxi’s they’ll come over and get you. The ride will cost 80 cents each way.

Punta Estrada Santa Cruz Galapagos 

In front of the Finch Bay hotel is the beautiful Punta Estrada Beach. It’s a great place to relax for a few hours on your way to Las Grietas. 

El Chato Galapagos Nature Reserve

El Chato is a large nature reserve in the highlands and one of the few places that you can see giant tortoises in the wild.

It’s also an excellent place for bird watchers to spot vermillion flycatchers and long-eared owls.

You can either take a tour of the highlands or organise your own visit by hiring a taxi for the day.

If you plan to take a taxi and wish to purchase entrance tickets ahead of your visit to El Chato you can do so at this link.

Seeing tortoises in their natural environment is spectacular, and it’s incredible how close they’ll let you get—however, it’s against the park rules to touch them or go within 2 metres.

The paths around the park are easy to navigate, and the guides will fill you in the tortoise’s habitat and surrounding fauna.

Taxi’s to the area cost approximately $50 US.

Rancho Primicias Ranch

Close to El Chato is the private tortoise reserve Primicias. Unlike El Chato, you can roam around the ranch without a national park guide and see the wild tortoise.

The farm has a cafe selling drinks and refreshments, so its a great place to stop on a highland visit. There are no paths around the ranch, and it can be quite muddy.

However, they offer you free wellington boots when you enter.

Your entry ticket also includes free entrance into the lava tunnel which is down the road from the ranch.

Entry costs US $5 Giant Tortoises at El Chato Reserve

Lava tunnels Santa Cruz

The lava tunnels near the village of Santa Rosa are impressive and approximately 1km in length.

There is lighting, unlike some of the others on the island, and as they are on private property, you can visit without a national park guide.

The tunnels or lava tubes form when the outer layer of a lava flow hardens and forms a crust. The molten rock inside eventually flows out, leaving a tunnel.

If you want to walk through the tunnels its advisable to wear hiking boots and long trousers as the ground is rocky in places and there are sections in which you have to crawl.

However, you don’t have to walk the entire length. You can see the magnetic layers of strata close to the entrance, so if confined spaces aren’t for you, you can get a good idea of what it’s like without venturing too far into the tunnel.

Los Gemelos Galapagos

Approximately 2km from Santa Rosa are two sinkholes close to the edge of the main road, although you can’t see them from a car. However, a taxi driver will know where to find them, or you can visit them on a highlands tour.

Los Gemelos is the name of the sinkholes, which translates to twins. It’s another unique geological site, and once again the scenery is stunning.

There is a trail that you can follow around the craters which takes you through the forest. Many of the trees here are endemic to the Galapagos Islands, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you can spot various wildflowers.

You can spend as little as 30 minutes here or a good few hours if you walk the entire trail. It depends on how much you want to indulge in the natural beauty of the area.

Galapagos Island trips from Santa Cruz

One of the best things about staying on the island of Santa Cruz is that there are plenty of day trips from Puerto Ayora to islands close by that you can take.

North Seymour Island

North Seymour is one of my favourite islands on the Galapagos. Not only is it a short boat ride away compared to many islands, the birds that you see there are spectacular.

During the breeding season (June to August) the number of frigates and boobies that visit make the island one of the most active breeding sites. As you walk around with a guide, you can almost touch the nests and young chicks.

The magnificent frigate birds proudly inflate their huge red chests and display their wings to attract females.

The wingspan of these birds can almost reach 2.5 metres which is the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird in the world.

Charles Darwin nicknamed them “the condor of the ocean” and watching them soar above your hide is fantastic. They seem to glide effortlessly for hours.

You’re bound to see lots of blue-footed boobies on the island. Their chicks are ever so cute with their beautiful white fluffy feathers. Like the frigate birds, you can get ever so close to the nests, and the parents don’t seem to mind.

Watching and observing the wildlife on this island at such proximity is a real privilege. It’s unbelievable how the birds don’t see the humans as a threat. Nor do they seem to mind having thousands of pictures taken.

The island is also an excellent place to spot Land iguanas. They can be hard to spot as their yellow colouring camouflages well with the sandy paths.

However, with a bit of luck, you’ll catch one basking in the sun on a rock. They are huge, and their conical spines look quite scary. However, they are vegetarian so they won’t be interested in you.

You can book your day trip to North Seymour Island here on Tripadvisor.

Mosquera Island

Mosquera island is small, and tour companies generally combine Galapagos day trips here with one of the other islands. The island lies between Baltra and Seymour.

It’s a little piece of paradise with its beautiful, white silica sand and crystal clear water. The main attraction is the sea lions which love to swim in the surrounding waters.

Be warned, however, they can be quite boisterous in the water, and they’re much bigger than you expect. On my first swim here, a group of them surrounded me, swimming right up to my mask.

Let me tell you I was terrified, as I tried to swim back to the beach, they chased me. However, it turns out that they just want to play and after a few more swims I started to relax.

It was great fun, letting the waves wash you back to shore with the sea lions. They seemed to love it as well.

The guide did warn us that the males can be quite dominating and its best not to get too close. It doesn’t take long to sense whether the sea lion is playing or not.

Unfortunately, if they want to play, they don’t take no for an answer. They’ll keep swimming up to you until you join in the game.

The snorkelling around the island is good too, and there’s plenty of fish to see as the clarity of the water is excellent.

Go scuba diving at Gordon Rocks

For many people going diving in this part of the world is one of the best things to do in the Galapagos.

Gordon Rocks is one of the best dive sites and people come here to swim with hammerhead sharks. 

The currents are strong around the rocks which is what pulls the sharks in, however, it means that swimming can be challenging and therefore it’s not a suitable site for beginners.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands

You can fly to Galapagos Santa Cruz island from either Quito or Guayaquil on the mainland.

Flights to Galapagos take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Guayaquil. You can compare flight costs on Skyscanner which is my go-to website for airline tickets.

There are several Galapagos islands flights a day from the mainland, but I would opt for an earlier one. This allows you to make the most of your time here during your Galapagos islands vacation. 

Arrival at Galapagos Santa Cruz

Before you can reclaim your luggage and go exploring the things to do on Santa Cruz island Galapagos you have to pay the national park fee of $100. 

You’ll see a kiosk at the airport as you exit the plane.  Don’t worry as everyone has to join the queue and pay the fee, so just follow the other passengers. 

Once you’ve paid the fee you’ll be given a card which you have to keep until you depart the islands.  Visitor numbers are monitored to protect the wildlife and the entrance goes towards the conservation of the islands.

How to get to Santa Cruz Island from Galapagos airport

The airport is on Baltra island Galapagos and it takes the best part of an hour to get to Puerto Ayora. 

From the airport take the free bus to ‘Muelle’ where you can catch the ferry to Isla Santa Cruz. 

Both the bus and Santa Cruz island ferry journey take approximately 10 minutes each and they run regularly every day. 

The ferry costs $1 and you pay onboard.

Once off the ferry, you’ll be met by a bus which will take you to Puerto Ayora.  The ride takes around 45 minutes and costs $2 per person.

Hotels in Santa Cruz Galapagos

Santa Cruz is the largest town and its home to some of the best Galapagos hotels. If you prefer 5-star accommodation, the Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos or the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn are excellent choices.

Royal Palm Hotel

The royal palm hotel is a boutique resort with 21 rooms and villas for families.  It’s guests have included royalty with HRH Prince of Wales staying there previously. 

The property is surrounded by the lush green oasis of the Miconia highland forest and is away from the centre of town.  However, there is a free shuttle bus back and forth. 

There’s plenty of trails including some lava tunnels to explore within the 190-hectare estate and lots of wildlife on your doorstep. 

For more pictures and to check the price, click here.

The rooms are chic with everything you need for a perfect stay.  There’s also a pool, gym and spa if you fancy treating yourself.

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

The spectacular waterfront location of the Angermeyer Inn has a close affinity to the interior of this unique hotel. 

On the edge of Punta Estrada staying here means you’re only a few steps away from the beach. The hotel has its own private pier and water taxis are available around the clock to take you into Puerto Ayora. 

The sun terrace is a fantastic place to relax and watching the sunset while enjoying a delightful meal on the waterfront deck is magical.

The rooms are bright and many have expansive windows with a sea view. Its the perfect place to stay if you’re seeking a slice of paradise.

Check prices on Booking.com here or get more information on TripAdvisor at this link.

La-K-Leta Boutique Guesthouse

We stayed at the La K-Leta Boutique Guesthouse, which I can highly recommend. It doesn’t have a pool; hence it’s not five stars, but it has everything you could wish for in a place to stay.

The gardens are beautiful, and there’s a lovely reading room to relax in the evening. Every morning, they’ll serve you a delicious breakfast in your room, and you can choose from the menu the night before.

The staff are super attentive and will help you arrange transport to and from the airport if needed. The rooms have a fridge and a kettle for your convenience.

There’s also a large water decanter, so you don’t need to worry about buying bottles of plastic drinking water.

The property is within a short walking distance of the town centre, and there are several excellent restaurants close nearby. 

Click here to check prices and availability

Best time to go to Galapagos

The temperature varies little throughout the year so trips to Galapagos can be planned at any time of year. However, if you travel between June to September you’ll see plenty of birds with their young as its the breeding season.

Further reading on the Galapagos Islands

If you are planning on visiting the Galapagos Islands you may also be interested in this article on organising a DIY Galapagos land-based itinerary.

You can also read about the best things to do on Isabela Island at this link.

For any trip to the Galapagos islands, I would consider taking your own snorkeling gear with you. I’d also recommend packing an underwater camera.

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