 Center of the archipelago is Santa Cruz island where the volcanic activity has long ceased. It is the islands with the biggest human population, mostly centered in the port city of Puerto Ayora.  On the south shore of Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora is a pretty little oceanside community with many hotels, hostels, restaurants, dive shops, art galleries, and gift shops. There are a few ATM machines located by the main habor, Academy Bay, and further east along Av Charles Darwin on the way to the Charles Darwin Center.
Puerto Ayora is where the administratif center of the Galalapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Station are located. To get to Santa Cruz you must cross the canal of Itibaca on a ferry. The cost is about .80 cents. Then from the ferry you can take a taxi ($15) or a bus ($1.80) to Puerto Ayora, approximatly a 40 minute journey across the island.
The airport is located on Baltra Island. This was the site of a US Air Force Base during World War II. After the war the facilities were given to the government of Ecuador. Today the island continues as an official military base, but more importantly Baltra serves at the principle airport to the Galapagos Islands with daily flights to and from. Upon arrival passengers must show their passport, INGALA Visitor Control Card and pay their Galapagos Park Fees.
 Charles Darwin Research Station, by visiting the facilities of the Darwin Station and National Park it is hoped that the visitors will begin to realize that not only scientists, but also professional administrators and park wardens must exert an enormous cost in an effort to maintain the islands ecosystems. The money goes to preserving the endangered species which exist on the islands and maintaining their natural state, so people may enjoy seeing them for many years to come. In the Charles Darwin Station you will see up close giant tortoises, featuring Lonesome George (the last survivor of the distinct Pinta subspecies). The Charles Darwin Research Station is also part of the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena which is the breeding center for the tortoises. Tortoises are raised here in the care of researchers and then when ready re-introduced into there natural environment.
Attractions: Giant Tortoises Activities: Walking, Education
Landing: dry
Other destinations to visit on your own on Santa Cruz are Tortuga Bay with baby powder white sand, magic blue waters, and marine iguanas. It is only 2.5 Km from Puerto Ayora on a nice brick path. Las Grietas is a fantastic place to see. It is rock gorge with crystal clear pool which is great for swimming or jumping of the sides of the gorge into the water which is about 10 meters deep and you can see the bottom. Wear shoes though, the path is over rough lava boulders, butworth the trip. There are Lava Tubes at El Mirador (3 km from Pto. Ayora) where you can go into the earth at one place and come out 30 minutes later at another place.
Intact stands of vegetation zones, including dense scalesia forest and miconia, are some of the homes of unique Galapagos wildlife. The archipelago's most accessible population of giant tortoises can be found in this region of the Highlands. There are some of some 85 species of birds here, including nine Darwin's finches, rarities such as Galapagos rails, breeding dar-rumped petrels, and many other vagrant species.
 The trail to the highlands leaves Bellavista and passes through the agricultural zone and then, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia zone and the "pampa" or zone of low vegetation typical of the high areas of Galapagos. With clear weather (unpredictable) this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all rear round. Highlands feature giant tortoises, vermilion flycatchers, woodpecker finches, Galapagos rails and short eared owls.
Attractions: Wild Tortoises, Lava Tunnels Activities: Hiking
Landing: Dry
El Chato is an amazing opportunity to see the magnificent giant land tortoise in its natural  habitat, having just seen the tortoise in the breading program in the station, you can now see them bathing and eating in the wild (depending on the season). This area is vegetated with transition zone vegetation and is located in the humid zone of the highlands of Santa Cruz. The walk to the reserve is one of the best places to observe ground birds, tree and ground finches, the vermillion flycatcher, cattle egrets and occasionally galapagos rails.
Attractions: Giant Tortoises, Finches Activities: Walking, bird watching
Landing: dry
 Black Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga Negra) is one of the impressive Galapagos marine sites, consists of a deep maze of sea water inlets among the Mangrove trees.
The tranquil lagoon of Caleta Tortuga supports golden and spotted eagle rays, small sharks, and sea turtles resting and sometimes mating. You will find birds like herons, wader, Blue Footed Boobies, Pelicans, and Brown Nottys.
Attractions: Sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea birds Activities: Panga ride
Landing: none
On Las Bachas Beach the sand is made of decomposed coral. This makes a soft, white sand which is ideal for sea turtles to make their nest in. You will find a small lagoon here were you could see flamingos, herons, and other birds feeding. Las Bachas is good for snorkelling, swimming, or just walking along this prestine place.
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. The locals referred to the beach as the barges
beach, eventually the became "spangishised" into “Bachas”. This is a beautiful beach where you can relax and take in the wonderful world of the Galapagos.
 On the north shore of Santa Cruz is Cerro Dragon. This is one of the best places in the islands to see the land iguana. Here you will trek inland to see the large Land Igunas of the Galapagos. You will also see finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. There is a saltwater lagoon where lucky visitors may see Pintail Ducks or Flamingos.
Further inland along the trail there is a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the Galapagos.
Snorkelling or swimming is possible from the beach by the landing site.
Los Gemelos is located in the Santa Cruz highlands, Los Gemelos (“the Twins”) refers to two large sinkholes which were formed by collapsing underground lava tunnels. The big attraction here is the Scalasia forest. Scalasia is a sort of tree endemic to Galapagos. Many endemic and native species call it home. Los Gemelos is the best place in Galapagos to see the dazzling, elusive Vermillion Flycatcher. Darwin finches are also commonly sighted there. There are hiking opportunites here; the trail conditions can be varied and you should use caution.
Attractions: Scalesia Forest, Pit Craters Activities: Hiking (short)
Landing: dry
Mosquera is a small island located between North Seymour and Baltra islands. It was created by a geological uplift. The island looks flat in comparsion to the conical shape of the volcanically formed islands. This island consists of a long narrow stretch of white sand beach with rocks, and tide pools. An ideal location to relax and take in some beach time. You can snorkel, take a peaceful walk, or take pictures of the Boobies, Bronw Pelicans, and seal lions.
Whale Bay or
Bahía Ballen is located on the western coast of Santa Cruz island near the base of Dragon Hill. It is a semicircle beach which is green in color due to the high volumel of olivine crystals in the sand. There is also a historical relevance to this location. A small community lived in this area in the late 1900s, collecting lichen (Rosella
Tictoria), which is used in the textile industry. The trail leads guests to an old water hole used by the former settlers. There are also
boobies, land birds and beautiful views of the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island. Several activities are possible at Whale Bay after the trek such as snorkelling or a panga ride along the shoreline.
Punta Carrión is located on the Northeast tip of Santa Cruz island. The ships will navigate around this point which will you provide opportunities to see various sea birds nesting on the rock cliffs. Also there is the possibility of a trek and snorkeling. |
