Home to the largest town in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora, the Island has a large variety of vegetation. Pit craters, Scalesia Forest, cacti and ferns are found in its vegetation zones. The island is comprised of a younger part formed by volcanic cones and lava and an older narrow strip of land formed by uplifted lava flows and tuffs.

Santa Cruz Fast Facts

  • Santa Cruz is the only island with six different vegetation zones.
  • Animals: Giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, variety of birds
  • Area: 380 sq. mi
  • Highest Point: 2,834 ft

Santa Cruz Visitor Sites

Charles Darwin Station / Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans, stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.

 Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity

 Possible Activities: Walking

 Difficulty: Easy

Cerro Mesa

At 490m above sea level, Cerro Mesa provides an impressive view of the archipelago. It is an excellent location to observe numerous endemic plants as well as up to 7 species of finch and the vermillion flycatcher. The area is characterized by a persistent drizzle (‘la garúa’) that falls horizontally throughout 8 months of the year. The west side features the largest crater on Santa Cruz.

 Highlights: Spectacular views, finches, vermillion flycatcher, crater

 Possible Activities: Walking, bird watching

 Difficulty: Easy

Garrapatero Beach

Situated on the northern side of Santa Cruz, El Garrapatero is a gorgeous sandy beach surrounded by mangroves. A fresh water lake behind the beach is home to flamingos, herons, stilts and other shore birds. The beautiful turquoise waters provide a good opportunity for swimming and snorkeling.

 Highlights: Gorgeous white sand beach, flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts

 Possible Activities: Swimming, snorkeling

 Difficulty: Easy

Lava tunnels

The lava tunnels on Santa Cruz were formed as the outer skin of molten lava solidified but the liquid magma inside continued flowing, leaving behind a series of empty tubes. Visitors can walk through these underground channels, often more than a kilometer in length, and may have the opportunity to glimpse barn owls here.

 Highlights: Barn owls, finches

 Possible Activities: Walking

 Difficulty: Easy

Tortuga Bay

The white-sand beach of Tortuga Bay gets its name from the black sea turtles that lay their eggs here. Other species to be seen include white-tip sharks and marine iguanas and the salt lagoon behind the mangroves is often frequented by flamingos. The site is excellent for bird watching and for enjoying a relaxing swim.

Highlights: Beautiful white sandy beach, Galapagos green turtles, white-tip sharks, pelicans, ground finches

Possible Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, bird watching 

Difficulty: Moderate (long)

Highlands

Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the forest of Scalesia trees creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.

 Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild tortoises

 Possible Activities: Hike (1.5 miles/ 2 ½ km)

 Difficulty: Moderate (long)

Twin Craters

Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

 Highlights: Pit craters, Scalesia forest

 Possible Activities: Short hiking

 Difficulty: Easy