You have arrived in a true paradise. The Galápagos are not only famous for their extraordinary wildlife and plant life, but also for the peace and safety that allow visitors to explore freely and comfortably.
If you are on vacation and still deciding what to do, below you will find several self guided activity options. Each one includes practical information on how to get there and what you need to fully enjoy the experience.
Fishermen’s Dock
This is a site you can easily visit on your own. We recommend going in the afternoon, when local fishermen return from their work. At this time, you can observe the unique interaction between wildlife and the local community.
It is common to see sea lions resting on the docks, as well as pelicans, seagulls, and other birds in their natural environment.
The dock is about a five minute walk from most accommodations in Puerto Ayora.
Recommendations:
- Bring a hat
- Have your camera ready to capture unforgettable moments
Las Grietas
Las Grietas is a natural rock formation with a dramatic opening in the earth that leads to a crystal clear freshwater pool, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
To get there, walk to the Main Dock and take a water taxi to Finch Bay Dock. The cost is one dollar per person each way. From Finch Bay, follow the trail for about ten minutes until you reach Playa de los Alemanes. Continue walking another ten minutes along the path and you will arrive at Las Grietas. Just before reaching the site, you will pass Las Salinas, a small saltwater pool.
Recommendations for your visit:
- Bring plenty of water
- Wear a hat and sunscreen
- Arrive wearing your swimsuit (there are no changing rooms)
- Bring your passport (required for entry)
- Wear closed toe shoes for comfort, as the trail is partly rocky
- Bring a snorkel mask and a towel
Entrance fee: $10
Estación Beach
This is the closest beach to most accommodations and is ideal for relaxing and swimming in a calm, sheltered bay. The walk takes approximately ten minutes.
Recommendations:
- Arrive wearing your swimsuit
- Bring a towel and sunscreen
- Carry water to stay hydrated
- Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun
Visiting hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on Santa Cruz Island. It features white sand and crystal clear waters and is located two kilometers from Puerto Ayora.
To reach Tortuga Bay, walk about ten minutes from your accommodation to the entrance checkpoint, where you will register your details. From there, continue along a two kilometer trail to the first beach, Playa Brava. Strong waves and currents are common here, so swimming is not recommended.
If you continue walking along the shore for about ten more minutes, you will reach a small cove where marine iguanas often rest on the sand. Following a short trail leads to Playa Mansa, a calm bay surrounded by mangroves and ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
At Playa Mansa, you may see small sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and other marine species. Kayaks are often available for rent at approximately $15 per person.
Recommendations:
- Arrive wearing your swimsuit (no changing rooms available)
- Bring plenty of water for the hike
- Wear sunscreen and a hat
- Bring sunglasses
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Start early to avoid the strongest sun
- If you prefer to return by boat, check availability and book in advance
Upper Santa Cruz Island by Bicycle
For travelers who enjoy sports and adventure, exploring the upper part of Santa Cruz Island by bicycle is an excellent option. In this area, you can visit ranches where giant Galápagos tortoises live freely in their natural habitat.
To get there, take a bus to the town of Santa Rosa. The fare is one dollar per person. From there, continue a short distance to ranches such as Rancho Primicias or Rancho Chato. Both offer guided visits and information about the tortoises and their environment.
Entrance fee: $5 per person
After your visit, you can bike back down to Puerto Ayora using the designated bike path.
Another option is Rancho Frontier, located on Occidental Street in the Guayabillos area. To reach it, take the bus departing from Santa Cruz at 1:10 p.m. It is recommended to arrive early and confirm you are taking the Occidental route.
Recommendations:
- Make sure your bicycle is in good condition and check the brakes before descending
- Wear comfortable, sporty clothing
- Bring enough water for the route
- Apply sunscreen and bring sunglasses
- Wear a helmet and protective gear
- Carry cash for entrance fees and transportation
Explore Santa Cruz on Our Bicycles
Price: $30
Includes:
- Protective gear
- Hydrating drink
- Map
Travel smart, travel light and enjoy every moment of your Galápagos adventure. Packing correctly depends on the type of experience you choose, so we recommend reviewing our Galápagos tours and services to understand the specific needs of each itinerary. If you would like personalized advice about what to pack for Galápagos Islands, feel free to visit our contact page or contact 1835 Galápagos Inclusive via WhatsApp for more information.
