Santa Cruz Island is the most visited island in the Galapagos archipelago since most commercial flights from the continental mainland land here. Although there are also direct flights to San Cristobal Island, many tourists prefer Santa Cruz Island due to its central location with respect to the rest of the islands. This allows you to explore the rest of the islands in Galapagos in a more convenient way.
Puerto Ayora is the capital of Santa Cruz. Here you will find a lot of commercial activity, traffic, hotels, bars, restaurants, stores and ATMs (which on other islands are not yet available). Santa Cruz has a lot to offer: not only scenery and beaches but also a wide selection of activities. You can also spot a lot of wildlife on this island: observe sea lions, giant tortoise, marine iguanas and many more!
Being the second largest Island of the Archipelago and the most populated one, you have plenty of different wonderful hotel options to choose from. On the Highlands of Santa Cruz, between the ferry port to Baltra and the Town of Puerto Ayora, you will find many exclusive Lodging with sweeping mountain views and high-end accommodations. In Puerto Ayora you will find quite a large variety of hotels in all categories and standards, all wonderful enough to enjoy a pleasant stay while discovering the marvels of the Galapagos.
From your hotel you can arrange daily visits to nearby Islands like North Seymour, Plaza or Bartolome and also can visit spectacular local sites like Charles Darwin Station, the Twin Craters, Tortoise Breeding Center, Tortuga Bay and much more!
How to Choose the Right Hotel in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has the widest range of hotel choices in the Galapagos. There are 19 establishments across Puerto Ayora and the highlands. The right accommodation for you aligns with your budget and the nearby attractions you want to visit.
Puerto Ayora (town-based) is the most practical option, complete with ATMs, restaurants, and tour operators. The Charles Darwin Research Station is also within walking distance. Choose from budget choices such as the Ninfas Hotel ($66/night) and Isla Sol ($87/night) to hotels at the upper end of first class, like the Finch Bay Hotel ($345/night) and Angermeyer Hotel ($270/night).
If you’re looking for a peaceful stay, The Highlands offers more privacy and open space. Here, you can be closer to the giant tortoise reserves, at the same time experiencing a quieter and more secluded stay. Pikaia Lodge ($1,610/night) and Royal Palm Hotel ($258/night) are the two main options.
Luxury options include Montemar Eco Luxury Villas ($2,820/night), which is the most exclusive accommodation on Santa Cruz, and Pikaia Lodge, which offers a spa alongside a sustainable highland stay.
If you’re still unsure about what area or category suits your trip, a Voyagers specialist can match you to the right hotel according to your itinerary and travel dates.
Where is Santa Cruz Island situated?
Santa Cruz is located in the center of the Galapagos archipelago, at a distance of approximately 1,000 km from the Ecuadorian mainland. It is a sleeping volcano whose last eruption is estimated to have occurred 1.5 million years ago. As a testimony of its volcanic past there are two enormous cavities called "Los Gemelos" or "Twin Craters" that were formed from a magma chamber.
How to reach Isla Santa Cruz in Galapagos?
Airlines flying to Galapagos from mainland Ecuador are LATAM and Avianca. There are direct flights from
Guayaquil and Quito to the Galapagos Islands every week. It is important to note that the flights are not specifically flying to Santa Cruz Island, but to Baltra Island, which is a small island next to Santa Cruz. In Baltra there is only an airport, the island is not inhabited and there are no hotels. Actually, the only purpose of the island is to accommodate the airport.
Once you have landed at the Baltra airport, you will have to board a bus (the company’s name of which is Lobito) to transport you to the coast of Baltra Island. After a 10-minute bus ride, you will arrive at the port of Baltra where a ferry will take you across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. When you have crossed this small canal, you arrive to Santa Cruz. From there you will need a transfer to the capital of the island, Puerto Ayora, to its city center where the main activity and most hotels are concentrated.
The most economical and practical option to travel between the main populated islands (Santa Cruz, Isabela island, Floreana island and San Cristobal island) is by speedboat or aquatic taxi. These small boats leave daily from the port. A boat trip usually takes 2 hours, depending on the route and the sea conditions.
If you want to make the most of your time and if your budget allows it, you can also move between islands in a small plane. There exist a pair of a local flight operators on the Galapagos Islands.
What are the main points of interest of Santa Cruz Island?
Puerto Ayora, Carrion Point, Charles Darwin Station / Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Garrapatero Beach, Lava Tunnels, Tortuga Bay Beach, Whale Bay, Gordon's Rock, Bachas Beach, Black Turtle Cove, Cerro Mesa, Dragon Hill, Eden Islet, Highland, Twin Craters
What to pack to go to Santa Cruz?
Packing for Galapagos is not the same as packing for any other beach destination. During your trip in Galapagos national park you will have to walk over volcanic terrain, rocks, dirt and unstable roads in order to reach the stunning beaches so it is best to prepare yourself beforehand. In addition, Galapagos is a protected National Park so there are certain rules and restrictions that also affect what you can and cannot bring in your luggage.If you want to be prepared and get the most out of your trip these are some recommendations of what to bring:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Ecuador.
- Sunscreen to protect from the powerful Ecuadorian sun. It is also recommended to wear a hat or anything similar when visiting the Enchanted Islands.
- Comfortable shoes: in Galapagos you will need some resistant shoes to be able to walk on volcanic terrain, rocks and dirt. A pair of water shoes can also be very useful.
- Some cash: there are not many ATMs in the islands and not all establishments accept cards.
- Repellent, especially for the rainy season in Galapagos from January to April, when there are many mosquitoes.
- A reusable water bottle: a stainless steel bottle is a must to stay hydrated and avoid buying plastic bottles all the time (and help the environment). In most hotels and hostels you can refill it before leaving for free.
- Your own snorkeling equipment if possible.
- A sports camera: This is the best way to make memories of your trip to Galapagos
Since San Cristobal islands is home to one of the airports that connect the mainland of Ecuador with the Galapagos Islands, many cruise departures start from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you can check the different Yacht Options or Cruise Tour Programs. Many travelers stay on San Cristobal for post cruise program, you can also look at Day Tour Options that depart from the island. Below are the main hotel options for your stay.