Nature & Wildlife Areas
Admission tickets from ₹703.53
Top Things to Do in Santa Cruz, Ecuador
Places to Visit in Santa Cruz
Popular things to do
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Day Trips
Beaches
Half-day Tours
4WD Tours
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Private Sightseeing Tours
Transfers & Ground Transport
Top Picks
Ports of Call Tours
Luxury & Special Occasions
Food, Wine & Nightlife
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Sporting Events
Spas
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
Cultural & Theme Tours
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santa Cruz.
Top Attractions in Santa Cruz
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Bodies of Water
1
What travellers are saying
- tlarieSan Francisco, CA137 contributionsYou've never seen so many tortoises. And they are giant!! They are free to come and go... and they do. They like it here.Written 9 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sofia MKolkata (Calcutta), India29 contributionsIf you have time to spend then this is the right beach for you. It is beautiful and if you are lucky you might find some amazing creatures too. It takes 20-25 mins from the pier. It is better to plan an early morning trip before the crowd comes in so that you can enjoy the quietness and the beauty around.Written 12 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SnappleSpiceNew York City, NY460 contributionsThis is almost a must-do when you're in the area. The tortoises are of course amazing and well worth the $10 tour fee you pay to enter the facilities. The tour itself felt a little lengthy, and I would have preferred to walk through on my own (there are signs with information posted). Still, it was informative and at the end of the tour you are able to walk around a bit.Written 22 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Emily BCincinnati, OH1 contributionWe took a water taxi to the other side of the pier. They’re easy to catch-just look for the sign that says “Las Grietas.” Taxis seems to run all day, we never waited longer than 5 minutes for one. From there it’s a pleasant 5-10 minute walk on a path and then across Playa Alemanes to the tour guide stand. It costs ten dollars per person but we felt it was worth the money! Our guide took us on a short hike around Las Grietas and taught us a lot about the local plants and animals as well as the history of Santa Cruz. The hike paused at some beautiful overlooks of the ocean as well. When we arrived at Las Grietas we had about 45 minutes to snorkel. That was plenty of time to explore the small pool. The water was beautiful and refreshing. We saw tons of tropical fish and even an eel! It’s such a beautiful spot we ended up going twice during our trip. We rented snorkel gear ahead of time in town-I’d skip the flippers since it’s not a very big space and there’s no current. Las Grietas was definitely a highlight of our trip! Would definitely recommend checking it out!Written 7 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GalapagosExperienceQuito, Ecuador36 contributionsthis magical beach of the archipielago de galapagos is undoubtedly a natural jewel of the island santa cruz, its beauty is enveloping by its critalina waters and the unique landscape. It is one of the most beautiful beaches that you can not miss when you travel to the enchanted Galapagos Islands.Written 19 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EmiliaBerlin, Germany81 contributionsVery small, though right on the main street, and lovely place to watch some of the wildlife gathered to fight over the scraps.
The sea lions especially, behaving like dogs and begging for some grace from the fishermen, funny!Written 5 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mich31Lindale, UK124 contributionsCame here as part of the trip we were on.
The guide was really knowledgeable and really enjoyed the walk around through the lava caves and seeing so many tortoises. It was quite wet but they provide you with boots to wear.
They have small gift shop and cafe and clean toilets.Written 21 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Travel MineIndianapolis, IN5 contributionsIf you are looking for a quite place to spend a little time, this is a nice place to chill. Close in town.Written 3 December 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- duhozBeroun, Czech Republic5,699 contributionsNice sandy beach with clear water and beautiful views but lacks of shade. There are many birds to watch and also some see life such as turtles, sharks, rays but little bit far away from the beach. This is a small beach without many shade. Easy to get but you need to take a water taxi 0,80$ and then walk about 5 minutes, it is same direction as to Las Grietas which is further along,Written 25 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- b2runHuatulco, Mexico202 contributionsThe road along the beach is filled with restaurants and agencies. The piers are the really interesting part. It is filled with sea lions lounging on the benches, iguanas lazing everywhere, pelicans and frigate birds fighting over scraps. In the water, you often see sharks, rays, sea turtles and sea lions. A cool place to wander.Written 23 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PeterRotterdam, The Netherlands55 contributionsSanta Cruz is the most lively island of the three I visited (the others being San Cristóbal and Isabela Island). This isn't the one to visit if you solely come for exotic animals, though. Sure, there are sealions, crabs and big turtles (the latter at a 30 minute drive from Puerto Ayora), but I mostly liked it for its modest nightlife.Written 11 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adventure beyond imaginationMunich, Germany14,608 contributionsImpressive tunnel with less to see inside. A walk through the tunnel was pretty cool and nice. One place is so narrow that only creeping is possible.Written 9 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GoFSUSeminoles22 contributionsWhile snorkeling here we enjoyed seeing some marine iguanas and a few rays hanging around. It's about a half hour walk from the pier, close to the Darwin Research Station.Written 11 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mfjaramilloQuito, Ecuador153 contributionsThis is not a beach where you can swim because it's full of volcanic rocks, but there's a nice trail where you can see all types of animals (crabs, iguanas, pelicans, frigates, even tintorera sharks if you're lucky).Written 2 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jmichel01Myrtle Beach, SC412 contributionsOne of the places where you can see and hear a lot of birds, watch the sea lions, snorkel along the rocks, sit and enjoy the beach or go swimming where the beach warmed water doesn't require a wet suit. The bird sounds are incredible...like Jurrasic park!Written 18 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
- The top attractions to visit in Santa Cruz are:
- Reserva El Chato
- Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay
- Charles Darwin Research Station
- Las Grietas
- El Garrapatero
- The best outdoor activities in Santa Cruz according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay
- Reserva El Chato
- El Garrapatero
- Las Grietas
- Charles Darwin Research Station
- The best day trips from Santa Cruz according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Day Tour to Isabela Island with Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos
- Tour to Bartolome Island + Bahia Sulivan
- Full Day Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay
- Day Tour to Floreana Island with Snorkeling and Fishing
- Seymour North Island & Las Bachas Full-Day Tour
- The most popular things to do in Santa Cruz with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Guiding Galapagos Expeditions
- Yacht Steffi
- Smart Galapagos
- Galapagos Alternative
- EcoGalaxy First-class Catamaran