10+ fantastic things to do on Santa Cruz – the Galapagos Islands
Last updated on June 22nd, 2026 at 10:26 am
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Want to know the best things to do on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos?
You’re in the right place! The Galapagos Islands are a dream for wild side people – wildlife, hiking, snorkelling and more! There is plenty to do and plenty to see. But for now, lets focus on Santa Cruz – the main center of the islands and its ‘capital,’ Puerto Ayora.
Puerto Ayora is the jumping off point for much of the Galapagos Islands adventuring. It is a lovely town with a myriad of eating, drinking, and shopping haunts mixed in with plenty of local critters. It also provides easy access to some of the best things to do on or from Santa Cruz – including some brilliant diving, day trips, and local beaches and tortoise reserves.
2 – 5 day itinerary for Santa Cruz Island
Before we get into the details of all the things to do on Santa Cruz, here is how to put them together depending on how much time you have. You will find links to the locations and any tours in The best things to do in Santa Cruz section below
2 day trip
Day 1 – Arrive on the island (usually from the mainland or from San Cristobal) and transfer to Puerto Ayora. Visit the giant tortoises and lava tunnels in the highlands on the way
Day 2 – Take a day tour to Bartolomé (famous for the volcanic Pinnacle Rock and Galapagos penguins), or North Seymour (unbeatable for viewing blue-footed boobies and puffing frigatebirds), or Santa Fe (the best spot for snorkeling with wild sea lions and marine iguanas).
3 day trip:
Add another day tour to the first two days – Bartolomé (famous for the volcanic Pinnacle Rock and Galapagos penguins), or North Seymour (unbeatable for viewing blue-footed boobies and puffing frigatebirds), or Santa Fe (the best spot for snorkeling with wild sea lions and marine iguanas).
Ultimate 4-6 day trip:
Add to the 3 days above with any of these:
- One more tour – consider Floreana or South Plaza and Carrion Point. Diving tours if you are a diver.
- Visiting Tortuga Bay beach and kayak in the lagoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Center on the way, and go swimming at Las Grietas
- Going on a coffee tour and visit all the things around town – including the fish market, the malecon and Las Ninfas
- E-bike the Highlands and visit the lava tunnels, los gemelos, and a tortoise reserve. Head to Playa Garrapatero to finish off.
Ready to build your own custom trip? Keep scrolling for details on all the best things to do on Santa Cruz Island…
The best things to do in Santa Cruz island in the Galapagos
This list is in no particular order – if you are looking for the amazing day trips they are near the end of the list!
1. Visit the Highlands
There are a number of things to do in the highlands which you can do independently or on tours. I’m grouping them together as that is what many people do. These are the key highlights in the Highlands
1a. The giant tortoise fix
There are three key reserves for the giant tortoises on Santa Cruz – all up in the highlands; El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Rancho Primicias, and Rancho El Manzanillo.
These are three different private reserves where you can wander around watching tortoises in their natural habitats – as they come and go under the trees, or chilling in the mud pools and ponds. There are a number of different species, including the Giant tortoise.
The other things that these reserves are known for are the lava tunnels and the bird life. So they are also good for spending a bit of quiet time spotting birds like the flycatcher, finches, owls and pintails.
El Chato was the original reserve open to the public and you see the most written about it. However, Rancho Primicias is literally right next door to El Chato and has a very similar walk and way to see the tortoises in their natural habitat!
As for the lava tunnels. This is the main difference I think. El Chato has three small lava tunnels, so you can start with a shorter one and work your way up to the longer, darker ones (in case you get claustrophobic!). Primicias has one, almost a mile-long tunnel with no way of exiting earlier or turning around.
Finally, you can try the quieter Rancho El Manzanillo, who have the same sort of thing going on with the tortoises. They do local dance displays with meals at the restaurants so perhaps get in touch to see if you are able to combine a visit with this!
All three places have cafes / restaurants and currently supply rubber boots if wet. Please check that before you go though! Whatever you do – you are in the highlands so assume some wet and mud when getting ready to go!
To save time, you can go on this tour directly from the airport when you arrive – which includes all your transfers to your hotel as well as the tortoises and the lava tunnels – a great way to start your trip:
Transfer Airport-hotel in Galapagos Santa Cruz with visit to Giant Tortoises
And you can stay with the tortoises – a great way not to be rushed:
Giant Tortoises & Lava Tunnels Experience with Dome Stay
You can go alone or go on one of these combo tours at any other time:
- Santa Cruz: Giant Tortoise Watching and Lava Tunnels Tour
- Santa Cruz Highland Tour: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel & Gemelos
- BiciTour Giant Turtles and Lava Tunnel in Galapagos
1b. The twins – “Los Gemelos”
The twins are two big sink holes in the highlands of the island. They are formed when ancient lava tunnels collapse so kind of cool to see. But for me anyway, the coolest thing is the trees and birds en route – Darwin’s famous finches and short-eared owls! Super cool.
The trees are natives called scalesia and there is a fabulous forest of them growing high and dripping with lichens! This forest around Los Gemelos is one of the largest on the islands so its worth coming here for that. There is a loop walk around the twins – you can find it here on AllTrails.
How to get here?
Take a taxi and ask them to wait for you or go on one of these tours with a guide that will give you all sorts of information as you go:
- Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnels, & Tortuga Bay Beach Day Tour
- Santa Cruz Highland Tour: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel & Gemelos
- Giant Tortoises Tour, Lava Tunnels & Stop at Los Gemelos Craters”
Or you can hire a bike for a day and visited this and the lava tunnels and some of the beaches. This is about half way to Baltra – about 21km and 30km if you go to the lava tunnels too. (Okay – I admit it. We cheated – we got e-bikes!!) Just be aware of where you are going and have it on google maps etc – or you might bike straight on past it. The road goes between the two twins,’ and there are two paths – one for each.
1c. Walk through ancient lava tunnels – one of my favorite things to do in Santa Cruz
The long 1km lava tunnel in Santa Cruz is the best I have seen anywhere. (OK I’m sure I haven’t seen them all but this was great.) The tunnels on the island are also apparently over 1 million years old!
Lava tunnels are created when slow-moving lava solidifies while faster-moving lava continues to flow underneath. In the tunnel here you can see the ‘wave’ of the flow that happened. Its really quite eerie in a way to stop and ‘feel’ the way it formed – and incredible!
There is a cave like entrance that you go into from the trail from the road, then you are quickly in the lava tube itself. You need a torch. Simply keep walking through the tunnel until you get to the other end and pop back out into the sun!
We were completely alone in there – just me and my daughter and that was perfect. There was nobody else making any noise or shining their torches around, just us and the tunnel and we could go as slow as we liked.
How to get there?
Exactly the same as for los gemelos. Take a tour or try it alone – just make sure you know where to go before you leave. For me, apart from all the animals, this was one of the best things to do on Santa Cruz Island and in the Galapagos! These are some of the great combo tours:
- Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnels, & Tortuga Bay Beach Day Tour
- Santa Cruz Highland Tour: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel & Gemelos
- Giant Tortoises Tour, Lava Tunnels & Stop at Los Gemelos Craters”
Tip – don’t forget your torch or make sure your phone is well charged!
1d. Hike in the Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve (and see the tortoises)
This reserve is cheaper and offers a much quieter (you may be the only ones there) place to not just to see tortoises, but also to hike. You can go down into the large sinkhole – like los gemelos, but also walk up to a viewpoint with amazing views over the island.
It was a few dollars to enter and given there are some giant tortoises roaming as well as the hiking and general peace and quiet. I think it is an excellent option – and great value for money too!
We came by bike again – its off a side road on the way to Play El Garrapatero. (Read about that further down.) So the two make a good excursion with plenty to keep you entertained for a day out.
2. Watch the antics of the ‘hangers on’ at the fish market!
You don’t even have to leave town for some fun wildlife experiences. The Puerto Ayora Fish Market is a known haunt for brown pelicans and sea lions. You will see them – just hanging around waiting for tasty tit-bits from the fishermen and women! They are just part of the mix – vendors, shoppers and the animals!
Lupe (long may she live) is the famous sea lion here! She gets herself into prime position behind the counter and right underneath where the fish are being filleted etc. She’s not stupid! Lupe and all the other hangers on are a real laugh to watch – but its best from from either 7:30-10am or from 3-5pm when the boats unload.
3. Spot the wildlife in town and at the malecon
Also in town is the malecon (pier / wharf) at the end of Ave. Charles Darwin. You are more than likely to go here to catch a boat while you are in town, but come down during the day, and again in the evening to see the goings on!
You will see all kinds of wildlife activity here. Watch little reef sharks, turtles, and rays swimming, frigates fighting with pelicans for fish, sea lions napping on the seats and benches, and iguanas scattered around for good measure! There is also a famous giant tortoise statue on the way down to the wharf – just for good measure! Its definitely one of the easiest and best things to do in Santa Cruz for free!
Meanwhile boats come and go and in the evening in particular, locals seem to come to play music or games. Its just a good place to chill and let the bustle pass you by. Its also kind of a good idea to take your lead from the lounging sea lions!
4. Get a bit of peace and quiet at Laguna las Ninfas
Okay so I am including this in the hopes that it will be restored to what I am sure was its former glory – a boardwalk around this peaceful little lake / lagoon. You can still walk a little way around, but most of the boardwalk was closed for us. (Please tell me if this has changed in the comments!)
You will see plenty of fish, and birds come and go. We saw a few green turtles and a ray – but I guess that’s luck of the draw. Even if you see nothing but fish and birds, its a change from the hustle and bustle of the malecon just a block away – quite peaceful! Check it out and hopefully when you go it will be all restored!
5. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station is an interesting place with a lot of information and a few exhibits. For me the most interesting thing is the amazing number of tortoises released back into the wild from the breeding center – over 7000 from this one alone! (Probably 8000 or more by the time you read this!). And yes definitely – you can see the babies here!!
The other fascinating thing is the story of “Lonesome George” – the last of his species who died in 2012. Unsuccessful in mating with other species, modern technology means they may be able to resurrect his species from extinction! By breeding tortoises with a high percentage of the genes of Lonesome George’s species until after a few generations a genetically identical tortoise will be born. Crazy right? 2012.
I should also mention that you can see and learn about the many different types of Galapagos endemic flora and some information about Charles Darwin here too. Its quite unique flora so worth a look before you go and see it all for real!
After visiting the information and breeding part of the center, go down the iguana-strewn path to Playa de La Estacion and Playa Ratonera. These beaches are small and close together, and great on a good day but not so great if its rough and windy. But on a good day – nice to swim and snorkel even if they are small. You may see turtles!
Tip – you need to show your National Park entry ticket (you buy at the airport) for entry to the station.
6. Swim and snorkel at Las Grietas – the cracks!
The cracks, the rifts, the crevasses – however you translate it, this is a cool swimming, and even snorkeling, spot. It was one of my favorite things to do on Santa Cruz. It is effectively a long pool between the rocks either side and has lovely clear and semi-fresh water.
Note that there is a walkway along the top of Las Grietas that almost nobody bothers to walk along. I highly recommend you take this short path to see Las Grietas from above – if you still can.
There is a fee to go in, but I think it is still worth it. Because for me, again apart from the animals, this was one of the best things to do on Santa Cruz Island and in the Galapagos! I loved it!
How to get to Las Grietas
From Puerto Ayora, take a water taxi from the docks and ask for Punta Estrada or just say you’re going to Las Grietas. It’s a two minute ride in the water taxi. Then, the short version is, then follow the only path until it ends. You can find it on AllTrails here.
Long version – walk along the boardwalk past a few higher-end bars, restaurants and hotel. The boardwalk goes to Playa de los Alemanes – cross the beach. Keep on walking on the path and you will pass some interesting pinkish salt flats usually with some bird life! After about 15 minutes you’ll reach Las Grietas. Its a fun little walk and totally easy.
You have to go in with a guide – you can hire one at Las Grietas or go on this tour:
Half Day Bay Tour in Santa Cruz Island (also includes wildlife and great info from the guide.)
Tips for visiting Las Grietas
- Go either early in the morning – this is really fabulous, or around noon when the sun is directly above making it sparkly. (Although early in the morning its cool too and you wont get burnt and it may be more peaceful!) I went around 6-7x (I know!!!) at all times of day, and my favorite was early morning!
- On the way back stop at Playa de los Alemanes to swim, sunbathe or snorkel. If you decide to try your luck at snorkeling, the mangroves on your right tend to be a shark hangout at high tide, and the rocks right out are good for sea snakes at low tide!
- You are limited to 45 minutes. Its still worth coming at least once.
7. Sunbathe, swim, snorkel, surf or kayak at one or more of the beaches
You have a few options on Santa Cruz if you have some spare time for this. The closest are in easy walking distance from Puerto Ayora – but this includes the most beautiful beach and plenty of wildlife options. Others involve a long walk, a bike ride, or a taxi trip.
A note on surfing in Santa Cruz
San Cristobal is more famous for surfers than Santa Cruz. But you can go to Tortuga Bay, La Ratonera beach, Tres Picos, Playa el Bazan beach, and Piedra Ahogada. All have good surf in the right conditions!
7a. Playa de los Alemanes
As mentioned above, this is a great beach to combine with a visit to Las Grietas. What I hadn’t mentioned yet is that you can rent kayaks from the nearby Finch Bay Hotel as well as swim or snorkel. Note that there is not a lot of sand left at high tide!
7b. Playa de La Estacion and Playa Ratonera
A great little add on to a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Center as described there. Turtles and iguanas will be your companions. You might see colorful fish in the pools too! What more can you want?
Answer = no wind!
Its great on a calm day with an small but easy access point to the water, but no good on a windy wavy day!
7c. Tortuga Bay Beach
Beautiful Tortuga Bay is probably the most beautiful beach in the Galapagos, and even made the top 25 beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor. So its definitely very nice and its also an easy 30-40 min walk along a well formed pathway from the end of Charles Binford Street in Puerto Ayora.
The path winds through mangroves and cactus forests along the coast – then comes to a gorgeous white sand beach. The sand is so lovely and fine! Iguanas will walk the beach with you, while surfers catch the waves.
Its not a safe beach so walk right along the beach to the end and then cross over to the protected lagoon – its great for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling. Rays, fish, turtles and little sharks can be found there – including little hammerheads if you are really lucky! Even better, you can get some shade here so bring water and snacks and stay a while!
You can go alone or take a tour – this one with an underwater specialist is really good for the wildlife lovers like me!
Tips for visiting Tortuga Bay:
- Bring all you will need – there are no facilities except some shade from bushes / trees!
- The water can be murky depending on the day – swim further out for turtles if you are a good swimmer. You may or may not see the sea life – just don’t count on it.
- You can rent a kayak here if you feel the urge. I didn’t – lol!
- There is a little lookout on the left at the end of the beach – on the sea side. You should see turtles swimming around below from here.
- Even if you see not one animal (almost impossible), its worth coming to enjoy this beautiful beach for a while.
7d. Garrapatero Beach
This beach is about 10km from Puerto Ayora by road and then a short walk (15 mins) through a cactus forest to the beach. Its maybe not as beautiful as Tortuga Bay but it is still a white sand beach – with a few volcanic rocks thrown about for good measure. It is also much quieter and more predictable with the wildlife, which more than makes it another great beach contender.
Behind the beach is a small lagoon which has pink flamingoes – that’s enough to keep me happy alone! You can also sit in the shade and watch the finches above and the sea lions and pelicans busy fishing and waddling around the beach.
On a good day, there is a tidal pool off the coast which is a great place to snorkel – with turtles, sea lions, fish, and marine iguanas!! A definite wild side place to go!
Tips for visiting Garrapatero Beach
- It can be very windy – try and pick your day!
- The walk through the cactus forest has the famously very poisonous Manchineel trees! Be very aware – do not touch or go near them at all.
- Its great to rent a bike and come here, stopping at the Cerro Mesa Reserve on the way. But I do advise an e-bike as it does involve a bit of hill work and coming back there’s a steep bit!
- You’ll often have the beach to yourself, especially during midweek.
- You can camp here with prior permission – read more about camping here!
7e. Playa las Bachas
We went here as part of a trip to North Seymour Island (which I really recommend during frigate mating season), but you can apparently go via land. You need to get to the north end of the island close to where the ferry to the airport is. There is a path on the left going toward the ferry. To be honest I’m not sure if this goes to Playa las Bachas proper, or to another beach on the same shoreline.
Either way its a beautiful beach with turquoise water and some old wrecks hiding in the sand. Las Bachas means “The Barges” in English. The U.S. Navy abandoned two ships here after the end of WWII and that is what you see.
This is a lovely clear swimming beach with marine iguanas, sea lions, and reef sharks around. Also there are plenty of the lovely orange sally-lightfoot crabs on the rocks as well as pelicans and other birdlife. If you walk to the top of the beach you will see the lagoon behind which had pink flamingos when we were there. Beautiful!
8. Learn about old-style coffeeeeeeee making!
On the way to Playa Garrapatero is El Trapiche Ecologico Galapagos. Go for the coffee, but more than that, go for the heck of a laugh you will get with Senor Cabrera. He does only speak Spanish but I don’t think it matters (although I speak half decent Spanish). And he does sometimes have people there that speak some English.
His production is very much old school and he shows you how cane juice is extracted, how it is distilled etc, as well as how coffee beans are harvested and roasted. It is fun and interesting and even better you can do tastings of his chocolate. Yum – of course! There are other coffee farms on the island so you might want to check them out too.
There is also Highland Views – but its a little touristy, although the views are good! They show you how to make sugar cane juice as well but you are really only likely to want to come here if you want that Instagram shot on their huge swings over the hill, or if you have kids and want to entertain them feeding farm animals etc. Take a taxi or catch a bus to El Cascajo (2x a day) and walk back down the hill to find the path up to Highland Views.
Note – there is a new and highly recommended coffee tour that you should consider. I haven’t done it but its definitely worth looking at!
9. Day Trips off shore – land based
This is where it gets hard. What day trips should you do – if any? Unfortunately so much depends on what else you are doing on the other islands – if you are a diver or not, what you want to see, and so on. I did three day trips from Santa Cruz but had already spent a lot of time in San Cristobal and Isabela so had seen a lot and been on day trips in those islands too. But some of these were among the best things I did, not just in Santa Cruz, but in the Galapagos.
North Seymour Island
I do recommend that you go on the very popular trip to North Seymour Island if it is during frigate mating season (June to May). Look into different options as to what visiting this island can be combined with too – Playa las Bachas is a definite option (we did that). You can also a cruise past Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) to see land iguanas and other wildlife as you sail along the shoreline.
These are highly recommended tours:
On North Seymour Island itself you can hike the island’s easy trails and spot sea lions, orange land iguanas and all kinds of marine birds including swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and, of course, frigates. During mating season the male frigates are stunning to see showing off their puffed red chests and doing the best dance moves they can to show off and attract a lady! After walking the island you can go snorkeling and swimming with sea lions.
Bartolomé Island
This Full day Bartolomé Island and Sullivan Bay trip is more about the geography and the iconic Galapagos volcanic landscape photo taken from a viewpoint you hike to on the island. You will likely head there through the Daphne Island and may spot penguins on the way.
Honestly I decided not to do this trip as it was a long day and by this point I had been in the Galapagos about a month and did not feel the need. But that is not to say you would not want to go there – especially if you were not going to other islands. The trip is apparently 80% hiking and 20% swimming when you get there – but you do get that iconic view!
Floreana Island
You can go and stay at Floreana Island for a few nights – it is the fourth island you can stay on but there is not a lot of infrastructure like the other islands. You can also go one of these well rated day tours:
- Day Tour to Floreana Island with Highland Tour and Snorkeling
- Day Tour to Floreana Island with Snorkeling and Fishing
Some tours may visit the famous Post Office Bay. So do check carefully what the day tour will do and choose according to what you like doing.
Post Office Bay? You can take postcards and leave them – no stamps required. You are meant to take postcards that you can hand deliver at home. The concept is one from ancient mariner times when sailors would leave mail in a barrel there and take any mail destined for where they were heading.
You will most likely swim at La Loberia beach which is covered in sea lions and iguanas. In the water are lots of turtles, octopus and fish!
Other main sights on the island are “Asilo de la paz” where you follow a trail to find an old pirates cave and a big-face rock carving. A fresh water spring is nearby too. You get great views of the island from up here in the highlands.
Tip: Take sea sickness medication before you leave if you get the slightest bit motion sick!
Sante Fe Island
Santa Fé is famous for the large colony of sea lions that live on the beautiful beach this day trip goes to. Its also known for it’s giant opuntia cacti and yellow colored Santa Fe land iguanas found only on the island. There is a little trail on the island that you can follow to see these and other animals such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. My favorite was the Galapagos hawk – very stunning!
The other thing Sante Fe is known for is the snorkeling! The marine life is great and on this tour you get plenty of time in the water: From Puerto Ayora: Santa Fe Island Snorkeling Day Tour
South Plaza Island
This place I loved! I was there at the right time of year for the incredible colors the island can display. The plant called Galapagos carpetweed, (Sesuvium) covers a lot of the ground and these plants change color depending on the season. They go a bright red, violet and yellow during the dry season, from June to January and a deep green during the rainy season, from February to May.
I was there during “red” season – it was a stunning landscape! Walking around the island – up to the cliffs and along the edge watching the tropic birds with their long tails swooping and soaring was just fabulous. And you will see land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls (which are the only nocturnal gull in the world), and blue-footed boobies. The land iguanas here were very cool somehow!
The island itself was formed by the seabed being uplifted, so it is like a big flat but upward sloped hill from the sea on one side leading to a cliff edge on the other. There are also lots of opuntia cacti, like on Santa Fe.
A day trip is sometimes combined with snorkeling at Carrion Point which is a favorite snorkel and dive spot. Try one of these tours:
- Day Trip to South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora
- South Plazas Island and Carrión Point on Board of Sea Lion Yacht
10. Day Trips – Snorkel and Diving
The Galapagos have very nutrient rich waters so that means it is not always as clear water as you would like. But, there is still some great snorkeling and diving to be had. I cant dive due to my ears – cruel isn’t it!! But I had friends diving so have taken their lead in recommendations as well as others.
Top and favorite snorkeling spots include
- Pinzon Island and La Fé beach (usually a combined trip) – many tropical fish, sea lions, white-tip reef sharks, huge turtles, and blue sharks. At La Fé beach – marine iguanas, puffer fish, manta rays, and starfish. Try this tour: Pinzón Island: Snorkel, Fish, and Relax in Paradise
- Carrion Point – rays, sea lions, sharks, and a whole host of vibrant reef fish swimming in and out of the corals. Often combined with a trip to South Plaza
- Plaza Islands and Daphne Mayor Island – you might spot eagles and manta rays and also some reef sharks amongst other things. See the diving section below.
- Floreana Island – snorkeling here you will see sea lions, sea turtles, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, lots of tropical fish, harmless whitetip reef sharks, and if you are lucky hammerheads, manta rays and eagle rays. Go on one of these trips:
Top and favorite diving spots include
Note: The only way to go diving at the well-known Darwin and Wolf Islands is to pay the big bucks and go with a live-a-board! However, from Santa Cruz the top and favourite diving day trips include:
- Gordon Rocks – this is considered the best in Santa Cruz by many as it is your best option for seeing hammerhead sharks on this island.
This is for experienced divers only and you will see sharks, rays, eels, and king angelfish. Hopefully also hammerheads and manta rays!
You can go on a Daily diving tour in Gordon Rocks - Pinzon Island – a very popular dive site that is good for beginners and experienced divers. For beginners, in the bay you see sea lions, green turtles and lots of types of tropical fish. For more experienced divers there is a deep drop-off wall where you are likely to see a variety of sharks, mantas and stingrays, lobster and even sea horses. Pinzón Island: Snorkel, Fish, and Relax in Paradise
- Punta Carrion – Carrion Point – a sheltered cove area which is ideal for beginner and intermediate divers. You should see baby sea lions and lots of colorful fish. With luck you will also see turtles, eagle rays, hammerheads, and dolphins.
- Floreana Island – there are four different sites, Punta Cormoran, Enderby islet, Devil’s Crown islet, and Champion islet. At Punta Cormoran the main attractions are batfish, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, barracudas, eagle rays, and green turtles. In Enderby, you might find whale sharks if you are lucky. In Devil’s Crown, the highlight is the endemic coral, the cleaning station, Galapagos sharks, and white-tip reef sharks. And at the Champion islet, you’ll have a large group of sea lions hanging with you the whole time.
The next four sites are usually done in some sort of combination of two of these and this will give you some great options!
- Daphne Islands – has three main dive sites – Daphne Mayor, Daphne Minor, and Bajo de Daphne. Depending on your dive site you might find reef sharks, sting, eagle and marbled rays, morays, Galapagos sharks, green turtles, tropical fish, and schools of barracudas. If you are really lucky you might see predators hunting the schools of black-striped salemas and sardines. Blue footed boobies will be diving too!
- Plaza Islands – there is usually not much current so this is good for all levels. You can see an eel garden and huge schools of yellowtail surgeonfish yellow tailed mullets and lots of parrotfish in the shallows. At the eastern end of the islands you are more likely to see rays, sharks – including hammerheads and Galápagos sharks, green turtles, and everywhere there will be playful sea lions. From Jan – May you are also likely to see manta rays at the eastern end!
- Mosquera Islet – right beside North Seymour Island with a lot of diversity. You will see a reef shark cleaning station and a lot of starfish. You might also see hammerhead sharks, green turtles, eagle rays, manta rays, golden cownose rays, giant puffer fish, king angelfish, blue and gold snappers, razor surgeonfish, and more.
- North Seymour Island – lacks current and a good testing spot. You will see an eel garden and morays as well as what you might see at Mosquera Islet.
Best time to go diving in the Galapagos Islands
For diving, you can do it year-round too, but what you see will vary depending on the season.
- January to May is the rainy season, but has the calmest weather and seas. This is also the best time to see Hammerhead sharks and Manta Rays. The water temperature is usually between 68 to 77 Fahrenheit (20-25 Celsius).
- July to December is the dry season, also known as “garua”- and has less rain but cooler water temperatures between 62 to 68 Fahrenheit (17-20 Celsius). Visibility is also usually poorer because of the increased nutrients in the water, but it’s usually a 50 feet+ visibility (15+ meters).
- June to November is the peak season to see the Whale Sharks.
Day Trips I don’t recommend on Santa Cruz
Obviously its up to you and a lot depends on your itinerary and interests. But there are a couple of day trips I think you could skip and keep the money for elsewhere.
- Bahia / bay tour at Puerto Ayora – most of the operators aren’t good value – except the one I have noted – Half Day Bay Tour in Santa Cruz Island .
- Basic Santa Fe – if you are only going on one day trip, and if you’re not walking on the island, then I think there are better options available eg to South Plaza Island and Carrion Point or Floreana. This is especially true if you are going to San Cristobal and / or Isabela.
- Isabela Island day trip to Las Tintoreras – honestly, don’t miss going and staying on Isabela island if you can make it. To do a day trip to the island where you visit Las Tintoreras is just not worth it in my opinion.
However, if you really can’t stay on Isabela island, and you can arrange a day trip to Los Túneles instead, then yes absolutely go for it! Los Tuneles is one of the absolute highlights of the Galapagos imho!
How do I get to Santa Cruz Island?
Most people fly into Santa Cruz from Quito or Guayaquil. (Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE).) You then take the airport bus to the ferry, the ferry across the Itabaca Channel, and then a taxi or another public bus across the island to Puerto Ayora. Or you can book a private transfer ahead.
You can also fly into San Cristobal and get to Santa Cruz on the local ferry or by this boat transfer to Santa Cruz.
Finally, Santa Cruz is included as part of one of these great package tours:
- 6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Santa Fe, Santa Cruz and Los Tuneles
- 7-day Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure Expedition
- 7-Day The Best of Galapagos Adventure
- 5-Day Guided Galapagos & Los Tuneles Tour
- 4-Day Galapagos Classic Tour: Santa Cruz, Bartolome or Seymour
Things to pack for Santa Cruz and the Galapagos
- Cash! Not so important on Santa Cruz as the other islands – except when the ATMs run out of cash (weekends) but still important – and not everyone accepts cards. They may also refuse to take or give change for $50 or $100 notes. Keep your notes small.
- Sunscreen (reef safe – I like ocean potion) and hat.
- Good and comfortable walking / hiking shoes.
- Mosquito repellent (deet free) – during rainy season in particular. Its needed against horseflies as well – especially at sunset! Also lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs as protection.
- A reusable insulated water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste, which is heavily discouraged on the islands.
- Your camera and power bank for day trips! Plus a water-proof pouch for your phone. You’re going to be snapping pics a lot!
- Rash suit, wetsuit (if prone to cold), and swimsuit. Water shoes can be useful too.
- A sand-free quick drying towel.
- Seasickness medication if you are that way inclined – like me!
Quick Travel Tips for Santa Cruz Island
- Book the “TCT” Transit Control Card online before you fly: You can’t just show up and buy the mandatory $20 Transit Control Card at the Quito or Guayaquil airport counter any longerr – you must buy it online. Buy it here – you have to watch a video first but it is quite simple to do.
- The airport is NOT on Santa Cruz: When you fly into Baltra Airport (GPS), you are actually on a tiny neighboring military islet. To get to Puerto Ayora (the main town), you have to take an airport bus to the ferry, the ferry across the Itabaca Channel, and then a taxi or another public bus across the island to Puerto Ayora. Have $15–$40 cash per person easily accessible for this transit. Or book a private transfer ahead.
- National Park entry ticket: You must also buy your Galapagos National Park entry ticket at the airport when you arrive – and you must pay cash. $200USD adult, $100USD child!
- Don’t bring any fresh food or nuts etc: Your bags will be hand-inspected for fresh fruit, nuts (seeds), organics and any other prohibited items at both your departure airport in Ecuador and again by staff at the Galapagos airports due to the necessarily strict quarantine laws. Also do not try and take any of these things between the islands when you are there – they will be confiscated again!
- Save time in transit: When transiting from the airport you can go on a tour of the giant tortoises en-route to your hotel: Transfer Airport-hotel in Galapagos Santa Cruz with visit to Giant Tortoises
- Bring decent shoes for the Highlands: The paths in the giant tortoise ranches in the Santa Cruz highlands (e.g. El Chato or Rancho Primicias), are not manicured paths. Its often misty, muddy, and slick. Most ranches have rubber boots, but having your own sturdy trail runners makes exploring safer and more comfortable.
- Visit the Fish Market when the boats unload: If you want the best photos of sea lions and pelicans begging the fishermen for scraps, go from 7:30-10am or from 3-5pm when the boats unload.
- Dining out can be cheaper or not! Cheaper options are:
- At the fish market at around 6.30pm – for fresh, cheaper lobster or fish – when local stalls cook the day’s catch on open-air grills.
- At Los Kioskos on Calle Charles Binford in the evening. The street shuts down to traffic, tables are set out in the open air, and local kiosks serve massive, freshly grilled seafood platters with plantains and rice for way less than the harbor-front prices.
- The “Almuerzos” – look for local restaurants offering a set lunch menu (almuerzo). They usually include a soup, a main dish (usually fresh fish or chicken), a small desert, and a fresh juice – usually for around or under $10
- Watch the 45min timer at Las Grietas: Sadly Las Grietas is no longer a casual “show up whenever” spot. To protect the ecosystem, you must now go with a local guide (hire at the entrance), and swimming time inside the water is strictly limited to 45 minutes per group. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and get a spot.
- Rent a Kayak at Tortuga Bay: The walk to Tortuga Bay is a beautifully paved, 40 mins flat trail. At the first beach (Playa Brava), the rip tides are too dangerous for swimming. Walk another 10-15 mins to the calm lagoon (Playa Mansa). Then rent a kayak for a few dollars – it’s the absolute best way to see white-tip reef sharks and sea turtles swimming right around you.
- Santa Cruz has ATMs, but……..: Puerto Ayora has lots of functional ATMs (Banco del Pacífico and Banco Pichincha). But, because a lot of tourists use them to pay for expensive day tours in cash, they often run completely out of bills by Friday afternoon or during peak holidays. Always have some cash and withdraw what you need mid-week.
- Note the “Gordon Rocks” nickname: If you’re a diver wanting to see the hammerhead sharks at Gordon Rocks, note that its local nickname is “The Washing Machine” because of the very powerful vertical currents. It is strictly an advanced dive site – you need a minimum of 25–30 logged dives.
- The “Last-Minute Cruise” Trick Still Works (With Caution): Because Puerto Ayora is packed with over 50 local tour agencies, travelers can often score massive, 50-70% discounts on luxury cruises by booking remaining cabins last-minute in person. The trick is to have a flexible schedule, visit multiple agencies along the main strip to compare prices, and ensure they give a detailed, official receipt.
- Bring your own snorkel: If you are planning to snorkel, bring your own googles and snorkel if you have them and have room.
- No car hire – but take the bus: You cannot hire a car or scooter in the Galapagos. But a very cheap option to get to a few places on Santa Cruz is to catch the same bus that goes back and forth from the airport. It can drop you off on the set route along main road and then you can walk to any nearby destinations on your map from there.
- Day tours on boats: Don’t forget to ask the tour operator to show you photos of the boat and the maximum amount of people that will be on it during your tour. Check how long it is and what you need to bring or hire e.g. seasick pills, wetsuit, food, drinks, a towel, extra clothes. You don’t ant the day ruined by not having what you need!
- Camping is possible: You can camp on the island – read How to camp on the Galapagos Islands for more info!
Frequently asked questions for Santa Cruz Island
Q: Where should I stay on Santa Cruz Island?
A: See the next section – Where to Stay on Santa Cruz Island.
Q: How many days should I spend on Santa Cruz Island?
A: I suggest 3-4 days if you are going to the other islands. But if you are only going to this island then 5-7 days to get out on plenty of day trips and see all the local sights.
Q: What is the best way to get to Puerto Ayora from Baltra Airport?
A: After landing, you take a public bus to the Itabaca Channel ferry dock. You then pay for a ferry to cross the channel to Santa Cruz (a 10-minute boat ride). Once on Santa Cruz, you can either take a local public bus to town or hire a white pickup-truck taxi which works out about the same price if there is a group of you. It takes around 45 minutes. Have $20-30 cash for the journey.
Alternatively book a Transfer Airport-hotel in Galapagos Santa Cruz with visit to Giant Tortoises.
Q: How much is the Galapagos National Park entry fee now?
A: The standard entrance conservation fee is $200 USD per foreign adult ($100 for children under 12). This must be paid in cash as soon as you arrive. No credit cards are accepted at the park gates.
Q: What are the luggage and biosecurity restrictions when arriving?
A: To protect the unique ecosystem, your luggage will pass through a strict quarantine screening (SICGAL) at the mainland airport. You are legally forbidden from bringing any organic fruits, fresh vegetables, unsealed seeds, or raw nuts. Your clothing and hiking boot treads must also be entirely clean of soil and foreign seeds.
Q: Is it better to stay on Santa Cruz or book a cruise?
A: A land-based stay on Santa Cruz is significantly cheaper, gives you total freedom over your daily schedule, and gives you access to excellent restaurants and nightlife. A cruise is much more expensive but allows you to reach highly isolated, uninhabited islands that land-based tourists are legally barred from visiting. You can do a mix of both – although I was very satisfied with visiting the all the islands you can stay on without a cruise.
Q: Are credit cards widely accepted in Puerto Ayora?
A: High-end boutique hotels and premium tour and dive shops accept Visa and Mastercard, the vast majority of local seafood kiosks, artisan souvenir shops, taxi drivers, and small ferry boats operate strictly on a cash-only basis. Always keep US currency on hand.
Q: Which day tours from Santa Cruz are the best to book?
A: Santa Cruz is the perfect launching pad for day trips. The top three most iconic uninhabited islands to book a day tour to are: Bartolomé (famous for the volcanic Pinnacle Rock and Galapagos penguins), North Seymour (unbeatable for viewing blue-footed boobies and puffing frigatebirds), and Santa Fe (the best spot for snorkeling with wild sea lions and marine iguanas).
Q: How do I travel from Santa Cruz to the other islands?
A: Public speedboats (lanchas) and private transfer boats depart twice daily (morning and afternoon) from the Puerto Ayora pier to both Isabela Island and San Cristóbal Island. The journey takes about 2 -3 hours. there are also local 30-minute flights between the islands. See How to get to Santa Cruz above.
Q: Can you swim at Tortuga Bay?
A: You cannot swim at the first beach you hit (Playa Brava) due to the undercurrents and rogue waves. But, if you walk 10–15 minutes down the white sand beach (to the right), you will get to a sheltered, calm mangrove lagoon called Playa Mansa, which is perfectly safe for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Q: Can I see giant tortoises for free on Santa Cruz?
A: Possibly if you hike in Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve (see 1d in the things to do above.) But generally no. You can see wild tortoises roaming completely free in the private ranches like El Chato which charge a small admission fee, which includes walking access through their fields and lava tunnels.
Q: How bad is the WiFi and internet connection in the Galapagos?
A: It has dramatically improved! Older travel guides will tell you the internet situation is bad, but Starlink has rolled out across the islands now and most hotels, hostels, and restaurants in the main towns have fast, reliable WiFi. However, still keep these things in mind:
*The cell service drops out quickly outside of the main town limits.
*Even with Starlink, hotel networks are shared among dozens of guests. Speeds can drop noticeably in the evenings when everyone returns from tours and hops online at the same time.
*Its still best to download any big items that you need before you fly.
Q: Can I drink the tap water?
A: No – and its best to clean your teeth with filtered or bottled water too.
Q: Are drones allowed on Santa Cruz Island?
A: No. Flying recreational drones is strictly illegal throughout the entire Galapagos National Park, including the beaches and towns of Isabela, to protect the native birdlife and wildlife from stress. Only specialized commercial cinematographers with pre-approved, expensive permits from the National Park Directorate are allowed to operate them.
Where to stay in Puerto Ayora and Santa Cruz Island
Stay in the main town of Puerto Ayora for easy access to everything. Book a hotel there with booking.com or a hostel with Hostelworld.
As always there is a lot of choice for your budget and what you want to do has a big part to play in what is right for you. These recommendations are a good place to start. They all have very high review ratings!
High End – Hotel Angermeyer Waterfront Inn or Hotel Villa Escalesia Galapagos
Whole villa – the 4 bed Blue Heron Galápagos Villa
Mid Range – Plaza Luna Suites or Galapagos Chalet, or out of town near the tortoises, the Enchanted Galapagos Lodge
Good Value – Lonesome George Ecolodge, or Coral Apartments, or Maytenus Galapagos
Budget / hostel – Galapagos Dreams or Hostal Vista al Mar
Fancy getting away from it all and camping instead?
There are camping and glamping options on Santa Cruz. For all the details, read How to camp on the Galapagos Islands!
Plan your trip checklist
These are the booking platforms I personally use for all my travels. If you book through these affiliate links, it helps support this site and keeps me producing free travel guides – at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for the support! Cheers!
All in one – if you want to book flights and accommodation as a package, use expedia
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. Safety wing is particularly good if you are from the USA. As I am not, TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld – I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – DiscoverCars are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. Three key activities on Santa Cruz are:
- North Seymour Island if it is frigate mating season
- Diving or snorkeling on Pinzón Island
- Scenery and snorkeling at Bartolome Island
Thanks so much if you used one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!
Related posts – in the Galapagos and beyond
The 12 absolute best wild things to do on San Cristobal in the Galapagos
14 brilliant wild things to do on Isabela Island in the Galapagos
7, 10, 14 and 20 day itineraries for the Galapagos Islands!
How to camp on the Galapagos Islands!
How to visit the Galapagos Islands on a budget!
15 unmissable things to do in the Galapagos Islands
For something completely different and great inspo for your next wild side adventure…..