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.
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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 216 reviews
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$/person and it includes the entry to really huge lava tunnel which is not in the park, but taxi drivers usually knows exactly where to take you. As I said before, we visited both ranches and both are really nice and next to each other. I totally recommend to visit both. Do not forget to keep the correct distance from tortoises (min. 2min). Taxi cost is about 50$.
4.5 based on 1,900 reviews
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
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 98 reviews
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.
4.0 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.
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.
4.0 based on 454 reviews
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.
4.0 based on 457 reviews
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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