Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz is the second-largest island in the Galápagos and serves as the archipelago’s main tourism hub due to its central location and proximity to Baltra’s Seymour Airport.
Explore Santa Cruz Island
Gateway to the Galápagos
Santa Cruz Island, located in the heart of the Galápagos archipelago, is the second-largest island (381 square miles, 986 km²) and the most populous, with around 18,000 residents, primarily in the bustling port town of Puerto Ayora. Santa Cruz originally named San Clemente and later Bolivia, was renamed in 1892 to honor the Holy Cross. Its English name, Indefatigable, comes from a British vessel HMS Indefatigable. Human settlement began in the early 20th century with American and European settlers farming in the highlands, introducing crops like avocados and coffee, which altered the landscape with invasive species.
Santa Cruz Island, the vibrant heart of the Galápagos, serves as the archipelago’s primary tourism hub, seamlessly blending modern infrastructure with breathtaking natural wonders and extraordinary wildlife. Its diverse landscapes, from dramatic volcanic craters to pristine white-sand beaches, make it an essential destination for travelers. As the gateway to the Galápagos, Santa Cruz offers a wealth of activities, ranging from self-guided adventures to expertly curated tours arranged through Puerto Ayora’s local agencies. To preserve the island’s delicate ecosystem, visitors are urged to respect wildlife by maintaining distance and adhering to strict park regulations, including a ban on drones without special permits.
Good To Know…
How to Get There
By Air: Daily flights from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador via Avianca and LATAM arrive at the Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. Passengers disembark via steps into a tarmac. Facilities include shops, restaurants, but no accommodations are directly available.
Steps to get to/from the airport to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz:
1. After collecting luggage, go outside the terminal to take a 10-min bus ride from the airport to the pier located in the lower part of the island, next to the Itabaca Channel, which separates the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz. Tickets need to be purchased beforehand.
2. A short 5-min ferry to Santa Cruz. Ferry is really a small 2-level boat with passengers on one level and luggage being tossed on top (exposed to the potential rain). Pay at the boat.
3. A 45-minute taxi ($40 for up to 4 people) or public bus to Puerto Ayora. If meeting a guide or tour, a van or small bus will be waiting.
Note: If this is the first port of entry in the Galapagos, the a Transit Control Card is checked and the Galápagos National Park Entrance fee needs to be paid in cash at the Galapagos National Park entrance desk ($200 per adult and $100 per child). All bags are scanned to prevent the introduction of fruits, vegetables, or other potential invasive species.
Where-to-Stay
Diving –
Lovely apartment with cozy bedroom and well-equipped kitchen on side. Parking convenient in the front, but steep driveway. Located above a quirky café and nice restaurant next door. Many other options to eat nearby. Friendly and easy check-in.
Apartment
Borgarnes
Where-to-Eat
Puerto Ayora’s restaurants specialize in fresh seafood, with vegetarian and meat options available. The main strip, Aves Charles, is lined with many dining and shopping venues. However, the island’s remote location and tropical climate pose some risks, such as inconsistent refrigeration or water quality, which travelers should navigate carefully. Stick to busy, well-reviewed places to minimize risks. Be cautious with salads or unpeeled fruits at smaller establishments unless you confirm they use purified water for washing.
Most restaurants are on or near Aves Charles making them easy to reach.
They open for lunch (~12 PM–3 PM) and dinner (~6 PM–9 PM), offering breakfast from 7 AM. Check hours, as they vary.
ALMAR RESTAURANT
This charming, well-regarded dining option, is conveniently located at the Blu Galapagos Lodge on Av. Charles Darwin and Marchena, with stunning ocean views and marine iguanas visiting. It’s an excellent choice offering delicious international cuisine catered to all tastes and expertly well-crafted cocktails.
Midori Sushi Pub
Located on Av. Charles Darwin, this asian fusion cousine restaurant is praised for its Japanese-inspired fresh sushi, sashimi, and creative cocktails. Offers limited meat dishes as well. It’s known for using fresh, local ingredients and catering to both locals and tourists.
The Pier Galapagos Restaurant & Cevicheria
Located on the north side of Charles Darwin Ave. It is a top-rated spot for fresh seafood like deep-fried scorpion fish, grilled lobster, shrimp, octopus, and a seafood platters. Enjoy fresh smoothies, a relaxed open-air vibe with ocean views, ideal for sunsets and sea lions.
Santa Cruz Island – Attractions, Info & Map
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