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 CA $215 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $215
CA $215 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 hot tubs, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (358 reviews)
"Excellent property and the pool area was so beautiful. Breakfast was delicious and when we had early tours they wrapped up a to go breakfast as long as you told them the night before. If I ever come back to the Galapagos we will stay here again. Hot tub was great too."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Hotel Fiesta
Hotel el descanso del Guia

Hotel el descanso del Guia

3.5 out of 5
Calle Delfin, Barrio el Mirador, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The price is CA $81 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
CA $81
CA $81 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (165 reviews)
"Muy lindo todo <3"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Hotel el descanso del Guia
Hotel Cucuve

Hotel Cucuve

4 out of 5
Charles Binford 083 y Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
The price is CA $295 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
CA $295
CA $326 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (257 reviews)
Great hotel in Puerto Ayuro
"Excellent location, clean, friendly, and great breakfast. Highly recommend. Only caveat- the outdoor area on the water shown in photos is actually a couple blocks from the rest of the hotel. Not a big deal, but I was surprised."

Reviewed on Aug. 2, 2025

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 Gus Angermeyer ...
"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
Galapagos Coliving Ecuador Casa Tuna

Galapagos Coliving Ecuador Casa Tuna

3 out of 5
Miconia, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Gus Angermeyer ...
Galapagos Coliving Ecuador Casa Tuna
Galapagos and Beyond

Galapagos and Beyond

5 out of 5
Indefatigable entre Duncan & Juan, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
Stay at this 5-star luxury condo in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Las Ninfas ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Great stay! The rooms, the service, the breakfast, everything was great. Definitely stay here"

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Galapagos and Beyond
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.

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Cities near Santa Cruz Island