Santa Cruz for FREE
Free Activities on Santa Cruz-Galapagos
Authentic local tips!
Charles Darwin Research Station
Walk to the end of Charles Darwin Av., in the opposite direction to the pier, and you'll find the Station & the Breeding Center Fausto Llerena where you can visit the chamber where Lonesome George is preserved. TIP: Get a Galapagos stamp on your passport at the museum and finish your visit with a swim at the Station's Beach! NO LONGER FREE AFTER COVID-19. Admission is $10 with a Naturalist Guide. Tickets must be purchased at any travel agency in town.
The Pier at Night
Lights that illuminate the water surrounding the pier attract much fish that become a good dinner for some baby sharks. On the benches, sea lions sleep for the night. TIP: Don't disturb the sea lions as you wouldn't like anybody to disturb your sleep either.
The Fish Market
Walk along Charles Darwin Av. towards the Research Station until you find the Fisherman's Wharf where sea lions, pelicans, frigate birds and gulls come to snack on some fish scraps. TIP: Closed on Sundays.
Las Grietas/The Cracks
These are narrow sheer-walled rocky canyons filled with crystal clear water filtered from the sea. Take a water taxi ($1pp) from the pier towards "Playa de los Alemanes", walk along the beach until you reach the small path to Las Grietas. TIP: There are two big pools and most fish are found in the furthest pool. Sharp slippery rocks separate the first pool from the second. Wear water shoes. NO LONGER FREE AFTER COVID-19. Admission is $10 with a Naturalist Guide Open from 7h30am. Last admission 4h30pm.
Las Ninfas Lagoon
You can find this beautiful lagoon only 5 minutes away from the pier. Take Colonos street, right next to the Church towards Moises Brito street and then turn left after Casa del Lago. TIP: This would make a perfect romantic walk in the afternoon.
Tortuga Bay
This is the most beautiful beach on Santa Cruz! Walk until the end of Charles Bingford street (the Kiosks' street) till you reach the registration point. From there it is a 40-minute walk (2.5 km). Bicycles are not allowed. You can hire kayaks from $15/hour. TIP: To get there by boat buy tickets from the Kiosk at the pier. Each way is $10. Leaves from 9h15am until 2h15pm. Returns from 11am until 5pm.
Ready for a local taste?
Traditional Ecuadorian treats 🙂
One Dollar Experience!
Every day from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at the Market/Mercado, 8 blocks from the pier on Baltra street, you can find cheese empanadas, morocho (hot drink made of white corn) and colada morada (hot drink made of purple corn and fruit) for ONLY ONE DOLLAR! TIP: For the more adventurous, try the grilled beef intestines (tripa mishqui in Spanish).
$5 Set Lunch/Almuerzos
Set meals consisting of a bowl of soup, one main with fish, chicken or red meat with rice and salad, plus a glass of juice. Great deal for your money! TIP: Along the main street by the pier many restaurants offer these Almuerzos.
El Brujo (The Wizard)
Only found in Galapagos this red fish has a soft juicy meat that you MUST try at least once! Grilled, fried or with garlic sauce. Your choice! TIP: Only sold whole, perfect for two to share.