Location: Puerto Ayora
Top Things to do in Puerto Ayora
The 9 Best Nature & Parks in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands
Puerto Ayora is a town in central Galápagos, Ecuador. Located on the southern shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is the seat of Santa Cruz Canton. The town is named in honor of Isidro Ayora, an Ecuadorian president. The town is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Santa Cruz.
Restaurants in Puerto Ayora
1. Las Grietas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,453 reviews
Reviewed By F336MVjohnd
From Puerto Ayora, take an 80-cent water taxi to Finch Bay, and then a walk past the German beach to get to this strikingly beautiful volcanic fissure that has connected out to the ocean... so it's also a great place for a swim. The water is cold... so you won't regret a wet suit. And do wear the snorkel mask as the view underwater is remarkable, and there are some interesting fish to see as well. The thing to be careful of here is that there are several pools separated by some very sharp and VERY slippery rocks. You CAN cross over them, but my wife and I each got several scrapes and bruises in the process. Also, there is no "life guard on duty". There is a guide who you sign in with at the top of the fissure... but if you need help it will be 10-15 minutes away, so do be careful if you venture past the first pool.
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. Reserva El Chato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,900 reviews
Reviewed By Tempusfugit2015 - Roslyn, United States
Great place to see the tortugas in the highlands There us also a lava tube option You get a pair if boots to walk around It was drizzling so bring a poncho and water There are clean facilities and a restaurant avail
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. Charles Darwin Research Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,272 reviews
Headed by a team of more than two hundred scientists, educators, research volunteers and support staff, this world-wide foundation is dedicated to preserving the Galapagos ecosystems.
Reviewed By shannav227
Charles Darwin Research Station is the place to start your trip in the Galapagos. You get assigned a nature guide at the entrance, and they will walk you around and explain the history of Darwin and the animals of the Galapagos, with the main highlight being the Giant Galapagos Tortoise. You get the opportunity to see baby tortoises in the breeding center from each of the islands, as well as tortoises of all different ages. We enjoyed our time here.
6. Laguna las Ninfas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 454 reviews
Reviewed By LesGML
We visited Las Ninfas as part of our city tour with our Hotel Torre Mar Galapagos Boutique Suites. We enjoyed it so much we went back by ourselves. It is a nice peaceful walk in town that I really enjoyed.
7. 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
8. 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.
