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
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Chocolapagos is a gourmet artisan chocolate shop. Where you can stop bye and have a treat or book the live chocolate show were a turtle bonbom will be made as you are enjoying our amazing chocolates. All made with the finest 100% Ecuadorian Arriba Cacao.
If you have the chance to visit Santa Cruz island this is definitely a MUST visit on your list, exceptional quality and variety. Want some presents for friends and family? This is the place.
4.5 based on 2,453 reviews
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.
4.5 based on 3,398 reviews
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.
4.5 based on 691 reviews
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.
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Art Gallery Comercializes fine latin american art 100% handmade and fair traded
Except for tee shirts at the airports, this was the only place that I bought souvenirs. Handmade bags, tiny sculptures, and beautiful handmade jewelry, all reasonably priced. And, there was much more, but that was just what I bought!
4.5 based on 854 reviews
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.
4.5 based on 134 reviews
A long journey fro the UK, but worth every hour of the 29 hours spent getting there, door to door. Located in the centre of the island group it provides a good kicking off spot to explore the other islands. This island is the only one with a road running through it's centre, providing connection between Baltra island airport to the north and the port, which is Santa Cruz, to the south. The town is more established than the population settlements on the other islands and as such has one of the more developed tourist industry, providing numerous restaurants, accommodation, dive shops etc from which to plan your stay within the Galapagos. As such we chose to avoid the busy periods to get away from the crowds, although i understand the islands are implementing a policy of sustainable tourism by increasing the price to enter the region from $100 to $400 per person at some time in 2020 to assist in controlling the growth in the number of visitors. To experience this island we plan 3 to 4 days to visit the sights, having visited previously, before moving on to other islands within the group. If moving between islands you will likely pass through several times during your stay since some islands are only accessible by ferries from this port. To make the most of your visit to the Galapagos plan your visit in advance to make the most of the time available to you - this is a lovely island, but only one of many, with different wildlife on the islands and in the ocean, throughout the group, so traveling between the islands is an essential part of any visit.
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Galeria Exotico Ecuador offers a space for ancestral cultures and contemporary Ecuadorian art. We represent Fair Trade for the Galapagos Islands. Our store includes authentic ethnographic and urban crafts done by local artisans, communities, associations and families from all regions of Ecuador.
I really enjoyed shopping here. We were able to get great character souvenirs for my vegan sister-in-law (vegetable ivory a.k.a. Tagua) and some fun shoes for us. I loved that they’re Fair Trade and the artists are all local. Stop by if you want something unique and that you can feel good about!
4.5 based on 39 reviews
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.
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