Isla Santa Cruz Jump-Starts Galapagos Tours

Isla Santa Cruz Jump-Starts Galapagos Tours

Begin With Science-End With Shopping

Galapagos Tours offer enormous diversity in travel to one of the most exotic destinations on earth.  The wildlife is plentiful and stunning, rock formations are compelling, and the ocean waters reveal an enormous range of marine life.  Typically, anyone on a Galapagos tour will land at Baltra’s airport, transferring to the Puerto Ayora harbor to meet the Explorer II.  Because Santa Cruz Island is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station it is a ‘must-see’ destination for travelers and often visitors will allow additional time before meeting the vessel.

While it can also be reached by dry landing at Academy Bay, the Station is an easy walk by road from Puerto Ayora.  Just one example of the research and conservation efforts scientists are currently conducting is the study of the Giant Tortoises the islands are known for.  They are endangered and there is a captive breeding program ongoing through the Station.   Santa Cruz Island also houses the National Park Information Center and Museum which provides a plethora of history, species descriptions of plant, animal, bird, and marine life living in the archipelago.

There are also great diving opportunities for travelers on a Galapagos Tour.  In addition to the plentiful and colorful fish that make these Pacific waters look like a divers’ personal aquarium, there are dramatic displays of whale sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, sea horses, and the infamous Galapagos Penguin.  Snorkeling also is a popular activity among many travelers as the shallower waters require minimal training on any of the three, four, or seven night Galapagos tours.

Another interesting aspect of the archipelago visitors enjoy on Santa Cruz Island is the Lava Tube formation, situated approximately seven kilometers from the harbor.  The Lava Tubes are underground tunnels formed by molten lava flow and can be arranged for viewing either with our without guides at Puerto Ayora.  Since the Galapagos Island chain was formed by volcanic action, the tubes provide an unusual opportunity for visitors to see its effects.

Finally, visitors of any age will want to spend time in some of the many shops in the city center on Isla Santa Cruz.  Plus, the Charles Darwin Research Center also provides shopping with their logo on numerous items sold there.  Profits at Darwin Station also go to support the facility and the National Park.