Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
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Things to do in Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
This portion of Santa Cruz is so named because it is inhabited by many iguanas.
Reviewed By JimR847 - Calgary, Canada
We took the" Letty ", a yacht operated by Ecoventura, the company that took us to Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, and were accompanied by several frigate birds that hovered about ten feet above our heads as we sat on deck taking in the scenery. Some perched on the yacht and others also engaged in some mid air fighting for space above our heads. We walked the Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) trail accompanied by our very knowledgeable Ecoventura guides and soaked up the scenery provided by the proliferation of Opuntia Cacti and Land iguanas as well as many Marine Iguanas. The various shapes and sizes of the cacti made for some great photographs as did the Land Iguanas which due to their size and proximity to the trail allowed for some super close up photos. Some of the cacti were showing off yellow blossoms and some of those had bees nuzzling into the flowers sucking up nectar. Spread out to the horizon from the trail was an endless view of leafless bushes/trees and several cones of volcanoes making for a very desolate scene. A very interesting excursion.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Monumento de aves de Galapagos
5. Monumento de la Tortuga
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States
Great tortoise statue! Celebrate it while toasting beers from the nearby brewpub and bars. Definitely a keeper. Do seek him out while wandering the waterfront.
6. Monumento al Pescador Galapagueno
7. Monumento Darwin
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By beachhowlers
There are Darwin Statues all over. This one is on the way to the Interpretive Cenre on Charles Darwin Calle. It has a pretty arch behind it.
