Santa Cruz Galápagos – The Heart of the Galápagos Islands
May 2026
Puerto Ayora – The gateway to the Galápagos Islands
Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is the tourist center of the Galápagos Islands and, for many visitors, the ideal starting point for exploring this unique archipelago. Along the harbor promenade, travelers encounter sea lions, pelicans, and fishing boats, while numerous restaurants, cafes, and tour operators create a lively atmosphere.
Puerto Ayora is a lovely little place to stay. It boasts exceptionally stylish bars and restaurants on the waterfront with sea views, and remarkably affordable options further along the waterfront.
The atmosphere is relaxed and the organization is excellent. Our privately booked tours all went off without a hitch, with each leg proceeding smoothly, quickly, and punctually. The only downside is the early start time – we have to be at the boat dock by 6 a.m.
Excursion destinations:
Giant tortoise breeding station – Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz (Galápagos)
The heart of the Charles Darwin Research Station is the Fausto Llerena breeding center. Here, the critically endangered Galápagos giant tortoises are raised. The story of the Española giant tortoise is particularly impressive: in the 1960s, only 14 animals remained. Through a decades-long breeding program, around 3.000 tortoises have now been reintroduced to their native island – one of the greatest conservation success stories worldwide. The station also became famous for "Lonesome George," the last Pinta giant tortoise, who is now considered a symbol of the importance of nature conservation.
The breeding station is within walking distance of Puerta Ayora – a guide is required for the visit.
Half-day tour – Bay or Bahia tour – by excursion boat
Exploring Santa Cruz from Puerto Ayora A classic 5-destination trip across the water. The first stop – Punta Estrada – is quickly reached, and then the journey continues overland. The route passes by...
1. ❤️ Canal del Amor (Love Canal)
A narrow, turquoise bay nestled between lava cliffs. After this photo stop, we continue on to...
Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz can be reached. The narrow bay with
Its intensely turquoise water lies on the Punta Estrada peninsula.
2. 🦈 Canal de los Tiburones (Shark Channel)
Whitetip reef sharks are supposed to be spotted here in the shallow water. Unfortunately, no life was visible in the rather murky water…
The journey continues on foot to
3. 🐕 Playa de los Perros
A small beach known for its large population of marine iguanas. The short walk there leads through a typical lava landscape. During our visit, the iguanas were mostly elsewhere…
4. 🤿 Las Grietas
The advertised highlight of the tour: a spectacular rock crevice with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Or so the brochure said… the crevice is indeed there… but it's as crowded as a public swimming pool, and the water is so murky that there's no point in even putting on a snorkel mask…
5. 🐠 Punta Estrada / Snorkeling stop in the bay
Snorkeling is done in the open sea in front of the cliffs, or one swims from the outside into the Canal de Tiburones mentioned above – visibility is limited in the murky water.
This bay tour usually lasts 3 to 4 hours and offers an introduction to the island world of the Galapagos and the sights of Santa Cruz.
2. Three-hour tour by taxi:
Los Gemelos – The Twin Craters of Santa Cruz
Nestled in the heart of the green highlands of Santa Cruz are the The TwinsTwo enormous collapse craters, which are among the most famous natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands. They were formed by the collapse of underground magma chambers and not by volcanic eruptions, as many visitors initially assume.
From the viewpoints, a spectacular view opens up into the densely overgrown craters, which are surrounded by a unique Scalesia forest.
The real magic, however, lies in the surrounding Scalesia forest. These endemic trees, often called "giant daisy trees," form a unique cloud forest found only in the humid highlands of the Galápagos. Mosses, ferns, and lichens lend the forest an almost fairytale-like quality.
El Chato – Giant tortoises in the highlands
What is El Chato?
El Chato is a privately run farm and nature reserve in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz. Unlike in captive breeding facilities, the giant tortoises here roam freely through meadows, forests, and wetlands. Especially during the wetter months, numerous tortoises migrate from the dry coastal regions to the highlands, where they find ideal living conditions.
The animals can be observed at close range, as they often graze just a few meters away or rest in small waterholes.
From the ranch grounds you can also directly access a:
Lava tunnels – A journey through the volcanic past
The Lava tunnels of Santa Cruz They are among the most fascinating natural attractions of the Galápagos Islands. Thousands of years ago, these kilometer-long tunnels were formed when the outer layer of a lava flow cooled while the molten lava inside continued to flow. What remained was an impressive underground cave system.
Is Santa Cruz worth a visit?
Yes, it's worth it, and there's no way around Santa Cruz if you're visiting the Galapagos Islands – the ferries to all the islands only depart from here.
