The Santa Cruz II has five decks, two hot tubs, a library, reading room, gym, small gift shop, dining room and a couple of lounges. Kicker Rock Galapagos Tour: Snorkeling or Diving and Beach The famous Kicker Rock! First morning light on the Puerto Ayora Fisherman’s Pier. Santa Cruz is also home to the Darwin Research Station, where you can see giant land tortoises. It is also home to the largest port and offers the greatest variety of accommodations, restaurants, recreation and activities. The capital, Puerto Ayora, is the largest city on the islands. Santa Cruz in the Galapagos is found in the Central Islands. It offers a wild ride for snorkelers as the currents take you around one side with hardly any swimming effort. It is one of the larger islands and the most populated in the archipelago. If it’s more affordable than the flight to San Cristóbal (Be sure to factor in the cost of the transfer to accommodations, which will be higher on Santa Cruz.) Its name means Holy Cross in Spanish. Much of the magic in the Galapagos Islands occurs under the water. The north shore of Santa Cruz Island is dominated by the impressive vision of Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Isabela Island was my favorite island in the Galapagos. $220. Santiago Island - James Bay. The Art of Travel Photography – Galápagos Photography Guide. Typical Galapagos Cruise Itinerary. Snorkeling tour … It is always a good idea to have an eye on our Galapagos Last-Minute offers! Santa Cruz Island is located smack dab in the middle of the Galapagos. Some of them swim right up to you and playfully nip at your fins. To reach almost all the other world-class snorkeling spots the Galápagos has to offer, you will then have two options. We have children’s wetsuits size 6-16 and adult’s wetsuits size … Off Genovesa Island, some great snorkeling is to be had near the Galapagos visitor site of Prince Phillip’s Steps. Las Grietas is a fissure in lava rocks that has created a series of narrow crevices filled with crystal clear water. Fortunately, most of the uninhabited island day tours and activities that we offer include snorkeling locations that provide some remarkable marine experiences.. Swiming with a sea lion in a cave. Giant tortoises at Rancho Primicias. Galapagos Islands Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos Islands.Because of its immediate vicinity to the main airport on Baltra Island, it is often the starting point for most cruises. You will enjoy the most important water activities of this place. Bartolomé Island is probably one of the most recognized sites in Galapagos. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Ecuador / Galapagos Islands / Outdoors / South America. Santa Cruz Island things to see & do. Bartolome Island is a fabulous spot that can be reached from Puerto Ayora on a day trip. Day 2. Much of the magic in the Galapagos Islands occurs under the water. Afternoon: Charles Darwin Research Station & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center Day 6 Galapagos Multi-Sport Adventure | Galapagos Family Vacations The waters here are sheltered and home to a huge variety of marine life that you will see on your tour around the crown. On an area of 986 km². 7. If you take only one tour on Galapagos, take this one. Spotted: sea lions, sea turtles, sharks $110. From Baltra Island: Galápagos Islands 5-Day Nature Tour Small group; Duration options: 1 - 5 days; From. The island was formed by a now dormant volcano that left behind a stunning lava tunnel, which stretches a full two kilometers beneath the island’s surface. Santa Cruz’ highland is very fertile and used for agriculture. Get ready 1 hour navigation (approx.) It is the most populated island, with an estimated 15,000 residents. Tortuga Bay, an exceptional tropical beach that is included on lists of the world’s best beaches, is... 2. Relaxed. Roundtrip from Isla Baltra, and calling on Santiago, Rabida, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, and Genovesa Islands. Day 3 – Monday – Sombrero Chino, Santiago Island. Fascinating geological landscapes of hardened black lava await on Santiago Island’s Sullivan Bay. Here, we first explore the lush vegetation of the highlands before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station to meet giant tortoises face-to-face. $70-80. Rental includes a Snorkel, Mask, Fins and a 3-piece Wetsuit (5mm shortie suit, 7mm farmer john suit & sized hood). Lunch will be served on board. Snorkeling with Galapagos Sea Lions in Loberia Santa Cruz Island. But what surprises many people is the abundance of life just off the shore line, only a few feet down in the water. With one of our Naturalist Guides as your escort you will visit some of the highlights of the ‘Parte Alta’. Other attractions include a sea lion colony, excellent snorkeling, marine iguanas and of course birds ( Blue footed boonies, Frigate birds, Galapagos Gulls. Day Trip to Santa Fe Island from Puerto Ayora 2 Santa Fe Island is a popular day trip for wildlife … One of our favourite things to do in Puerto Ayora was snorkelling in Las Grietas. If you’re taking a cruise that departs from either Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz or from the dock on Baltra Island (near the airport). There’s another airport in San Cristóbal Island, but most tourist prefer landing here because Santa Cruz has a privileged centered location and makes it easier to visit other islands in Galapagos in less time. From here, you can arrange last-minute tours around the islands, day trips, and scuba-diving excursions. Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour deep-water snorkeling pm – Santa Fe Island Dry landing. The activities on the island of Santa Cruz include seeing the huge tortoises, visiting the Charles Darwin Station and kayaking in Tortuga Bay. Species spotted here include hogfish, parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly … From Memorial Day (end of May) to Labor Day (beginning of September) our Snorkel Rental & Retail Store are open every day from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. Pin. It is a great place to base yourself as you take day trips to other islands. Walk by a … Day tours to uninhabited islands and other interesting excursions on Galapagos. A wide variety of activities are available throughout the island and it’s home to the Galapagos National Park offices and the Charles Darwin Station. El Garrapatero is a secluded beach on Santa Cruz Island, perfect for relaxing, swimming in the ocean, snorkeling or kayaking. $1,549 per person View all Snorkeling in Santa Cruz, Ecuador Things to Do in Santa Cruz, Ecuador. A Galapagos Eagle Ray are common while snorkeling in Bartolomé Island near Santa Cruz. An unique underwater world, still widely untouched Canada is a vast country, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and north to the Arctic Ocean. Note: When I say large, this is relative because ships in the Galapagos hold 100 passengers. You can also spend a few days exploring the island, visiting a tortoise ranch, the Charles Darwin Research Station, the beach at Tortuga Bay or enjoying fresh seafood. Las Grietas/Alemanas Beach. Santa Cruz Island is the main tourism hub in the whole of the Galapagos Islands.It’s the second largest in area and sits at the center of the archipelago. Shipmates. Diving and snorkelling in Galapagos Islands are indeed a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks to its close proximity to the main airport on Baltra Island just to the north, many tourists pass through Santa Cruz and its principal city, Puerto Ayora, located on the island’s southern coast. This fact alone makes it very different from other sites in Galapagos. The island of Santa Cruz is bigger than the island of San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz is definitely more popular among tourists. 1 Santa Cruz ... 6 Santa Cruz, Ecuador Snorkeling. From the Santa Cruz pier, take a water taxi to the dock by the West Finch Bay resort for about 0.80usd. 2. Description Tour: Santa Fe Galapagos. Santa Cruz is where most people begin their island adventure so it is an excellent addition to anyone’s Galapagos itinerary. Occasional heavy showers will also be expected … With … You will disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take your flight … But it is the marine life what makes this spot awesome to visit. Additionally the lava flows that passed through this area had formed unique geo The 90-guest Santa Cruz II expedition ship sails the Galapagos Islands and features first-class amenities, daily naturalist-led hikes and panga rides, snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat. It is also possible to explore the Galapagos Archipelago with a diving day tour instead. Carrion Point, or Punta Carrión, is a sheltered cove on the northeast tip of Santa Cruz Island. This daily diving tour in Galapagos will take you through the most incredible places to dive in Gordon Rocks. The WiFi is a bit more dependable on Santa Cruz, too. The Bongo Bar - enjoy the nightlife Santa Cruz has to offer, which is open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. towards the snorkeling site of Santa Fe Island. Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island’s white-sand beach, is one of the largest nesting areas of the Pacifc Green Sea Turtle. You will get off from the boat/zodiac and snorkel in shallow waters until a bay where you will get a “pool like” feeling. Swiming with a sea lion in a … Snorkeling in Galapagos, Tropical Fishes and More Champion Islet on Floreana Island is a worn-down volcanic cone. North Seymour. Day 1. One of the best reasons to choose a larger ship for your Galapagos cruise is the amount of social space. The lower part of Santa Cruz features white sandy beaches where you can snorkel, dive, kayak, surf or swim. INCLUDED: Galapagos certified naturalist guide, transfer to Santa Cruz in public speedboat, all excursions and activities, snorkeling gear, lunch and lodging at … Another highlight from our trip was being able to snorkel with the Galapagos sea lions. Day 4 – Tuesday – Genovesa Island. Santa Cruz Island is a central island in the Galapagos archipelago and, at 381 square miles, it is the second largest after Isabela Island. Tour Description Santa Fe Galapagos Snorkeling Day Trip The trip begins at 8:00 am from Pueto Ayora Dock after the guide picks you up from your hotel of stay in Santa Cruz. Less touristy than Santa Cruz, much more chilled, and I dare to say, more beautiful. Activity: Snorkeling. Organized snorkeling and diving tours are offered by companies like Scuba Iguana, Wreck Bay Dive Center and Pahoehoe Galapagos Tours. Santa Cruz is the most populated island; its main town, Puerto Ayora, is the major city in the Galápagos. Enjoy a boxed lunch and listen to informative commentary from your guide throughout the day. Santiago. This cruise allows you to experience more than just the highlights of the Galapagos' southeast islands. To the north west of Santa Cruz, this island is iconic, and you will surely recognize the well-photographed scenery here. We have flexible itineraries of 4, 5, 8 or more days, your choice! Our Central Galapagos cruise itinerary begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populated island in the archipelago. Buy this tour. The locals live mainly from tourism. For those travelers without a lot of time to spare, this half-day tour of Santa Cruz Island and Bahia would be a great way to maximize your exposure without setting aside a whole day or breaking the bank. PACKAGE – SANTA CRUZ 5 DAYS- 3 ISLANDS. Plazas Sur Island 260 USD. It is easy to imagine the infinite potential snorkeling spots hidden along its coastline (the longest in … Around Los Tuneles you will find a highly contrasted colour for snorkeling with clear calm water. Day 2: have a hassle-free experience in Santa Cruz Island. From here you can easily access the famous Kicker Rock or do the 360 tour around the island. A short 300 meter trail takes you to one of the tallest stands of opuntia cactus in the island to look out for land iguanas. San Cristobal Island - Lobos Islet. Garrapatero Beach. The bar has a wide variety of clientele that includes locals as well as tourists and naturalist guides who take their guests around the islands, and serves some of the best sushi in the Galapagos. It is a very developed island with easy access to the Baltra airport, so almost all travelers visit it on their tour or cruise of the Galapagos islands. Both have an access by air. One of the highlights here is the wide array of tropical and other fish you might see. $1,250.00. 3. Day One – Saturday – Quito to San Cristobal Island. Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. The cost of most day tours ranges between $100 and $300 per person, including a guide. Encounter giant tortoises, snorkel … SNORKEL Experiences. ... an extinct shield volcano that’s regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos Islands. Los Tuneles is the most fascinating snorkeling site on Isabela Island, both for its wealth of marine life and the otherworldly labyrinth of underwater geological formations through which you can swim. Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. This island has six vegetation zones, each one very different to the others. Los Tuneles. Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island) This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with a couple of brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. There are nearby beaches on Santa Cruz Island itself, or there are islands to be visited further afield, but that are still within reasonable travel time to make them into a fun and educational day tour, to get a real taste of the Galapagos Islands. Here are some of our most highly recommended day tours from Puerto Ayora, Galapagos. Santa Cruz is the most important (although not the largest) island in the Galapagos Islands archipelago, in Ecuador.It contains the largest town in the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora, which is the only location on the island with tourist infrastructure, on the southern side of the island, and is connected by road and ferry to the airport on Baltra Island. Post navigation. The location of the camp is central to all areas of the Island. Santa Cruz/ Isabela Island (B) This morning you have the option to visit the beautiful Tortuga bay beach, a 45 minutes’ walk of cobblestone path (2.5 km one way) lead you to one of the fine white sandy beaches of the archipelago. And sharing the water with playful sea lions is, of course, an unforgettable experience. Day 3: Santa Cruz Island > Isabela Island Hop aboard a speed boat today as we head to Isabela Island, where we visit Las Tintoreras — a highlight of the Galápagos. Between the blue footed boobies flying overhead, beaches home to families of sea lions, and incredibly diverse landscapes, you will feel like you have been transported to another planet. Landbased Galapagos tour, where you stay on a hotel on 2 of the most important Galapagos islands, Santa Cruz and Isabela. Day 5 – Wednesday – Isla Seymour Norte, Santa Fe. The first is to take part to day boat tours to uninhabited islands and islets in the archipelago. Visit the South islands of the Galapagos archipelago and encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, the waved albatross, giant tortoises, and dozens of sea bird species. Geologically it is one of the oldest, since volcanic rocks of about 4 million years old have been found. Tortuga Bay is a wide beach with turquoise waters and white sand found on Santa Cruz Island. Choose from a long but worthy hike to Tortuga Bay, a refreshing swim at Las Grietas or a visit to Las Ninfas mangrove. When to go snorkeling Santa Cruz Island There are two sensibly different seasons in Santa Cruz, as there are on the whole Galápagos archipelago. Highlights: Santa Cruz Island. After visiting the island of North Seymour this morning we arrived at the “Bachas Beach” on the north-west coast of Santa Cruz at about 1 p.m. Day. From there you can follow a path to Las Grietas which are a cool set of water-filled caves with clear water for snorkelling and swimming. Discover the two sides of the Islands: Coast & Highlands. Here you will hike through a cactus forest, the perfect habitat for Darwin’s Finches and the yellow Galapagos Land Iguanas. Visitor sites include Santa fe, South Plazas Islands, Gardner bay, Punta Suarez on Española a much more. Aerial view of Los Gemelos. ... Cormorants & Snorkeling. Above the water, on the rocks you could see marine iguanas, pelicans, sea lions and crabs. guided excursions with optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy rides and our new feature daily diving tours for license-holding divers. Generally, you’ll even find our operation open as early as 8 am in the summer! From this island, the next days you explore Galapagos’ further islands and admire the biodiversity, nature and wildlife, for example by snorkeling or on hikes. Pin Best Galapagos Snorkeling Sites – Los Tuneles. The Galapagos Islands DAY BY DAY Darwin Research Station & Eden Islet or Ballena Bay (Santa Cruz Island) (Santa Cruz Island) Highlands Tortoise Reserve The Galapagos Islands DAY BY DAY . Pinacle Rock prOivdes one of the most striking sights in Galapagos. South Plaza. 0. of our Trip around the World. Get to know the highlights of Santa Cruz Island. Carrion Point. In 2018 Tortuga Bay entered the top 10 of the best beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor and it is not surprising. Gordon's Rock. Santa Cruz has the largest population of all the Galapagos Islands with over 15,000 residents scattered in small villages across the island. Santa Cruz Island is the most visited in Galapagos since plenty commercial flights from the mainland land here. Santa Cruz is the second-largest island in the Galapagos and holds the islands’ largest village, Puerto Ayora. ... Best Snorkeling Sites, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, South America, Wildlife. Kicker Rock is known for having one of the best places for snorkeling, you can see Galapagos sharks, Hammerhead sharks, rays, sea lions, and do some birdwatching. A stop at the twin craters Los Gemelos is one of the first sights on your highlands tour. This port town is full of restaurants, souvenir shops, bars, internet coffee shops, and markets. Kicker Rock is known There are small settlements across the island, but many people live in Puerto Ayora, the main town. Isla Pinzon: a day tour from Santa Cruz. Top 5 Santa Cruz Galapagos Beaches: 1. It is an incredible daily tour. Santa Cruz Island, Galapágos Facts. From airport island of Baltra, I crossed the channel to Santa Cruz. Located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, this dive site attracts schools of grouper, batfish, and other tropical fish. Spotted: sea turtles, mantas rays, sea horses, lobsters, sharks. We are the best Galapagos local agency. Tour Description: This island is located off the East coast of Santa Cruz Island. Island Santa Cruz Charles Darwin Interpretation Center Although the majority of Galapagos visito rs come here to observe and appreciate the natural wonders the Islands have to offer, many also find it interesti ng to learn more about the protection and c onservation programs in place on the islands. These lagoons actually serve as the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. The turquoise lagoon is home to countless different animals, from tropical fish to different species of rays and even white-tip reef sharks. Paradise of biological evolution, in Santa Cruz Island lies the largest urban nucleus of Galapagos and natural and free attractions not to be missed, as Tortuga Bay. I've ranked the top 10 Galapagos Islands spots for the best snorkeling during one of your Galapagos Cruises, from No. 10 (Chinese Hat Islet) to No. 1 (?). See which spots you've already visited for snorkeling and scuba diving, and which spots you want to see on your next travel to the Galapagos Islands. 10. Chinese Hat Islet Galapagos Islands. The hub of most activity in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora is a charming, bustling port town where sea, sun, seabirds and sailboats coexist in happy equilibrium. Sea lions Santa Cruz Island, The Galapagos So, below the water there were probably 10 or so sea lions to play with and many fish, including parrot fish. Baltra Island. round shape. Las Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz Island) This beautiful visitor site is located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, where a glorious white beach awaits along with a couple of brackish lagoons that are just a few steps away from the sea. Check out the best things to do on Santa Cruz Island. When you arrive at the island you can climb up to the top of a trail, a walk that typically takes between 30 to 40 minutes. 2. Pinzón Island 160 USD. The warm season (December-May) is a tropical one, with warm and wet weather (79 to 86°F/26 to 30°C). The island is an imposing, vertical, sheer-walled tuff cone that has been eroded in half. Santa Cruz has tree tortoise subspecies that show both kinds of shells and allow visitors to notice the difference and once understand the evolutionary process that shaped them into this giant prehistoric like animals. Located northeast of Puerto Ayora, El Garrapatero is a windswept stretch of … Devil’s Crown (Floreana Island) White-tipped Reef Shark at Devil’s Crown, Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands. Both have an access by air. We offer snorkel + mask, fin and wetsuit rentals at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Las Grietas, Santa Cruz. James Bay on Santiago Island is a snorkeling site that you access from the shore instead of a dinghy. From Puerto Ayora, the simplest way to get here is by taxi. Take in the beautiful landscapes from the viewpoint at the top of the island and discover the abundant marine life with a snorkeling excursion. I … Isla Lobos is named for the sea lions that inhabit its shores and … We went from sunbathing to trekking in the same afternoon, and I had my first snorkeling experience there. Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders offers a wide range of Galapagos Islands cruises and Galapagos land-based options through which you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming near the islands. Get in touch to find the cruise or trip that works best for you, to enjoy the best snorkeling the Galapagos has to offer. Santa Fe. Island of volcanic origin. Along the shore a great variety of marine birds, Galapagos Sea Lions, and Galapagos Marine Iguanas can be observed. Devil’s Crown has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the top snorkeling sites in the islands. Arriving in Puerto Ayora. Channel Island National Park offers some of the best snorkeling in North America. Daily Tour to. Other sea life you might see while snorkeling includes marine iguanas, rockfish, sea turtles, penguins and flightless cormorants. Also on a visit to the Western Isles of the Galapagos Islands, snorkeling at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island offers excellent Galapagos snorkeling. You have an opportunity to go snorkeling in this spot teeming with marine iguanas, the rare Galápagos penguin and … 8. Make this tour the best way to explore all corners of the Galapagos beauties. Half-Day Santa Cruz Island and Bahia Tour Source: Drono del Aire / shutterstock Santa Cruz Island. visiting Academy Bay in a snorkeling and walk expedition and share with the Giant Tortoises spending the afternoon walking and hiking at Chato Natural Tortoise Reserve. Santa Cruz. Kicker Rock. Take a 5-day adventure and travel from beautiful San Cristobal to Española, Floreana, and Santa Cruz Islands. As there are 40 and so many km to the largest urban center of the island, you have 2 choices for transportation. Bartolome. Visitors to the Galapagos Islands expect to see amazing creatures crawling, flying, or basking on the islands. This volcanic island is rich in biodiversity both on land and underwater. Arriving at the Santa Cruz dock, our next task was to get across the island … Snorkel the Waters of the Galapagos. Take a shot of the most populated islands of the archipelago of Galapagos, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela, or change your full day for the Island that you prefer; In these 5 days of tour there is a lot to do! Beginners and experienced snorkelers alike will quickly fall in love with snorkelling in Galapagos. Water temperature (around 79°F/26°C) is then ideal for snorkeling, but rain showers often happen. A wide variety of cabins, many of them interconnected, and ample space on five decks make the Santa Cruz II a great option for Galapagos family cruises . It is a small island of 24 kilometres squared which lies in the centre of the Galapagos archipelago, to the south west of Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz – Bachas Beach & the Flamingos (Galapagos Islands) 5. Isabela Island. DAY 1 - MONDAY am – Baltra Airport. Summer months (January to June) The summer months have the longest daylight and the waters are rather calm. ... On the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, four species of mangrove crowd . Tour description: In the morning you will take a boat to Pinzón Island, one of the first spots is the Penguin Bay to observe white tip reef sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, full fish and rays. The first part of the hike passes by a brackish-water lagoon that’s frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is the main hub for the tourism in the Galapagos. We will visit up to 7 islands, hiking and snorkeling along the way to see islands … Explore the most populated Galapagos island on your own. Galapagos by cruise is an experience of a lifetime! Such a crazy experience! Morning: Urbina Bay (Beagle 1.835) Afternoon: Tagus Cove Day 4 ... Santa Cruz Island. We work closely with renowned diving operators based in Santa Cruz Island and San Cristóbal Island.There are flexible diving day tours where you can book a boat for you and your partner or even just for yourself. Also manages the neighboring island of Baltra. The Nemo II … Fortunately, most of the uninhabited island day tours and activities that we offer include snorkeling locations that provide some remarkable marine experiences. The Marine Reserve showcases numerous unusual coloured fish species, enormous sea turtles, and harmless sharks. Tortuga Bay. February 2015 Categories: Travel reports, South America, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands. Isla Santa Cruz is home to the largest town in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora, it’s the economic center of the archipelago. 9 Comments. Puerto Ayora, located on the southern end of Santa Cruz Island, is the largest town and most visited place in the Galapagos Islands. Best Galapagos Cruise for Snorkeling.Learn more: Galapagos Cruise for 4 days at the Nemo 2 Located around the equator, almost 600 miles away from the South American coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands can be the crown’s treasure of the natural world. Travel with us!. The Highlands of Santa Cruz offer a lush contrast to the beaches and arid lowlands found elsewhere on the island.
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