Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
Top 10 Things to do in Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
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. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Rancho Primicias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By zuzatravels
As I have written already in previous review for El Chato 2, Rancho Primicias is a natural reserve where you can meet and walk amount giant tortoises. Mostly, it doesn’t have designed paths as El Chato 2, so you walk in the grass same as the tortoises. They offer you boots for free. The admission is 5$/person and it includes the entry to really huge lava tunnel which is not in the park, but taxi drivers usually knows exactly where to take you. As I said before, we visited both ranches and both are really nice and next to each other. I totally recommend to visit both. Do not forget to keep the correct distance from tortoises (min. 2min). Taxi cost is about 50$.
5. 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
6. Santa Cruz Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By BradT546 - Auckland, New Zealand
Had a lot of fun watching the sea lions and pelicans interacting with the people at the fish market. Was fascinating watching the fishermen feed the off cuts to the sea lions and pelicans in the water and watching one pelican try to swallow a whole Tuna head. The sea lions are very entertaining.
7. Malecon de Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States
Walk the waterfront and experience everything! Imagine a day on Mulberry Street. From bars, fish markets shops and my favorite the infamous water taxis that transport people and luggage to the outlying boats. Select your favorite bar or cafe, linger, get into the Galápagos groove, and experience the islands.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
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