Santa Cruz Island and its beaches are located in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. It is an impressive island with rich biodiversity and a unique geological history. Santa Cruz is the second-largest island in the Galapagos and is situated at the center of the archipelago, making it a strategic point for exploring other islands and attractions.
The largest city on the island, Puerto Ayora, is the capital of the Galapagos province and the economic and tourism hub of the region. Here, you will find most of the tourism and conservation infrastructure.
Santa Cruz Island is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a center dedicated to the study and conservation of Galapagos wildlife. It is a key place to understand the evolutionary processes of the region's fauna.
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How to get to Santa Cruz?
Flight to the Galapagos Islands: Once in Ecuador, you must take a domestic flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, which is one of the two main airports in the Galapagos.
From the Seymour Airport in Baltra, there is a public transport service called “Lobito”, which will take you to Itabaca Channel for an affordable price of $5. Once at the channel, you can take a small ferry to Santa Cruz Island. The ferry will take you to the other shore, where you will find buses that will take you to Puerto Ayora, the largest city on Santa Cruz. Crossing the channel costs $1.
Flights to the Galapagos
Flight prices to the Galapagos Islands vary depending on the airline, season, how far in advance tickets are purchased, and the city of origin. Keep in mind that there are two main airports in the Galapagos Islands: Seymour Airport in Baltra (GPS) and San Cristobal Airport (SCY).
Average prices for flights from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos are usually between $250 and $500 per person round trip, but you may find special offers or promotions at certain times of the year.
The best beaches of Santa Cruz
Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is known for its stunning white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. The sand is soft, making the beach a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
The beach and surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including marine iguanas, pelicans, sea lions, and several species of birds. It is important to keep a safe distance and not disturb the animals.
Garrapatero Beach
It is a beach of soft sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. It offers a wide expanse of sand and is less crowded compared to other beaches in the region.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming in the warm waters and snorkeling to explore the marine life. The trail to the beach offers opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Las Bachas
It is known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. It is also a popular spot for observing marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. The name "Las Bachas" comes from the remains of barges stranded during World War II, which can still be seen on the beach.
Visitors can enjoy swimming and diving in its waters, as well as observing marine life in the snorkeling areas. There are also nearby trails that offer opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
Los Alemanes Beach
This beach stands out for its isolation and quiet atmosphere. It has an expanse of white sand and crystal clear waters, making it ideal for relaxation and marine life observation. Like other areas in the Galapagos, Los Alemanes offers opportunities to observe marine life, including marine iguanas, pelicans and sea lions. It is also a good place to snorkel and explore the rich underwater life of the region.
La Estacion Beach
The beach is adjacent to the famous Academy Bay Steps, which is a wooden staircase leading to a panoramic lookout with breathtaking views of the bay.
Visitors can enjoy swimming in the warm waters and snorkeling to explore the marine life. It is also an ideal place to take pictures and enjoy the ocean view.
Clothing and recommendations for visiting the beaches of Santa Cruz
The climate in the Galapagos Islands is warm, so it is recommended to wear light and comfortable clothing, such as swimsuits, t-shirts, shorts, and dresses. Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking, especially if you plan to explore the natural trails near the beaches of Santa Cruz.
The sun in the Galapagos is strong, so don't forget to bring sunscreen and apply it regularly to protect your skin. It is also advisable to wear a hat or cap and sunglasses.
Wear swimsuits if you plan to swim or snorkel. It is helpful to bring extra clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, to protect you from the sun while you are in the water.
Behavior and recommendations:
Respect for Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, such as marine iguanas, birds, and sea lions. Do not touch or feed them.
Do not leave trash: Make sure to take all waste and garbage with you. Conservation is essential in the Galapagos Islands, and leaving trash can have a negative impact on the ecosystem.
Do not take shells or rocks: It is prohibited to take shells or rocks from the Galapagos beaches. Respect this regulation to preserve the natural environment.
Follow the regulations: Respect the local regulations, such as visiting hours, designated swimming areas, and the rules of the Galapagos National Park.
