Santa Cruz Island is part of the Galapagos Islands archipelago that almost all visitors will pass through, as it is the jumping off point for many Galapagos Islands cruises and land-based trips in the Galapagos islands. Landing at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, most tourists are transported from there to Santa Cruz via a connecting bridge between the two islands. They are shuttled to Puerto Ayora, from where their tours typically depart. For many, this may be their only experience of Santa Cruz Island, which is a shame as there is a lot to see and do here.
Santa Cruz Island is located centrally in the archipelago, and it is considered part of the Central Islands. It is the second biggest island of the Galapagos Islands, and it occupies 986 square kilometers (approximately 381 square miles). There are various settlements on the island, which include Puerto Ayora, Bellavista and Santa Rosa. Puerto Ayora is located on the coast, to the south of the island, while Bellavista and Santa Rosa are in the highlands. Approximately 18,000 people live on Santa Cruz Island. Puerto Ayora is the main town on this island and one of the most important settlements in the islands, not least due to its position as a hub.
This large island is comprised of a number of different types of habitats that support a range of plant and wildlife. The highlands are characterized by upland forest and cloud forest, while lower down the habitat is drier. Cacti can often be seen in these areas. Towards the sea, in coastal areas, habitats include sandy beaches, mangroves and black lava rocks. The contrast between all three is beautifully stark.
Santa Cruz Island is a shield volcano which last erupted approximately 1.5 million years ago but is now dormant. The island was uninhabited until the 20th century. During the period between the First World War and Second World War, settlers started to arrive from Europe and the United States. During the Second World War there was a US military base on Baltra Island, the connecting Island, though these days there is no US military presence on Santa Cruz Island.
Santa Cruz Island has various highlights worthy of a mention:
Giant tortoises - one exciting highlight is the opportunity to see giant tortoises. This species can be found in the lush green highlands and many cruises and land-based trips include visits to observe these majestic creatures where they reside, on farms in the hills.
Charles Darwin Research Station - another fabulous highlight on Santa Cruz Island is a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Just a short walk from the center of Puerto Ayora, the Charles Darwin Research Station provides the visitor with information on the flora and fauna of the islands and how life evolved here. This site supports and undertakes research in the islands.
Lava tubes – an unusual visit and experience is the opportunity to see lava tubes on Santa Cruz Island. These are formed by lava flows in volcanic areas and when conditions are right, tunnels can form. It is possible to visit and explore a lava tube on Santa Cruz Island, which for many will be a unique and very different experience.
For many visitors one of their first experiences of wildlife on the Galapagos Islands will be coming face to face with sea lions on the docks or at the market in Puerto Ayora town. There is plenty more wildlife to see here, including:
Giant tortoises – these large beasts roam around in the grasses of the highlands, often residing on farmland. A visit to observe giant tortoises is often included in Galapagos cruises, though not always.
Flamingos – flamingos can be observed at El Garrapatero beach, at Las Bachas beach in the saltwater lagoon at this site and at Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon).
Sally Lightfoot crabs – these stunning, multicolored crabs can be seen at many of the beaches on the islands.
Marine iguanas – marine iguanas can also be seen at a number of sites, including at Tortuga Bay.
Sharks – various species of sharks may be seen in the waters around Santa Cruz Island. These include black-tip and white-tip reef sharks and hammerhead sharks at Black Turtle Cove and sometimes in the waters around Puerto Ayora. Rays can also be spotted sometimes at similar sites.
Other bird species that can be seen include herons, frigate birds, lava gulls, herons, stilts, blue footed boobies, Galapagos hawks, yellow warblers and some species of Darwin’s finches.
The main activity for most visitors to Santa Cruz Island is observing the wildlife and birdlife at the various visitor sites. Other activities include:
Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center – a visit to these two sites, located in close proximity (three-minute walk) to each other is very educational. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, you can learn more about the climate and geography of the islands as well as how evolution occurred. At the Tortoise Center you can see a wide range of different tortoises at different stages of the lifespan, including young hatchlings.
Las Grietas – Las Grietas is a fabulous spot for swimming, located not far from Puerto Ayora. This site is comprised of three very clear pools framed by lava cliffs and a swim here can be very refreshing.
Beach visits and swimming – on Santa Cruz Island, beaches include those at Tortuga Bay, Playa de los Perros and Garrapatero. Garrapatero in particular is stunning – a long white sand beach that is north of Puerto Ayora. Tortuga Bay includes two beaches – a southern beach where it is not advised to swim and a northern beach with calmer waters for swimming. Swimming is also possible at Las Bachas Beach, a white sand beach on the northern coast of the island, and at Playa de Los Alemanes too. Snorkeling and kayaking are also possible at some of these locations.
Los Gemelos – Los Gemelos is the name for a site where there are two large pit craters. This geological feature was brought about when empty magma chambers collapsed. There is a pretty forest trail to walk through, circumnavigating the larger of the two craters. The lava tube that visitors can explore is nearby to this visitor site as well.
Many travelers who enjoy the wildlife and landscapes of Santa Cruz Island choose to experience it as part of a multi-day cruise that includes other iconic Galapagos sites. A great example is the Infinity Galapagos Cruise, a luxury small-ship yacht that combines Santa Cruz with visits to islands like Bartolome, North Seymour, and Floreana, offering varied wildlife spectacles and snorkeling opportunities along the way. Sailing on the Infinity Galapagos Cruise allows you to explore Santa Cruz’s highlights from the water, including scenic bays and marine life, while accessing remote landing sites and marine areas that are difficult to reach independently.
Santa Cruz Island is one of the few islands in the archipelago where there are hotels and visitors can stay overnight. It is also the location for many land-based Galapagos trips. The majority of hotels on Santa Cruz can be found in the town of Puerto Ayora. Some popular high-end hotels include the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, just south of Puerto Ayora. Pikaia Lodge is another luxury accommodation, though this is closer to Bellavista. The Angermeyer Waterfront Inn is another popular higher end choice. Other popular places to stay include the Ikala Hotel and the Blue Hotel. There are plenty of cheaper accommodations that can be found on Santa Cruz Island too, and there are options to suit most budgets.
Santa Cruz Island boasts a variety of different restaurants, mostly found in the town of Puerto Ayora. As might be expected, there are several seafood restaurants, and also several that offer meat options or vegetarian meals. It is possible to find local Ecuadorian meals but also a wide variety of international choices including Thai, Japanese, Italian and Mexican, among others.
