Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly 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. Apnea Galapagos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
We will guide you in a unique and memorable freediving learning experience. In our Shop we will share experiences with beginners, advanced and professional freedivers, and above all friends. we welcome you to enjoy our facilities in a relaxed, fun and comfortable environment. the locations are unique and we expect to dive with hammerheads , Galapagos sharks , plenty of tropical fish , manta rays , golden rays and the amazing Eagle rays.
2. Shark Bay Dive Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities... ...Diving environment: drift diving, advanced divers, off the beaten track... This legendary Ecuador diving destination is often considered by experienced divers to represent something of a pinnacle in their scuba careers. In that sense, many agree that
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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$/person and it includes the entry to really huge lava tunnel which is not in the park, but taxi drivers usually knows exactly where to take you. As I said before, we visited both ranches and both are really nice and next to each other. I totally recommend to visit both. Do not forget to keep the correct distance from tortoises (min. 2min). Taxi cost is about 50$.
7. 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
8. 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.
9. Galapagos Dreams Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
We are a Local Tourist Operator founded by young entrepreneurs that are passionate about showing you the wonderful ecotourism that Galapagos Islands has to offer. We provide our visitors with great advice and recommendations in discovering the endemic species and the most spectacular landscapes. We offer organized daily tours to all authorized destinations, Diving tours, island hopping, and cruises. Our greatest reward is to make your dreams come true while sharing the majestic nature of our islands.
10. Santa Cruz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By Escape-overseas - Stevenage, United Kingdom
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.
