Title: Santa Cruz Island Travel Guide: Best of Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Travel 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Santa Cruz Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Island-Hotels.d6053670.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Santa Cruz Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Island-Holiday-Rentals.d6053670.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Santa Cruz Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Cruz-Island.d6053670.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Santa Cruz Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz-Island.d6053670.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Santa Cruz Island Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Santa-Cruz-Island.d6053670.Car-Hire-Guide)[Santa Cruz Island Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Island.d6053670.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Santa Cruz Island Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Santa Cruz Island](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/04d5e478ee175ffd174b1e23d51916f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz Island](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/807ccabc9166a44cc12c67d85fe6fcb8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz Island](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/2fd2a35b1c9ff5246a3f86ab2fcdb63b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Cruz Island](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/ca5052d825081e47165985f168e16df1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Photo by Diagnosis Wanderlust](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f211f1082bbde087ebf15ad5f83434e7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by Diagnosis Wanderlust](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f211f1082bbde087ebf15ad5f83434e7.jpg) ## Visit Santa Cruz Island Things to do #### Swim with fascinating sea life, walk through a spectacular lava tunnel, hike to lookouts and relax on sunny idyllic beaches. Santa Cruz Island (Isla Santa Cruz) is the Galápagos Islands’ main tourist centre. It has white-sand beaches, wildlife research centers and clear water teeming with colourful ocean life. The natural landscape of Santa Cruz Island has been shaped by extensive volcanic activity. Discover dramatic craters, secluded swimming holes and subterranean lava tunnels. Puerto Ayora is a great first entry point to the islands. Hotels, seafood restaurants and tour agencies line the town’s streets and waterfront. Get an overview of the evolution of the islands, its plants, wildlife and conservation programmes at the Charles Darwin Research Station. See giant tortoises and hatchlings at the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Centre. Catch a boat from the town’s pier to the southwest side of the bay. Follow a trail to Las Grietas, a split-level waterhole with both freshwater and seawater. Walk or bike to El Mirador, a short lava tube and a great place to spot Darwin’s finches. Snorkel at the postcard-perfect Tortuga Bay in the calm waters to the north. Note that the main beach facing the ocean here has strong waves and undercurrents. Explore the tidal pools and watch flamingos at the mangrove-framed El Garrapatero Beach. Travel north to the town of Bellavista, a popular spot for horseback-riding excursions into the highlands. Hike or ride to the crescent-shaped crater Media Luna and Crocker Hill, the island’s highest point. Deep in the highlands find Santa Rosa and the El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Tour the mystical underground lava tunnels, including the Tunnel of Love. Enjoy excellent bird-watching opportunities at the twin sinkholes, Los Gemelos. The solitude of the Galápagos Islands is evident on a boat ride through Black Turtle Cove. Observe flamingos and sea turtles at Las Bachas and snorkel around the craggy shoreline of Dragon Hill. Swim with sea lions, sharks, rays and turtles at dive sites such as Guy Fawkes Rocks and Punta Carrión. Reach Santa Cruz Island by flying to Baltra Island, a short ferry ride north. Alternatively, arrive by ferry to Puerto Ayora from San Cristóbal Island. Complete your day by reflecting upon the island’s grandeur while dining at delicious seafood restaurants. - Top hotels in Santa Cruz Island - Top Holiday Rentals in Santa Cruz Island ![Hotel Fiesta](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9700000/9690700/9690626/b440b32f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Fiesta Calle Moises Brito y Juan Montalvo, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos £115 16 Sept - 17 Sept Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 hot tubs and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ... 9/10 Wonderful! (364 reviews) "Very nice place and the very large hot tub was nice to relax in after the day." Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F09%2F2025&endDate=17%2F09%2F2025&selected=9690626&PinnedHotelID=9690626&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6053670) ![Hotel el descanso del Guia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17530000/17525300/17525206/b6171efd_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel el descanso del Guia Calle Delfin, Barrio el Mirador, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (167 reviews) "Muy lindo todo <3" Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025 [Get rates](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=29%2F09%2F2025&endDate=30%2F09%2F2025&selected=17525206&PinnedHotelID=17525206&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6053670) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=29%2F09%2F2025&endDate=30%2F09%2F2025&selected=17525206&PinnedHotelID=17525206&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6053670) ![Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/13000000/12540000/12535100/12535025/215f955b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton Km. 18 Via Puerto Ayora-Baltra Isla, Isla Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Galapagos £237 16 Sept - 17 Sept Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Santa Rosa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Los Gemelos Sinkholes and Lava Tunnel ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (50 reviews) "The Royal Palm offers a truly immersive Galápagos experience—set inland on a stunning 100 acre property, far from the touristy feel of the ports. Recently under new ownership, the property is being refreshed: rooms are spacious and renovated, the pool has been redone, and quiet renovations are underway, ..." Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F09%2F2025&endDate=17%2F09%2F2025&selected=12535025&PinnedHotelID=12535025&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6053670) [See all 201 properties in Santa Cruz Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=16%2F09%2F2025&endDate=17%2F09%2F2025®ionId=6053670) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Villa Galapagos](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30410000/30400900/30400811/369f220c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Villa Galapagos Fragata y Av. Seymour, Puerto Ayora Stay at this holiday home in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Gus Angermeyer ... "着いて早々にダブルブッキングがわかった。これは施設というよりも、貴社のシステムの問題。前回も宿泊名簿に名前がなかったこともあり、強く改善をもとめる。" Reviewed on 16 Aug 2019 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Puerto-Ayora-Hotels-Villa-Galapagos.h30400811.Hotel-Information) ![Galapagos Coliving Ecuador Casa Tuna](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106890000/106882100/106882041/992ac688_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Galapagos Coliving Ecuador Casa Tuna Miconia, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Gus Angermeyer ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Puerto-Ayora-Hotels-Galapagos-Coliving-Ecuador-Casa-Tuna.h106882041.Hotel-Information) ![Galapagos and Beyond](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/100000000/99530000/99523000/99522986/5d3c0d78_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Galapagos and Beyond Indefatigable entre Duncan & Juan, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Stay at this 5-star luxury condo in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and hot springs on-site. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Las Ninfas ... 10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews) "Great stay! The rooms, the service, the breakfast, everything was great. Definitely stay here" Reviewed on 26 May 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Puerto-Ayora-Hotels-Galapagos-And-Beyond.h99522986.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Santa Cruz Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6053670&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Santa Cruz Island hotel availability [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16) [Tonight](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16)[15 Sept - 16 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17)[16 Sept - 17 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [This weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025)[19 Sept - 21 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [Next weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025)[26 Sept - 28 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6053670&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit ![Tortuga Bay Beach](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/a03438199dc7a774cdaed956c9064d39.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tortuga Bay Beach If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Tortuga Bay Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Bella Vista. While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tortuga-Bay-Beach-Bella-Vista.d6171324.Attraction) ![El Garrapatero Beach](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/638584a8c4a3ee6c78155931dfc3fb35.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### El Garrapatero Beach Why not spend a care-free afternoon at El Garrapatero Beach during your travels in El Cascajo? While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.co.uk/El-Garrapatero-Beach-Galapagos.d6222374.Attraction) ![Las Ninfas Lagoon](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/191340993e746fa28ef410740f5b79e1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Las Ninfas Lagoon Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Las Ninfas Lagoon during your travels in Puerto Ayora. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Las-Ninfas-Lagoon-Galapagos.d794682581167067136.Attraction) #### Playa de los Alemanes If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Playa de los Alemanes might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Puerto Ayora. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-De-Los-Alemanes-Puerto-Ayora.d553248625325955800.Attraction) #### Malecon You can find out about the history of Puerto Ayora with a stop at Malecon. Wander the waterfront and beaches in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Malecon-Puerto-Ayora.d553248634304917070.Attraction) #### Las Grietas Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Las Grietas during your travels in Bella Vista. Wander the waterfront and beaches in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Las-Grietas-Bella-Vista.d6166619.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas - Snorkeling & Fishing](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2119246/9ceeaef4-ffc9-47f6-888d-f86a29917af9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas - Snorkeling & Fishing £125 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-tour-pinzon-island-la-felas-palmas-snorkeling-fishing.a2119246.activity-details) ![ Tour of the city to Isabela + Tintoreras from Santa Cruz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2696308/fea836e2-2c61-4aa1-a9a2-2a452af04201.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tour of the city to Isabela + Tintoreras from Santa Cruz £190 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/tour-of-the-city-to-isabela-tintoreras-from-santa-cruz.a2696308.activity-details) ![Galapagos Iguana](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2247120/fc2a70d9-358d-48a8-bf72-9a97493ced7a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### GALAPAGOS IDEAL (3Days) £500 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/galapagos-ideal-3days.a2247120.activity-details) ![Santa Cruz Explorer 4D - 3N](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2512401/0b38424b-0198-489c-9f95-2cca5c00118b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days £474 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/galapagos-santa-cruz-explorer-4-days.a2512401.activity-details) ![Bay Tour in Santa Cruz - Galapagos Islands](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2135120/612912ff-96ae-4bcc-aa1b-134f054b6fec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Bay Tour in Santa Cruz - Galapagos Islands £44 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/bay-tour-in-santa-cruz-galapagos-islands.a2135120.activity-details) ![Galapagos island Hopping](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2688863/dd792708-4489-4da8-b4d8-108d0743d186.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Galapagos Intensive 5 days, land base (3Islands) Excludes galapagos flight £1,002 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/galapagos-intensive-5-days.a2688863.activity-details) [See all activities in Santa Cruz Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Cruz-Island.d6053670.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Santa Cruz Island ![Puerto Ayora](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/2fd2a35b1c9ff5246a3f86ab2fcdb63b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Puerto Ayora [](https://expedia.co.uk/Puerto-Ayora.dx602686) ![Santa Rosa](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/04d5e478ee175ffd174b1e23d51916f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Santa Rosa [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Rosa.dx6053725) ![El Cascajo](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/807ccabc9166a44cc12c67d85fe6fcb8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### El Cascajo [](https://expedia.co.uk/El-Cascajo.dx6222749) - Cities near Santa Cruz Island - Places of interest [Puerto Ayora](https://expedia.co.uk/Puerto-Ayora.dx602686)[Santa Rosa](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Rosa.dx6053725)[El Cascajo](https://expedia.co.uk/El-Cascajo.dx6222749) - [Tortuga Bay Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Tortuga-Bay-Beach-Bella-Vista.d6171324.Attraction) - [Charles Darwin Research Station](https://expedia.co.uk/Charles-Darwin-Research-Station-Galapagos.d6171312.Attraction) - [Playa de los Alemanes](https://expedia.co.uk/Playa-De-Los-Alemanes-Puerto-Ayora.d553248625325955800.Attraction) - [Galápagos National Park](https://expedia.co.uk/Galapagos-National-Park-Galapagos.d6112453.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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