La isla Santa Cruz y sus playas se encuentran en las Islas Galápagos de Ecuador. Es una isla impresionante con una amplia biodiversidad y una historia geológica única; Santa Cruz es la segunda isla más grande de las Galápagos y se encuentra en el centro del archipiélago. Esto la convierte en un punto estratégico para explorar otras islas y sitios de interés.
The largest city on the island, Puerto Ayora , is the capital of the province of Galapagos and the economic and tourist center 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 will 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 transportation called "Lobito", which will take you to the Itabaca Channel for a small fee of $5, once you get to 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 the city of Puerto Ayora, which is the largest city on Santa Cruz; crossing the canal costs $1.
Flights to the Galapagos
The prices of the flights to the Galapagos vary depending on the airline, the season, how far in advance the tickets are purchased and also the city of origin. Please note that there are two main airports in the Galapagos Islands: Baltra Seymour Airport (GPS), and the 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 and the beach is 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
Es conocida por su suave arena blanca y sus aguas cristalinas, lo que la convierte en un lugar ideal para nadar y practicar snorkel. También es un lugar popular para observar la vida marina, incluyendo peces de colores y tortugas marinas. El nombre «Las Bachas» proviene de los restos de barcazas varadas en la Segunda Guerra Mundial que aún se pueden ver en la playa.
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 Estación 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
Climate in the Galapagos Islands es cálido, por lo que es recomendable vestir ropa ligera y cómoda, como trajes de baño, camisetas, pantalones cortos y vestidos. Lleva calzado cómodo y adecuado para caminar, especialmente si planeas explorar los senderos naturales cercanos a las playas de 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: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, such as marine iguanas, birds and sea lions. Do not touch or feed them.
Do not leave trash: Be sure to take with you all the waste and garbage you generate. Conservation is fundamental in the Galapagos Islands, and leaving trash behind can have a negative impact on the ecosystem.
Do not carry shells or rocks: It is forbidden to take shells or rocks from the beaches of the Galapagos. Respect this regulation to preserve the natural environment.
Follow the regulations: Respect local regulations, such as visiting hours, designated swimming areas and Galapagos National Park rules.
