Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
6 Beaches in Santa Cruz That You Shouldn't Miss
How often do you get the chance to walk through a tunnel of lava? Created by the flowing and cooling process of liquid magma, the underground lava tubes of Santa Cruz are simply breathtaking. The most popular is the Tunnel of Love, so named for the heart-shaped hole in the ceiling. Cool down with a splash in the fresh waters of Puerto Ayora, snorkel at Tortuga Bay or the mangrove-lined Garrapatero Beach and get friendly with the giant natives at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,398 reviews
Reviewed By carlosvelascoteran
We went to Tortuga Bay on 2/21/2020. Day was sunny, warm. We walked from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, which by itself is a nice experience, looking at trees, iguanas and birds. We then got to the area of Tortuga Bay, which by itself has 3 separate segments, Playa Brava, Playa Mansa, and a small lagoon formed by a reef protecting it from the Playa Brava. The experience of swimming around iguanas and small "tintoreras" (sharks) was unbelievable. Water was refreshing. Birds were majestic. We have visited many places in the world, this was one of the best we have seen, highlighted by the successful way in which nature has been protected by the Ecuadorian government.
2. El Garrapatero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 691 reviews
Reviewed By cesarmantillaand2018 - Quito, Ecuador
Accesible through paved road and pathway (rode a bike from Puerto Ayora). Top notch kayak and snorkeling equipment rental . Kayaking was great, through calm bay, to three other nearby beaches. Saw lots of sea turtles, marine iguanas, small bullsharks and lots of birds.
3. Playa las Bachas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By RoblynTravels - Maryland, United States
My family and I rode our hotel bikes to this hidden, lovely beach. The only way to the beach is a walk along a long path. However, it’s worth it. You pay a small entry fee, after leaving our bikes at the entrance. We went to explore and was amazed of a large empty and open beach area. Then we walked further and found many folks in a smaller cozy beach area. Waters and sea animals are so pretty to see. What a great beach!
4. Playa de los Perros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Potreropeggy - Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
We got to this beach on a tour with a glass bottom boat company. The guide was very knowledgeable about the environment and allowed plenty of time for us to explore the beach and photograph the sea iguanas that were nesting/resting there. ( hundreds of them) We were there as the sun was setting and the colors were beautiful.
5. Playa de los Alemanes
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 457 reviews
Reviewed By Tempusfugit2015 - Roslyn, United States
Located in front of Finch Bay hotel on the way to Las Grietas OK for snorkeling You need to take a water taxi $1 from the main pier in Pt Ayora to get there
6. Playa de La Estacion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By lisam291 - Brighton, United Kingdom
The view is lovely but the sharp rocks makes it unsuitable for swimming. Try Tortuga beach, you won’t be disappointed. However, there are lots of small brightly coloured fish in the rock pools and it’s worth a visit on the way to the. Charles Darwin station.
