The Puerto Ayora Fish market
Mingle with the locals at the traditional fish market which is a stop that every visitor should make. And humans are not the only visitors – the local wildlife turn up too, hoping to catch a snack. Watch the local fishermen fillet the daily catch as the sea lions and pelicans jostle for the scraps.
The Charles Darwin Station
Here, education is fun! The Charles Darwin Foundation (Est. 1959) is the world’s leading research institute and center of knowledge dedicated to the conservation of the biological diversity and natural resources of the Galapagos Archipelago. A visit here is essential to learn about ecological restoration, wildlife repatriation and marine research.
Bike to the Tortoise Ranch
Nothing will prepare you for your first glimpse of a Galapagos Giant Tortoise in its natural habitat. These ancient creatures roam freely in the National Park, munching on lush green vegetation or wallowing in the muddy pools that attract them from the lowlands during the dry winter season.
Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve
Take a trip to the top! The viewpoint of the Cascajo in Bellavista is 490m above sea level! Here you will find the largest crater on Santa Cruz as well as the ‘cerro’ – hill, which has a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the whole island of Santa Cruz and beyond. If you are lucky, you might spot the wild Galapagos Giant Tortoises who inhabit the reserve.
Tortuga Bay
Take a stroll through the arid, Palo Santo aromatic forest surrounded by Prickly Pear and Candelabra Cactus, home to an abundance of endemic birdlife and Marine Iguanas. At the other end of the long, white, sandy beach, discover the hidden Playa Mansa blue lagoons; perfect for a dip or rent a kayak!
Kayaking
Sea kayaking around the coastline give you access to areas where boats can’t go! Enjoy the “up close” experience with the wildlife and marine-life! Look out for the Marine Iguanas, Sea Lion colonies, Turtles, Rays and even small shark nurseries. In the mangroves, you can see Pelicans, Herons and near the cliffs, the Blue-Footed Boobie birds and Frigates.
Snorkeling / swimming in Las Grietas
Along Playa de los Alemanes (German’s Beach), through a forest of enormous Opuntia Cacti and over rugged lava rock, you will find one of the most unique swimming holes in the Galapagos – Las Grietas (“the cracks,”) which is a series of volcanic crevices filled with warm, crystal-clear, emerald water where fresh Highland water meets the salty ocean.
Surfing
You can surf in the islands year-round; December to May is the best time, when northern swells and sunny weather make for world-class surfing conditions. In 2018, Tortuga Bay held one of the main surfing events, the ALAS Latin Tour. There are many other spots to surf off Santa Cruz; some are walkable and some are only accessible by boat!
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