Adventure Cruises in Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island cruises feature an intoxicating mix of adventure activities and wildlife encounters, along with the results of important conservation efforts. Almost all small ship cruises of the Galapagos include Santa Cruz Island on their cruise itineraries. In fact, many Galapagos cruises begin in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, given the port city’s proximity to the airport on Isla Baltra.

Much more than a gateway to the Galapagos, Santa Cruz Island, the archipelago’s second-largest island, can feel like a trip back in time, populated as it is by prehistoric-looking animals and offering entry to the depths of the earth.

Top things to do and see on Santa Cruz Island

Whether you’re looking to share space with giant tortoises and dragon-like land iguanas, or hike around massive craters and into subterranean lava tubes, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for on Santa Cruz Island.

Santa Cruz Island cruises will typically include two or three of the following stops on their cruise itineraries:

Black Turtle Cove, situated on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, is a mangrove-shaded inlet that can only be reached by dinghy or kayak, making it a staple of adventure cruises to Santa Cruz. The lagoon stretches almost a mile inland and is home to blacktip reef sharks, rays, sea lions and hammerhead sharks, while its popularity with sea turtles has made the area an official turtle sanctuary.

The Charles Darwin Research Station, just northeast of Puerto Ayora, runs the Giant Tortoise Breeding and Rearing Program, managed by the station’s 200 scientists and volunteers. In addition to serving a worthwhile purpose, the Charles Darwin Research Station is also the site of a must-experience Santa Cruz wildlife encounter. Here, visitors will meet the Galapagos Islands’ famous giant tortoises, from four-inch hatchlings to four-foot-long centenarians, including Lonesome George, the station’s most famous inhabitant and the last of his subspecies. The program’s efforts are a true success story, having restored the giant tortoise population from fourteen to over a thousand.

Puerto Ayora is the largest and most populous urban center in the Galapagos. It is a more developed enclave within the nature and wildlife of the archipelago, with the islands’ main airport just an hour away and modern hotels, restaurants, and shops lining Avenida Charles Darwin. Wander a few blocks inland, away from the port, and you’ll find more modest shops and restaurants selling locally made handcrafts. For some excellent seafood, stop in at Rincón de Alma or, to eat with the locals, try El Atardecer del Nene. Note that many Galapagos cruises leave from Puerto Ayora.

Dragon Hill, located in the northwestern region of the island, offers visitors a short hike up a rocky path to another unique Santa Cruz wildlife encounter. In addition to sea turtles, sea lions, and flamingos, Dragon Hill is home to the massive land iguana, from which the area gets its name. Their numbers decimated by cats, dogs, and rats introduced to the island by humans, the land iguana population has been making a slow but steady recovery, the results of the Charles Darwin Research Center’s iguana breeding program. These spiny-backed beasts can grow to an impressive five feet in length and it is estimated that over 10,000 iguanas call the Galapagos home.

The Santa Cruz Highlands is an excellent base for adventure activities and a key site for adventure cruises. From hiking through forests of moss-etched Scalesia trees to exploring mile-long lava tubes, the Santa Cruz Highlands are a highlight of any Galapagos cruise itinerary. In addition to the impressive lava tubes, the island’s volcanic geology also birthed “The Twins”, or Los Gemelos, a pair of collapsed magma chambers forming rocky craters lined with lush greenery and offering awe-inspiring views. The Highlands is also the location of the El Chato Tortoise Reserve.

The El Chato Reserve will prove a highlight of any Galapagos cruise itinerary, especially for those visitors seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. The El Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz will allow you to come face to face with giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Located in the Santa Cruz Highlands, the El Chato Reserve is explored via a path that begins in Santa Rosa, 22km from Puerto Ayora. This path can be hiked or, for those seeking adventure activities, traveled on horseback. The El Chato Reserve is also an excellent spot for birdwatching as it is home to Darwin’s finches, paint-billed crakes, short-eared owls, Galapagos rails and yellow warblers.

Top Tips for Santa Cruz Island

  • Given that Santa Cruz Island cruises include an excellent blend of adventure activities and wildlife encounters, both a good pair of hiking shoes and a digital camera are a must. The Santa Cruz Highlands, in particular, offer a myriad photo opportunities, including the awe-inspiring Los Gemelos craters and the famous giant tortoises.
  • When visiting the lava tubes, be sure to bring your own flashlight or headlamp as these geological marvels take you far from sunlight and your guide may not be able to provide you with portable lighting.
  • Though a guide is not required to explore the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, it is recommended as visitors have become lost in the past.

Best time to cruise Santa Cruz Island

There is no best time to visit Santa Cruz Island but plan ahead as some times are better for specific Santa Cruz Island wildlife encounters.

Santa Cruz in January to March is land iguana mating season and offers the best underwater visibility.

Santa Cruz in May sees the beginning of egg-laying for the giant tortoises.

Santa Cruz in June to December is the best time to interact with the giant tortoises.

Where do Santa Cruz Island cruises depart from?

Santa Cruz Island cruises typically depart from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island or San Cristobal, the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands. Either location can be reached via flights from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador.

If your Galapagos Islands cruise departs from Puerto Ayora, you will fly from mainland Ecuador to the airport on Isla Baltra, approximately one hour from Puerto Ayora using public transit. Santa Cruz Island cruises departing from San Cristobal Island are serviced by the San Cristobal airport, near the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Our reservations team can help book your next Galapagos adventure cruise. Contact us today.


Santa Cruz Island Reviews

  • 9.3 Superb
  • 78 Verified Reviews
  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Svetlana N
  • United States United States

Packed with sights and adventures

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in January on the Monserrat

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Meng Y
  • United States United States

It was great. Saw some flamingos. We had a good time in the national park and the town. Bought our souvenirs for the trip.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in February on the Grand Majestic

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Nancy T
  • United States United States

We hiked to a Lagoon and saw a flamingo.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in March on the EcoGalaxy

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Lauren P
  • United States United States

The turtle cove was a great experience but it would’ve been great to have spent a little more time doing activities on the last day before returning to the airport.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in July on the Solaris

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Michael S
  • United States United States

Good. The turtle farm visit in the morning was interesting. Free time is Puerto Ayora was appreciated after 4 days on board. Good shopping & restaurants/bars

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in October on the Nemo III

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Hassan A
  • United States United States

Very nice, A lot of unique birds, lava fields.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in January on the Natural Paradise

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Julie L
  • United States United States

Turtle Cove was excellent. The Darwin Research Center was interesting. The highlands tortoise experience was very touristy. The beach was nice.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in February on the Infinity

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Garrett E
  • United States United States

Good, but the two excursions could have been condensed into one.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in March on the Archipel I

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Anna Marie S
  • United States United States

So wonderful to see the giant tortoises in the Highlands. Also enjoyed the walk thru the lava tubes.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in April on the Yolita

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Richard R
  • United States United States

Very busy town relative. Nice walk

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in April on the Archipel I

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Richard O
  • United States United States

The turtles and lunch were great. The lava cave was unique.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in May on the Infinity

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • J. Miller T
  • United States United States

tortoise preserve was very cool

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in June on the Galaxy

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Kara W
  • United States United States

Basic tortoise tour - good way to start to trip.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in July on the Treasure of Galapagos

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Laura B
  • United States United States

Ok, we had already visited the Charles Darwin Foundation previously and a guide really isn't needed for that.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in July on the Nemo III

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Tomas B
  • United States United States

Panga ride was fun, good chance to see sharks, rays, and boobies.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in August on the EcoGalaxy

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Molly M
  • United States United States

Wonderful- loved the tortoises and lava tubes

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in September on the Golondrina

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Julianna J
  • United States United States

Honestly I can't remember everything island by island, but overall everything was incredible. Santa Cruz is probably the least interesting island, but it's a necessary departure point, and our guide made the most of it. My favorite islands overall were Genovesa and Sombrero Chino (we did two cruises), but Isabela and Fernandina were also amazing.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in September on the Alya

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Dawn M
  • United States United States

The excursion to Charles Darwin Station was interesting and informative. The panga ride to Black Turtle Cove allowed us to see different sharks and rays, and enjoy the graceful sea turtles swimming and various birds fishing in the Cove.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in October on the EcoGalaxy

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Nora F
  • United States United States

The Hacienda Primicias was interesting but seeing the big turtles in nature on the way there was more fun. Rabida was good, enjoyed the maroon beach and walk to see the flamingos. Snorkeling did not give us much to see other than what we had already experienced so that could have been better.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in October on the Golondrina

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Karen N
  • United States United States

Exciting! Loved snorkeling as well as land experience.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in December on the Fragata

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Yilin Z
  • United States United States

Greatest encounter with the giant tortoises!

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in January on the Grand Majestic

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Elizabeth H
  • United States United States

Black Turtle Cove was interesting boating through the mangroves, but our time there was short and on the morning of our departure.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in January on the Solaris

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Don A
  • United States United States

Awesome dingy ride around black turtle cove

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in February on the Infinity

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Erica K
  • United States United States

The tortoises at El Chato were amazing as well as the walk through the lava caves. We also saw the sink holes which are as fascinating to me as the Grand Canyon.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in March on the Treasure of Galapagos

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Chelsea P
  • United States United States

Great to see the tortoises but was least favorite day

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in May on the Archipel I

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Roger B
  • United States United States

the beach was beautiful and it was relaxing after long mor of travel.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in May on the EcoGalaxy

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Benjamin H
  • United States United States

Rushed and limited. It wasn't a "day" at all, ending as it did at 10 am.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in June on the Alya

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Lorenz E
  • United States United States

Great. Loved the tortoises and lava tube hike

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in November on the Bonita

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Peter L
  • United States United States

The tortoises were great and the opening lunch was excellent. An excellent way to get the group together from the outset.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in December on the Reina Silvia Voyager

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Wayne F
  • United States United States

The isles off Santa Cruz were amazing, while Dragon Hill was the least rich in wildlife of any stop.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in January on the Seaman Journey

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Hyun Kyung C
  • South Korea South Korea

Giant turtle place was the best. Also exploring Mangrove. Beautiful!

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in January on the Galapagos Sea Star

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Carlos E
  • Chile Chile

All of them excellent. Good explanations from the guide.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in February on the Galapagos Sea Star

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Tjeerd D
  • Netherlands Netherlands

The tortoise site was nice to visit and highland tour was beautiful. The visit to Darwin station was an education.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in April on the Nemo II

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Charles L
  • Canada Canada

Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz is a wonderful place to see wild life interacting with humans at the fish market, shops selling souvenirs and to try local food and beer in the restaurants. Great swimming beach is easy to reach by walking or a $1.50 taxi ride!

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in February on the Nemo II

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Klemens G
  • Austria Austria

Good - Bacha beach was awesome, and visiting the turtle resort was a good start to the tour

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in February on the Coral I and II

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Kathy L
  • Canada Canada

It was over expectations. We saw lots of wildlife in a very special and peaceful setting.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in October on the Alya

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Ravi R
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Lovely - we only got to do the Charles Darwin Station which was a must visit.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in November on the Fragata

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Heidi H
  • Germany Germany

Too little time for the Darwin Research Station No time for even a drink at Santa Cruz

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in November on the EcoGalaxy

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Bela D
  • Hungary Hungary

The giant tortoises were impressive. It would have been good to walk in the city a little bit. Apparently Porto Ayora is more interesting than the city on St Cristobal.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in February on the Bonita

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Anna D
  • Belgium Belgium

The day we only had land trips in Santa Cruz was my least favorite day. It was good but just most being in the water.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in April on the Golondrina

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • John D
  • Canada Canada

A fun dinghy ride into a remote lagoon.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in April on the Infinity

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Peter D
  • Belgium Belgium

Nice to see Giant Tortoises close.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in June on the Alya

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Jonathan H
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Giant tortoises were amazing

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in June on the Natural Paradise

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Thalia S
  • New Zealand New Zealand

Okay. Enjoyed the giant tortoises, especially in the wild.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in July on the Eden

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Nancy M
  • Canada Canada

Loved visiting the tortugas!

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in October on the Bonita

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • guillermo H
  • Argentina Argentina

we visited the twin craters, a nice walk through the high land vegetation

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in November on the Nemo II

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Cailin K
  • Canada Canada

Charles Darwin Centre was interesting and it was very cool to see the giant tortoise reserve.

Cruising Santa Cruz Island in January on the Galapagos Legend