Santa Cruz Island is the second-largest island in the Galápagos Archipelago, after Santa Isabela Island, but it is the main tourist and economic island. It is a popular tourist destination due to its incredible natural beauty and rich biodiversity. As well as the huge variety of nature activities available, such as snorkelling, bird watching, hiking and other animal species…
The island has several natural points of interest, such as its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, or natural pools where you can observe various marine species, among others. In addition, in its lively town centre, Puerto Ayora, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and shops, as well as a lively nightlife. Read on for the best tips on how to organize a trip to Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador.
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What are the best places to see on Santa Cruz Island?
1. The Cracks
The Cracks is one of the most beautiful, and therefore also one of the most visited, places on the island of Santa Cruz. It is an impressive geological phenomenon. A series of natural pools or “cracks”, created in the rock by the erosive action of water over millions of years.
They are located about 3 kilometres from Puerto Ayora, the main town of Santa Cruz. You can reach them either by water taxi, or by a beautiful path surrounded by giant cacti and animal species such as iguanas and giant tortoises. The price per person is €0.5.
2. Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is a beach of unparalleled beauty located on Santa Cruz Island. With its crystal clear waters and white sand, it’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, relaxing in the sun… Plus, if you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s home to many endemic species of marine animals. Those include black turtles, to which it owes its name, marine iguanas and tropical fish.
The beach is a haven for many wild animals. So, it is important to respect the rules and be especially cautious to preserve the ecological balance and be respectful of the environment. To access Tortuga Bay you must take a 2.5-kilometre trail from the town of Puerto Ayora, entry is free.
3. Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is the main urban centre of Santa Cruz Island and the place where most accommodation, shops and restaurants are located. In addition, Puerto Ayora is the starting point for most organized excursions around Santa Cruz Island, as well as other islands in the Galapagos.
On the other hand, it’s famous for its Fisherman’s Wharf, a lively place where you can stroll and even buy freshly caught fish from the fishermen themselves, where birds and sea lions also hang around to see if they can get a bite. Puerto Ayora is also known for its great biodiversity and beautiful beaches. There, you can practice marine sports such as snorkelling surrounded by colourful fish. Among the most famous beaches are El Garrapatero and Playa de los Alemanes, in Punta Estrada.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Santa Cruz Island
As you know, Santa Cruz Island is not the only island in the Galápagos. The archipelago is made up of a total of 13 islands, of which the aforementioned Isabela Island and San Cristobal Island are the stars.
1. Santa Isabela Island
Santa Isabela Island is the largest of the Galápagos and the second busiest after Santa Cruz Island, but just as beautiful and majestic as the first. Like the others, Santa Isabela is known for its natural beauty and unique wildlife, which inspired Darwin’s theory of the evolution of species. The island is made up of several volcanoes, including Wolf Volcano, the highest volcano in the archipelago at 1707 metres, making for spectacular scenery.
On Santa Isabela Island, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful and striking places in the Galápagos. An example of this is Los Túneles, an area, as the name suggests, formed by tunnels of solidified lava that has been formed over the centuries by the erosion of waves against the rock. Another of Santa Isabela’s attractions is its Concha Perla, a beach with clear, calm waters. There you can swim and snorkel surrounded by penguins, turtles, fish and even the occasional sea lion.
2. San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal Island is another of the main islands of the Galápagos archipelago and a must-see on your trip to Santa Cruz Island. Like the others, San Cristobal Island stands out for its rich biodiversity, its dreamy beaches and its wonderful landscapes.
Among its highlights, you can not miss the Mirador Cerro Tijeretas. In this small hill, you will find the viewpoints with the best views of the island of San Cristobal. Also, the Laguna el Junco, the largest fresh water lake in the Galápagos Islands formed on an ancient volcano, is a natural jewel. And of course, you can’t leave out its marvellous beaches. One of the best in the Galápagos is the beach of Puerto Chino. With white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s completely protected by a lush forest and is often frequented by colonies of sea lions.
What and where to eat on Santa Cruz Island
Ecuadorian gastronomy is characterized by a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and African influences, as well as by the use of seasonal products. Among its typical dishes are ceviche, locro de papas, seco de carne, arroz con menestra and churrasco, among others.
More specifically, in the Galápagos Islands, fresh fish and seafood dishes are typical. For example, fish ceviche, seafood salad and rice with seafood. As well as tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya and mango.
- IslaGrill: A fabulous Ecuadorian cuisine restaurant in Punta Estrada overlooking the sea and its turtles, sea lions and other species. Excellent grilled meats, hearty dishes and helpful staff. Price range: €14-37
- The Rock Galápagos: This is one of the most famous pubs in Santa Cruz. The ideal place to dine or just have a cocktail or one of their craft beers in a lively and relaxed atmosphere. Price range: €7-13
Where to sleep on Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is a destination with a wide range of accommodation. There you will have no problem finding accommodation to suit your needs and budget. In this paradisiacal place you can find from 5-star luxury hotels for over €700 a night, to modest lodgings for as little as €30.
- Ikala Galápagos Hotel: A fabulous 4-star hotel in Puerto Ayora, a very convenient location for getting around and making plans in the Galápagos. The rooms at Ikala Galápagos Hotel have views of the hotel pool and terrace, as well as being spacious, comfortable and modern. The hotel also has a restaurant and breakfast included. Average price per night: €277
- Darwin’s Arch: If you’re looking for a simpler, cheaper option, Darwin’s Arch may be the place for you. This lodge offers spacious, comfortable and spotless rooms with private bathrooms for a very affordable price and about a 15-minute walk from the centre of Puerto Ayora. Price per night: €31
What do I need to know before a trip to Santa Cruz Island?
- The official currency of Ecuador is the United States dollar (USD).
- Always carry a lake of cash on you, not all shops accept credit cards.
- The Galápagos Islands, and especially Sana Cruz Island, are a busy destination, so plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The islands are wet and the terrain is uneven, so it is important to wear comfortable hiking shoes.
- Wear suitable rain gear. The Galápagos Islands have a humid climate, and it can rain at any time, so it’s important to bring adequate rain gear.
- Always have mosquito repellent on hand.
- Respect wildlife. Keep a safe distance from animals and don’t disturb them.
- Keep the islands clean and don’t litter outside the bins. This will help to preserve the natural beauty of the islands and their biodiversity.
- Galápagos has no potable water supply to homes.
How to organize what to see on island Santa Cruz?
Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post).
- Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make any modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travellers what to see on Santa Cruz Island.
If you have any doubts about how to do this, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Santa Cruz Island
The climate on Santa Cruz Island and in the Galápagos in general is tropical and dry, with an average annual temperature of between 20ºC and 30ºC. There is a rainy season from December to May and a dry season from June to November. Trade winds can affect the climate and temperature, although in general, the islands have a warm and pleasant climate all year round.
The dry season, from June to November, is considered the best time to visit the Galápagos Islands if you’re looking for warm, sunny weather. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, as the water is clearer and marine life is easier to see. However, if you are interested in seeing turtles nesting, the best time to visit is from December to June.
To get to Santa Cruz Island, you must take a flight from cities such as Quito or Guayaquil to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, also in the Galápagos. These flights take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes and cost from €73. Once on Baltra Island, take a ferry for €1, and it takes about 10 minutes.
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