It is also home to the largest port and offers the greatest variety of accommodations, restaurants, recreation and activities. The top 10 things to see and do on santa cruz island. Took a 35 minute boat ride from sante cruz island to sante fe island. Santa cruz hosts the largest human population in the archipelago at the town of puerto ayora, with a total of 12,000 residents on the island. Book this tour as a private departure with your own ceo and all. Best affordable galapagos cruise and island hopping tour. Other visitors will commonly stay on the island of santa cruz in bed and breakfasts or. These are all very safe and familyfriendly activities that have been approved by the galapagos national park and include. Upgraded land galapagos in ecuador, south america g adventures. It also is a focal point for scientific research, housing the charles darwin research station, where a variety of galapagos land animals are studied, including the galapagos giant tortoise. The galapagos has two airports baltra across from santa cruz island and one on san cristobal. Over a weeks time and beginning and ending right in the heart of the action the islands, of course, youll stay active by snorkelling, hiking, and exploring the diverse terrain before slowing things down with wildlife exploration in the company of an expert naturalist guide. Santa cruz island of the galapagos is a starting point for many who visit the islands. Santa cruz is the most populous of the islands and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the galapagos.
Our santa fe island tour is the ultimate destination to see galapagos sea lions and a prime opportunity to swim with these amazing animals. Santa fes beach makes quite the impression as it is typically packed with sea lions. Santa cruz wildlife location in galapagos islands, latin. Isabela island in galapagos a wildlife lovers paradise. A day trip to santa fe island was the last tour i did and it ended up being one of my favorite day tours in all of the galapagos. Isla santa cruz indefatigable travel the galapagos islands. Las bachas is teeming with characteristic galapagos wildlife such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, land and marine iguanas, and several species of migratory and aquatic birds, including bluefooted boobies. Day trips to santa fe island are likely to last around eight hours in duration, leaving early in the morning, and the journey.
This day you will take a boat ride to one of the following destinations. The island of santa cruz has the largest and most developed town in the galapagos. If youre ready to experience a onceinalifetime opportunity, dont hesitate to book a reservation on the bonita yacht in galapagos. Santa cruz is home to the largest town in the galapagos, puerto ayora, the island has a large variety of vegetation and some unique wildlife. Aug 15, 2016 today, visitors to the galapagos can expect a oneofakind voyage where theyll see unique wildlife found nowhere else on earth. The world standard for ecologically responsible expedition vessels. The galapagos islands travel ecuador lonely planet. The wonderfully soft sand here makes it a favourite site for nesting sea turtles. Unigalapagos owns and operate the first class yacht anahi, a spacious and comfortable catamaran offering first class cruising services in the archipelago. It was a relatively short trip compared to the trip to other islands.
One of the lengthier galapagos walking trails will lead visitors along a beach and up a trail to the lagoon lookout where bright flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas can be spotted. Reached by bus from puerto ayora, the highlands of santa cruz are lush and green, in contrast to the dry, lower reaches of this and other islands. That being said, if you only have a few days san cristobal is a great choice for wildlife tours. What makes galapagos wildlife so special is its complete lack of fear due to the absence of natural predators. Visit a giant tortoise breeding centre and explore the regions colourful marine creatures with multiple snorkelling opportunities. Measuring just under 72 meters 235 feet, this ample, fivedeck vessel has 50 cabins that sleep up to 90 guests and includes extensive indoor and outdoor social areas where guests can fully enjoy. Isabela island in galapagos is the largest of all the islands and sits across the line of the equator. Never before could visitors hope to see so many galapagos islands wildlife icons and so many changing and magical landscapes in such a short space of time.
Galapagos islands wildlife tour nichols expeditions. Accommodation is a tented safari camp on santa cruz island, with daily excursions to some of the surrounding islands, where you will find galapagos sealions, green turtles, flamingos and white tip reef sharks. Santa cruz ii cruise galapagos metropolitan touring. With plenty of options to stick around after the trips. Quito and 5 day santa cruz ii cruise northern galapagos islands. As time passed, it became a beautiful hotel, offering 23 ample and warm rooms with a.
Day 1 our galapagos birding and wildlife tour begins in the evening at quito, the capital of ecuador, where we will stay overnight. Santa cruz is the main tourism hub for all of galapagos, given its proximity to the airport on baltra to the north. Often they play and do tricks under the water and they offer a very unique wildlife experience. Santa fe island is located not too far from santa cruz island. A naturalist guide provides insight into the island s landscape and wildlife, and the service staff ensures the cabins and common areas stay clean throughout your journey. The foundation has its headquarters at the visitorfriendly charles darwin research station, located near puerto ayora on santa cruz island. Fish and wildlife service and the department of fish and game to engage in an intensive, sciencebased restoration program to save the island fox and revitalize the natural communities of santa cruz island.
Santa cruz is a wonderful place on which to observe many of the varied species that make their home in the galapagos islands, though not all. Santa cruz island 2020 all you need to know before you. Santa cruz has the largest population of all the galapagos islands with over 15,000 residents scattered in small villages across the island. Mv santa cruz ii the santa cruz ii entered into operation in late 2015, bringing a new level of comfort and elegance to galapagos cruises. It is the most populated island, with an estimated 15,000 residents. Isabela island in galapagos offers all of these activities. Galapagos birding tours wildlife birdwatching tours. This beautifully illustrated book provides an overview of the galapagos for ages 10 to 14.
Clear, detailed and accurate, it explains the volcanic formation of the. The 15 best things to do on the galapagos santa cruz island. This is where many tourists to the galapagos islands will visit after crossing over from baltra island airport to embark cruises and to stay at some of the island s fantastic hotels. We based ourselves in santa cruz island and the galapagos most populated town of puerto ayora. You can visit the captive breeding program at the charles darwin research station on santa cruz island or at the cerro colorado station in san cristobal island. Solymar hotel is located in puerto ayora on santa cruz island and has a rich history of hospitality and service in the galapagos islands.
Encounter with a friendly sea lion during our exploration of santa fe island. Fly fast, safe and comfortable between the galapagos islands book flight we have daily flights to and from. Best island and wildlife coverage in the galapagos. It also is a focal point for scientific research, housing the charles darwin research station, where a variety of galapagos land animals are studied, including the galapagos. Accommodation in santa cruz, breakfast and lunch included. These creatures are quite unique wildlife as only in the galapagos and aldabra island an atoll off the seychelles archipelago you can get to see them. San cristobal punta pitt visit the breeding center for the highly endangered giant tortoises and visit the only area in the galapagos where all. This natural beach is also one of the main nesting sites for pacific green sea turtles on santa cruz island. Bonita yacht in galapagos book a bonita galapagos cruise.
Further inland, well walk a path to discover the galapagos hawk, santa fe marine iguana, land iguanas, bluefooted boobies and more. To book a day trip or tour, just find any tour operator their offices are all over town or visit the. Luxury on land discover the natural wonders of the galapagos archipelago and its unique wildlife by land, sea and air. It is a large island with a variety of geology, wildlife and vegetation, all of the galapagos life zones are present on santa cruz. This tranquil and secluded oasis sits on 89 acres of land and has 10 recently renovated standard and superior rooms 20 guest capacity with private en suite bathrooms hot and cold showers and airconditioning. You can take a trip up to one of the farms in the hills, where. This is where many tourists to the galapagos islands will visit after crossing over from baltra island airport to embark cruises and to stay at some of the islands fantastic hotels. Each island offers its own scenic hikes, with pristine views and opportunities to see wildlife and birds. Located at puerto ayora on santa cruz island, the hotel is three stories set in front of a freshwater pool. Santa cruz to bartolome island fullday tour including lunch. Because the galapagos airport is on baltra, a tiny island just north of santa cruz, youll need to take a shuttle to the canal, cross over to santa cruz on a quick boat, and then either take a bus or taxi across the island to puerto ayora, the main town on santa cruz.
May 18, 2017 the best island and wildlife coverage in the galapagos. Pygmy mammoths, together with the likes of the island fox and the santa cruz island scrubjay, demonstrate an ingenious attribute of island evolution that contributes to the allure of island life and lore. The tortoises shells do resemble the shape of a saddle, and thus the islands name. It boasts extreme scenery, beautiful snorkeling beaches, excellent hiking trails, diverse and charismatic wildlife, and welcoming visitors centers. Santa cruz island, galapagos best sites to see, wildlife, when to go.
Galapagos islands wildlife holiday vacation tours, cruises. The highly advanced santa cruz ii is an expedition vessel specifically designed to operate in isolated regions, making it the perfect fit for exploring the remote galapagos islands. This incredible unique wildlife of the galapagos islands includes everything from birds and fish to reptiles and mammals. He later made the islands famous by using the galapagos finches to illustrate his theory of evolution. Flight to baltra, meet your naturalist guides and board the mv santa cruz ii, begin your 7day galapagos wildlife tour. Santa fe today well depart for the island of santa fe, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Learn about the unique wildlife of the galapagos islands.
It is the largest island in california, and largest of the eight islands in the channel islands archipelago. Espanola island is considered to comprise part of the central galapagos islands, and it is the furthest south that you might venture in the archipelago. Private speedboats, upgraded land accommodations, and a ceonaturalist guide. This is a sea turtle nesting site where we will also see a. There you will find administrative offices and laboratories for the scientists usually offlimits to. How to visit the galapagos islands without a cruise. Tour to santa cruz and isabela islands andy wildlife safari. Forming part of the northern group of the channel islands, santa cruz is 22 miles 35 km long and 2 to 6 miles 3 to 10 km wide with an area of 61,764. It reminded us of a caribbean cruise port with restaurants, souvenir shops, tour operators and hotels with a mix of local life and busy activities on the port. Destination may vary according to weather and regulations of the galapagos national park. A cruise ship is an ideal way to explore the galapagos.
Discover the natural wonders of the galapagos archipelago and its unique wildlife by land, sea and air. Unigalapagos and since 1989, is a professional, experienced, locally owned tour operator with main office in the city of puerto ayora in santa cruz island on the famed galapagos islands. Santa cruz island is a 5 minute ferry ride from the baltra docks. Learn about unique wildlife of galapagos the galapagos tortoise. Upgraded land galapagos in ecuador, south america g. Book a tour to visit the galapagos islands national park. Remember, you can also island hop to san cristobal, santa cruz, isabela, and. Santa cruz indefatigable island given the name of the holy cross in spanish, its english name derives from the british vessel hms indefatigable. Situated on santa cruz island, dragon hill is one of the newest visitor sites accessible to tourists in the galapagos islands. She is a 235footlong and 43footwide firstclass cruise vessel accommodating up to 90 passengers.
Young sea lions are very friendly and they love to imitate swimmers. The highly advanced santa cruz ii galapagos cruise is an expedition vessel specifically designed to operate in isolated regions, making it the perfect fit for exploring the remote galapagos islands. Santa cruz island has some 15 trails, anacapa has a nice hike to a lighthouse one of the few structures youll see around here, and santa rosa island has lobo canyon, with sandstone formations, pygmy mammoth fossils, and a good chance. The galapagos islands this morning, board a dinghy to view the turtles in black turtle cove, a designated turtle sanctuary. Explore the galapagos with our first class cruises and meet the islands wildlife in their sacred habitats. Limuw is located off the southwestern coast of california, united states.
The santa cruz ii galapagos cruise offers a fantastic array of fun and exciting activities for a unique experience in the archipelago. Land on santa cruz island and drive about 45 minutes into the highlands. Combine two or three itineraries to see and do much more. Santa fe island, south plaza island, bartholomew island, north seymour island. Best wildlife guide book galapagos islands forum tripadvisor. Apr 07, 2020 for even more information about the how to visit the galapagos islands without a cruise, check out our galapagos packing list guide and read about our week in the galapagos in detail in these 2 posts. Surprisingly, baltra is quite nice and modern with a vip lounge, food court and many shops though you do have to walk on the tarmacs to the plane. There are small settlements across the island, but many people live in puerto ayora, the main town. The itineraries offered by the santa cruz ii galapagos cruise provide visits to all of the visitor islands in the archipelago. In the afternoon, take a wildlife boat excursion to islote tintoreras to view breeding whitetip reef sharks, marine iguanas, bluefooted boobies, rays, and penguins. North seymour is widely considered to be the best day trip from santa cruz for seeing native wildlife, so just about every tour agency in puerto ayora will offer fullday trips out to the island. This is good news for visitors who opted for landbased galapagos options, as it means that the island can be visited on a day trip from santa cruz island. Santa cruz in the galapagos is found in the central islands.
It has an area of 986 km 2 381 sq mi and a maximum altitude of 864. It is the only island in galapagos where tourists can readily experience the interior and higher elevations of a galapagos island. You can expect close encounters with species such as giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins and sealions, as well as 60 bird species, 28 of which are endemic. Santa cruz makes a fantastic base to explore the galapagos. It has the largest local population of the islands, and easy access nearby to the larger of two major airports baltra. Santa fe island 2020 all you need to know before you go. The tour took us to a nearby snorkeling site from santa cruz where we swam with a huge group of playful sea lions. For example, you can only see galapagos penguins on isabella island, and santa cruz is one of the best places to see the giant tortoises. The ultimate experience for animal lovers awaits in the galapagos islands, where an incredibly diverse and unique array of wildlife prosper among fertile lands and volcanic formations.
The varied wildlife of san cristobal island, galapagos top wildlife viewing on isabela island galapagos genovesa island, galapagos. Santa cruz is the main tourism hub for all of the galapagos islands and contains the longest paved road in the galapagos, which runs across the island northsouth. A beautiful white sandy beach punctuated by lava formations. The galapagos islands wildlife tour is one of our most popular tours for wildlife viewing.
You will be living aboard a comfortable yacht and cruising through the galapagos archipelago from island to island. The major attraction of the galapagos islands is the wildlife. Santa cruz island is one of the main islands of the galapagos. These creatures are quite unique wildlife as only in the galapagos and aldabra island an atoll off the seychelles archipelago you can get. Santa cruz island is the main starting point to visit the galapagos archipelago, check out our travel guide with information, wildlife, sites, facts. The best and worst day tours in the galapagos islands.
As a large island, with a variety of geology, wildlife and vegetation, all of the galapagos life zones are present on santa cruz island. Situated in the center of the archipelago, santa cruz is the second largest island after isabela. Santa cruz island, galapagos best sites to see, wildlife. The conservancy worked with its partners the national park service, u. Indulge in the pristine white sand beaches of las bachas on the northern coast. It is world famous for its scenic beauty and iconic animal species, not to mention its. From the docks on the santa cruz side its about a 45 minute drive into puerto ayora. One of the biggest santa cruz wildlife highlights are the giant tortoises that reside in the highlands of this island. Day 2 this morning we will take a flight to the island of baltra which lies just off the northern coast of the much larger island of santa cruz or indefatigable. Interesting galapagos islands facts santa cruz galapagos. Santa cruz island is situated in the centre of the archipelago with an area of 986 kilometres squared and a maximum altitude of 864 metres. This island is most typically accessed by those on a galapagos islands cruise rather than a landbased trip, as it is 12 hours on the boat from santa cruz, which makes day trips not possible.