There are also several tidal pools here filled with marine life, ideal for snorkeling or exploring with the kids. This quiet beach is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including birds, crabs, and sea lions, which you can spot keeping sunbathers company on the beach. A forty-minute drive from Puerto Ayora, this secluded destination is a hotspot for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing so you can spend your day how you choose. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, but one of our top recommendations is the peaceful Garrapatero Beach. BeachesĪ vacation to Santa Cruz wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the island’s idyllic beaches. You can also take a cruise past Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) to see land iguanas and other wildlife as you sail along the shoreline. Here, you can hike the island’s easy trails and spot sea lions, iguanas and all kinds of marine birds. Many people also use Santa Cruz as a base for day trips around the Galapagos, with Seymour Island being one of the most popular day trip spots. During the cruise, you’ll move through the mangroves and as you watch the turtles, rays, and sharks that call these waters home. A route we love is a cruise through Black Turtle Cove, a national park accessible only by boat. Santa Cruz is a popular base for all kinds of boat trips and cruises around the Galapagos. There are also several dive centers near the main town of Puerto Ayora, perfect for an afternoon in the water. The strong currents here make this a spot for more experienced divers who can expect to see sharks, rays, eels, and king angelfish. Gordon Rocks - located just off the eastern coast of the island, Gordon Rock is renowned as one of the best diving sites in the Galapagos. If you’re hoping to see a shark during your dive, this is the place to go, with several species, such as white-tipped reef sharks, making these coral slopes their feeding grounds. Guy Fawkes Rocks - this intermediate diving site is made up of four islets on the northwest coast of the island. Stay on the lookout for rays, sea lions, sharks, and a whole host of vibrant reef fish swimming in and out of the corals. Our favorite diving spots in Santa Cruz, Galapagos include:Ĭarrion Point - this sheltered cove is ideal for beginner/intermediate divers with its clear water and ample marine life. Underwater, visitors can observe a vibrant array of marine life, including colorful reef fish, peaceful sea turtles, and even majestic sharks. Santa Cruz and the Galapagos offer popular activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving due to the rich biodiversity of the waters. Here, you can also take a walk through a lava tunnel – but the real attraction is getting as close to ‘walking with dinosaurs’ as is possible!” 1. A must is also a visit to the highlands to witness a giant tortoise reserve, where these fascinating creatures are completely free-roaming and wild. There are heaps of wildlife to be seen – marine iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles and even reef sharks if you’re lucky! If you want to be more active, it can also be a great spot for surfing. “I particularly love walking along the beach and kayaking in Tortuga Bay. Scott Dunn Regional Travel Expert Renata Da Silva says: That being said, there’s still plenty to see and do on the island itself, from seeing some of the region’s best wildlife to exploring the shops, galleries, and restaurants in Puerto Ayora. Most visitors also make Santa Cruz their base for exploring more of the Galapagos, choosing to take one of the many Galapagos tours leaving Santa Cruz’s harbors. Spot brightly-colored fish and corals on a snorkeling expedition, learn about the island’s extensive conservation programs, or simply relax on one of its stunning beaches - the choice is yours. Whether you want to immerse yourself in nature or are looking for family-friendly activities, there’s an endless list of things to do in Santa Cruz. For those staying on the island, transportation to the main town, Puerto Ayora, is available by taxi or bus. While you can’t fly directly to Baltra island from outside Ecuador, there are daily flights from Quito to Baltra, giving you easy access to Santa Cruz and the Galapagos.Īfter arriving at the airport, you can reach Santa Cruz and other Galapagos islands by taking a short boat ride, where you will be able to see the clear waters and lush foliage for the first time. This is partly due to it being the most populous of the Galapagos islands but also because of its proximity to one of the area’s major airports on the nearby Baltra island. Santa Cruz is widely considered the gateway to the Galapagos and is where many people start their visit to the islands. How To Get to Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |