Santa Cruz & Puerto Ayora: The Living Heart of the Galapagos

When travellers dream of the Galápagos, they picture iconic wildlife and otherworldly landscapes. What many don’t yet realise is that the archipelago also has a beating heart—and it’s found on Santa Cruz Island.

Centred around the lively port town of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz brings together conservation, culture and connectivity. It’s where wildlife encounters meet everyday island life, making it an essential building block for well-rounded Galápagos itineraries.

Why Santa Cruz Belongs in Your Galápagos Portfolio

Santa Cruz is the logistical and social hub of the islands, offering easy access without compromising authenticity:

• Puerto Ayora – A walkable harbour town where cafés, galleries, dive centres and marine excursions sit alongside local life. Ideal for travellers who enjoy exploring independently.
• Charles Darwin Research Station – A cornerstone of Galápagos conservation, adding educational depth and credibility to any programme.
• Galapagos Highlands – One of the best places in the archipelago to observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat, alongside lava tunnels, lush vegetation and endemic birdlife.
• Tortuga Bay & Las Grietas – Signature natural highlights just minutes away, perfect for soft adventure, snorkelling and photography.
• Day-tour access to nearby islands – Including North Seymour, Bartolomé, Santa Fe, Floreana and Pinzón, offering excellent options for nature, snorkelling or daily diving.
• Local artisan visits – Coffee, chocolate, sugarcane and craft producers provide meaningful cultural interaction beyond wildlife.

Santa Cruz is where travellers experience the Galápagos as both a natural wonder and a living destination.

Where to Stay

Santa Cruz offers accommodation for every traveller profile:

• Mid-range: Galápagos Suites, El Barranco
• First Class: Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel – the only beachfront property near Puerto Ayora
• High-end & experiential: Galápagos Safari Camp and Pikaia Lodge, both set in the highlands for privacy, views and nature immersion

These properties work particularly well for pre- and post-cruise stays or land-based extensions.

Signature Experiences from Puerto Ayora

Based on Santa Cruz, travellers can enjoy:

Kayaking and snorkelling at Tortuga Bay

Day tours to Bartolomé or North Seymour

Close-up wildlife encounters with sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and birdlife

Dining, markets and local flavours in Puerto Ayora

It’s an island that invites travellers to feel the Galápagos, not just observe it.

Why Santa Cruz Still Matters

Santa Cruz delivers flexibility and value:

• An ideal pre- or post-cruise hub
• Perfect for hybrid land-and-sea itineraries
• A strong option for travellers preferring shore-based exploration
• Well-suited for families, photographers, birders, slow travellers and culture-minded guests

Including Santa Cruz adds narrative, balance and accessibility to your Galápagos programmes—without diluting the destination’s exclusivity.

Let Your Travellers Discover the Heart of the Islands

The Galápagos is more than a wildlife destination—it’s a place of people, stories and connection. Santa Cruz and Puerto Ayora are where these elements come together most naturally.

By integrating Santa Cruz into your offerings, you open the door to richer journeys that connect land and sea, comfort and authenticity, nature and meaning.