Galapagos Archipelago is a truly remarkable destination. It’s in the top 3 places I’ve visited during my travels across over 70 countries. The Islands are known for their unique and distinct features and incredible wildlife, which captured my heart in a second. It’s probably the only place in the world where wild animals have no fear of human presence and they live by your side. I have always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands to see its extraordinary biodiversity. Here are the most incredible things to see in Santa Cruz Galapagos – the main island of the archipelago.
Magnificent things to see in Santa Cruz Galapagos.
The main 4 islands of the Galapagos Archipelago are:
- Santa Cruz (with Baltra Island where the airport is located),
- Isla Isabela
- San Cristobal.
- Other popular islands are: Espanola Island, Bartolome Island, Santiago Island and Floreana Island.
I planned the whole Galapagos itinerary myself, exploring different islands and touring across the archipelago to see all the highlights. It’s easy to organize with many speed boats operating between the islands. Santa Cruz stands out as a hub for exploration with Puerto Ayora – the main port city.
How to get to Santa Cruz from Baltra Airport.
Santa Cruz Galapagos is the most developed island from the Galapagos Archipelago. The airport is located on a small island north direction of the main island. Once you land in Baltra the transportation from the airport to the main island is organized for all travelers. Once you land your luggage will be carefully searched by police dogs.
Then you will have to buy a bus ticket, that takes you from the airport to the ferry to get to the main island- Santa Cruz – bus ticket is $10 both ways (keep the return ticket!). The bus drives a tiny road up to the small harbour where the ferry is already waiting for you. The wild redsoil volcanic landscape of the island is breathtaking.
Transfering to Puerto Ayora on the south of the island.
The island looks incredible, as it’s covered by red gravel, and mangroves, and wild animals can be spotted literally everywhere. Iguanas are passing the road, sea lions sit next to you on the bench.
The bus will wait for all passengers, there’s no need to rush and don’t be bothered with the luggage, it will be transferred to the bus and to the ferry.
Ferry is extra paid $1/per person. Once you leave the ferry you are on the northern coast of the island and you need to take another bus to Puerto Ayora – the biggest city of the island, located on the south.
There are two ways to get from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora:
- Taxi (max 4 person) is $25.
- Public bus $5/per person.
We quickly found two other girls and took a shared taxi to save time. You can spot Giant tortoises crossing the main road. You will likely see people turning the turtles around to avoid them crossing the road. Turtle road signs are everywhere. 🙂
Santa Cruz Galapagos Map.
Buses from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport.
You can go back from Puerto Ayora to baltra Airport by the same bus for $5/per person. Buses to the airport run from small bus terminal in Puerto Ayora only in the morning: 6.30, 7.00, 7.30, 8.15 and 8.30 (however I wouldn’t risk taking the last bus).
Local buses in Santa Cruz Galapagos.
I was convinced there’s no local transport on the Galapagos – but of course there is!! There are local buses in Santa Cruz for peanuts!
Local buses in Santa Cruz Galapagos are blue color and run from 6 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. between Puerto Ayora and Santa Rosa (a small town in the middle of the island). A single bus ticket is $1/per person one way (taxi driver wanted $20!). The distance between Puerto Ayora and Santa Rosa is about 20 km.
The bus stops are well-marked and most of them have plugins! 🙂 A trip to Santa Rosa is a lovely experience to observe the ordinary local lifestyle. We spent almost all day in Santa Rosa and met zero tourists. It’s a quiet town, people live very simple life but it’s so nice to visit and sit for a cup of coffee in a one-table coffee bar. 🙂
Puerto Ayora - the main town in Santa Cruz.
Puerto Ayora is the largest town and the main port of entry for visitors to the Galápagos Islands. Located on the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora serves as the central hub and the starting point for many Galápagos adventures. Puerto Ayora is the most developed town on the island but at the same time, life is slow and peaceful. The harbor is full of friendly restaurants, local shops and ATMs.
Wildlife watching is on eof the best things to see on Santa Cruz and all other islands. A good idea is taking a half-day tour around the island to see all the highlights.
Pelicans occupy every boat, the pier is full of marine iguanas obstructing the walking area. Crabs are crawling between the sleeping sea lions, so the whole view is just incredible. We dropped the luggage and just sat for an hour to watch the nature.
Food in harbor restaurants is pretty cheap – lunch $12-$15, breakfast $6-$8.
Lobsters: $20-$25 – the best I’ve ever eaten in the local night market! You have to try Ceviche – the best-known Peruvian seafood dish. It consists of marinated shrimp and fish in onion and lime juice.
Tortuga Bay pristine beach.
Tortuga Bay is a highlight of the island! The walk to the beach is approximately 2.5 km long leading through a lush coastal trail from Puerto Ayora.
The beach is open from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. (winter time, in summer they close at 6 p.m.). No bikes are allowed in Tortuga Bay. A stunning white beach is occupied by marine iguanas and wildlife, which are carefully watched by rangers.
I would recommend getting there early in the morning to spend a full day exploring this exceptional place. While entering Tortuga Bay you will be asked to sign an entry regulation form.
Attractions in Tortuga Bay.
First of all mind the currents in this pristine beach – the color of the flag will tell you if it’s allowed to swim in the lagoon waters. The turquoise sea is very tempting but the currents are extremely strong. There was a red flag while we were there, but we did some snorkeling instead.
The main attractions of the beach are marine iguanas and wildlife watching. The beach is maintained by the guards, who make sure all visitors keep at least 2 meters distance from the animals. It’s totally understandable, I’m sure we’ve all seen Instagram photos of people holding marine iguanas, which is against all regulations protecting biodiversity and the natural environment.
Human touch (and smell) has a damaging impact on the natural ecosystem and the natural habits of the animals. Some of the species hate human smell and might be excluded from their environment.
Snorkeling in Tortuga Bay.
The best snorkeling spot is located at the end of Tortuga Beach near the rocks and mangroves. It’s a beautiful place with great water visibility, where you can spot marine wildlife including baby sharks and colorful fishes. This wide white sand beach is one of the most spectacular places in Santa Cruz. Swimming iguanas and sea lions can be seen around. The beach is closed for the nighttime, as the turtles come out and occupy the beach. Tortuga is probably one of the most beautiful things to see in Santa Cruz, especially if you come here looking for a nature and wildlife scene.
On the other side of the mangroves, there’s a small bay beach with calm water, where you are allowed to swim. However, the bay beach is less attractive, it’s full of locals and noisy.
Charles Darwin station Santa Cruz.
Our next destination was Charles Darwin Research Station, which is one of the best things to see in Santa Cruz. We decided to walk back on foot to admire the giant turtles that can be easily spotted along the road.
Darwin Centre – is located a short walk from Puerto Ayora harbour (10-15 minutes). Charles Darwin Centre is one of the most significant landmarks in Puerto Ayora. Visitors can learn about the ongoing research and conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands and see various species of giant tortoises, including the famous Lonesome George. 😉
It is a great place if you want to learn how they rescued and protected wildlife species. In 1978 a huge volcano explosion took place in the Galapagos Islands. Somehow they managed to rescue the last 30 giant turtles. Luckily some of them were very healthy male representatives, which made the reproduction process easy and successful. Soon there were a hundred new turtles on the island.
The main reason behind turtles’ population drastic decrease before the volcano eruption was pirate activity. Pirates used to take lots of giant turtles on board, keeping them alive for months, as the turtles were a delicious source of fresh meat.
In Charles Darwin Station Santa Cruz visitors can learn about the programs aimed at preserving endangered species, including the iconic giant tortoises. The center features informative exhibits and a chance to see younger tortoises in the breeding program.
Lava Tubes!
Given the volcanic origin of the islands, there are many natural tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity, some located throughout Santa Cruz. Exploring the underground formations provides an opportunity to learn about the natural forces that formed the islands.
Santa Cruz Fish Market.
The fish market is located on the way to Darwin Centre. The fish market in Puerto Ayora offers a unique experience, with sea lions and pelicans frequently gathering to snatch fish scraps. It’s a vibrant and lively spot where you can witness the interaction between humans, wildlife, and the local fishing industry.
Street food night market.
Street food night market – or rather luxury street food market, located in the middle of the town. It offers an amazing choice of exotic fresh fish, langustinas and delicious lobsters. Lobster prices range between $15-$30 per amazing lobster, cooked or grilled. It was the best lobster I had so far – grilled with garlic butter.
Where to stay in Santa Cruz?
Puerto Ayora is definitely a place to stay. The island is totally uninhabited and everything is concentrated around Puerto Ayora. We stayed one night in jungle bungalows in the middle of the island and honestly – it was a rainy day and we didn’t find it that spectacular. Apart from the fact nobody knew how to get there (not even taxi drivers), it is a pity to skip all the attractions of Puerto Ayora harbor.
Accommodation in the Galapagos Islands is quite cheap given the magnificent location. You must remember you are 1000 km from the mainland, so $50 for a private room with a bathroom is affordable and fair price.
In Puerto Ayora we stayed in 4 starts Hotel Crossman (on the photo), highly recommended (it was only around $30/per double room), you can book it HERE.
Similar options I can recommend:
If you are looking for a mid-range accommodation, here are few recommended options:
5 STAR RESORTS:
ATM's in Santa Cruz.
ATM’s are in the availale in Puerto Ayora own. They are nowadays available also on San Cristobal and Isla Isabela.
Explore Puerto Ayora.
Explore Puerto Ayora, take a walk throu the small port town. There are cosy coffee places and lovely bars in the harbour (best ceviche in the whole island).
Meet the 417 kilograms giant tortoises!
One of the best things to see in Santa Cruz are giant tortoises. The giant turtles can be spotted along the main road, leading from the north (Baltra Airport) toward the south port town – Puerto Ayora. You even notice turtles’ road signs! The tortoises are enormous – it is the largest living species of tortoise, with some Galápagos tortoises weighing up to 417 kg!
Travel between the islands by fast boats.
You can easily travel between the 3 main islands by fast boats – Read my Complete Travel Guide to Galapagos Islands where you can check Fast boats schedule between the islands – please note times might change depending on a season +/- 1 hour.
Best day trips from Puerto Ayora.
As I traveled across the islands I can say there are plenty of magnificent things to explore including volcano hiking & snorkeling in magical ocean waters in the world. Here are few adventurous day trips from Puerto Ayora:
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