The largest town in the Galápagos Islands has a waterfront boardwalk with sea lions and marine iguanas. Research center with giant tortoises draws many scientists.
Puerto Ayora, the main town of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, sits along Academy Bay where marine iguanas warm themselves on black rocks and blue-footed boobies dive for fish. You can walk the white sand beach of Tortuga Bay and spot white-tip reef sharks in the shallows, watch giant tortoises lumber through the Charles Darwin Research Station, or swim in Las Grietas' deep volcanic crevices. At the fish market, curious sea lions weave between the vendors while pelicans line up on nearby posts, eyeing the morning's catch.
Getting to Puerto Ayora
Land at Baltra Island airport and take a bus to Itabaca Channel. A ferry carries you across the channel, then you'll need a bus or taxi for the 42-kilometer drive south across Santa Cruz Island to Puerto Ayora. You'll travel from airport to town in about an hour, descending from the misty highlands into the coastal zone.
Walking Around Academy Bay
The 2-kilometer Avenida Charles Darwin runs along Academy Bay's waterfront from the main dock to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Brown pelicans plunge into the water while marine iguanas rest in clusters on the black rocks below the sidewalk. Local fishing boats and small yachts fill the harbor, and water taxis shuttle passengers to restaurants across the bay every 5-10 minutes.
Wildlife at Charles Darwin Research Station
Giant tortoises live throughout the Research Station's grounds, from tiny hatchlings to adults weighing over 500 pounds. Scientists here breed endangered species, including several types of giant tortoise and land iguana. Walk the marked trails through native vegetation to spot Darwin's finches and yellow warblers moving through the trees.
Swimming at Las Grietas
Three parallel pools carved into volcanic cliffs make up Las Grietas, where fresh and salt water mix to create 10-meter-deep swimming channels. Cross Academy Bay by water taxi ($1), then walk 15 minutes on a marked path through volcanic rock and red mangroves. The water temperature stays around 18-23°C (64-73°F) year-round. Wear water shoes for the rocky entry points and bring snorkeling gear to see parrotfish and sally lightfoot crabs.
Exploring Santa Cruz Highlands
At El Chato Tortoise Reserve, wild giant tortoises roam freely across grassy fields and cool off in muddy pools. The Twin Craters (Los Gemelos) drop 30 meters deep into volcanic rock, with Scalesia forest growing around the rims where short-eared owls hunt for small birds and rats. Local taxi drivers know these sites well - ask them to wait while you explore each location.
Day Trips from Puerto Ayora
Book speedboat trips to Isabela and San Cristóbal islands at the main dock's ticket offices. Boats depart at 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily, crossing takes two hours. Reserve your seat at least 24 hours ahead between June and September. Local agencies sell day trips to nearby islands where you can snorkel with sea turtles at Pinzón Island or watch sea lions at South Plaza Island.
