Many people
only take a boat tour of four to eight days, but it's well worth your
time to spend at least a week in SANTA CRUZ alone. Considering how costly
it is to get to the islands, take your time and enjoy island life!
SANTA CRUZ is a world in its own. Though burgeoning with tourism, it
has that relaxed coastal town feeling. Its pace matches that of Lonely
George, and so don't be in a hurry while spending time here.
Within a few days, you'll feel right at home with the locals. They're
so accustomed to one-day tours, that once you're around for a while,
they'll warm right up to you. Soon, SANTA CRUZ will work its charms,
enchanting you with its lazy afternoons to hectic nightlife (especially
on Thursdays and Sundays when most tours either are starting up, finishing,
or stopping mid-week!).
Take a morning walk to Tortuga Bay and body surf
the waves. Although the sunsets are breathtaking here, be careful in
the water because the undertow is very strong. For surfers, the cove
to the west is safer and more tranquil. Take food and water, though,
as there are no amenities nearby. Spend the afternoon watching
Blue-Footed Booby acrobatics diving for fish while avoiding the scoudrel
Frigate Birds. Rent bicycles , and ride to the sink holes. Spend time
in the center of the island bird-watching.
Head
over to la Casa del Lago --a great place to have a beer, listen to live
music, poetry, see original art and enjoy the artistic side of the islands.
Get an early seat for the volleyball tournament the locals have every
evening in the park near the docks.
Enjoy the typical foods sold not only in restaurants, but also on the
streets. Treat yourself to homemade coconut or mango ice-cream or enjoy
the fresh, cold watermelon sold on the streets.
It's also
the ideal place to relax after a cruise! Indulge and enjoy the magic
of The Red Mangrove Adventure Inn. It's a place for relaxation that
offers surfing, kayaking, bike trips, or just relaxing days on their
patio looking out at the sea. If you're not up for an 8-day tour on
a boat, The Red Mangrove Adventure Inn can help you organize land-based
tours, too!
It's the best place to book scuba diving tours. Nautidiving is top notch,
offering tours to the best diving spots around the islands. Their guides
are exceptional, and you'll be sure to see exciting life underwater!
Whatever you do, SANTA CRUZ is worth a stay. Take time to enjoy a vacation
while getting to know who lives on these amazing islands.
20
minutes from Hotel Finch Bay lies Las Grietas gorge. The crystal blue-green
pools are heaven-sent. With the sun's rays shining in, you'll surely
think you're in paradise. Just follow the green and white posts and
walk with a good pair of shoes uphill towards the lagoon signs.
To
enjoy a marine iguana show, you can head past Darwin Station to the
Tomas Fischer dwelling and on to a trail to a very rocky beach.
If
you want a professional guided tour on the island to the sink-holes,
there are some operators charging US$25-55 each including highland ranches
such as Rancho Mariposa and Rancho Altair where you can see the Giant
Tortoises in Wild.
There
are also aquatic tours in glass-bottom boats to view marine life in
Punta Estrada, Las Grietas, Isla Caamaño, Playa de los Perros
and Franklin Bay. Be prepared to walk to view the birds, sea lions,
marine iguanas and various marine life. You may also snorkel from 09:00-14:00
costing around US$30.00 each with prior booking on the pier or with
a local operator.
Visitor
sites include:
Tortuga
Bay
Bachas
Beach
Saltwater
Lagoons
Black
Turtle Cove
Mangrove
Lagoons
Charles
Darwin Research Center
Lava
Tunnels
Los
Gemelos (twin sink-holes)
Mount
Crocker
Puerto
Ayora (the capital)
Islas
Galapagos (Spanish)
OTHER
ISLANDS 
GENERAL
INFORMATION
