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Hoping for a snack, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora Tours

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Right in the middle of the Galapagos Islands in Santa Cruz, home of the buzzing town of Puerto Ayora. As the largest city in the Galapagos Islands with a population of around 18,000 people, this is one of the central hubs of activity. There are a number of great hotels, hostels, restaurants, bars, and stores for those hoping to enjoy a land-based tour, and it's also the main port for many of the yachts that cruise these enchanting islands. From here, it's just a stone's throw to some of Santa Cruz's best attractions, like the Charles Darwin Research Station, the forested highlands, Los Gemelos craters, El Chato Ranch, and the sun-kissed beaches. It's also just a short drive from the airport on the neighboring Baltra Island. Much of the distinct artistic Galapagos culture is also based in this active island town. 
Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours

Puerto Ayora Tour Ideas for 2025-2026

Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours
Diving with a sea turtle

Dive in the Galapagos

8 Days from $6,795
Galapagos is one of the world's premier diving destinations and Santa Cruz Island is where the majority of dive shops and boats are based.
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Floreana Island

Hotel Silberstein

10 Days from $4,720
Looking for a cruise alternative? Our Hotel Silberstein land based tour option allows you to explore the marvels of the Galapagos Islands without having to acquire sea legs! Discover iguanas, comical blue-footed boobies, and the famous Galapagos sea turtles. In the evenings you can stroll the beaches of Puerto Ayora before retiring to your hotel.
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Beach on Isabela island

Western Islands

8 Days from $4,995
This Western Islands cruise includes a trip to Cerro Dragon, Isabela, Daphne and more. Explore trails that lead through cactus forests, observe a sea lion colony, and take a dinghy ride to search for Galapagos penguins during this 8-day cruise on the Angelito.
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Golden Land Iguana on Santa Fe Island

Eastern Islands

8 Days from $5,300
Sail the eastern Galapagos Islands aboard the magnificent 16-passenger motor yacht Beluga, which includes San Cristobal, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, and Genovesa, which are among the most spectacular in the archipelago.
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10 Puerto Ayora Luxury Tour Ideas for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Northern Islands $6,195 4 Jun 26, 2025 Embark on a 4-day North & Central Islands cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Journey to Dragon Hill, home to land iguanas and flamingos then visit Chinese Hat. Explore El Barranco cliffs and Darwin Bay's bird paradise. Conclude with a marine life excursion in Black Turtle Cove.
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Western Islands $7,867 7 Jul 04, 2025 Explore the red beaches of Rabida and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station aboard the La Pinta. Hike, snorkel, and relax on this 7-day tour of the Western Islands.
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Galapagos Inner Loop $11,500 8 Jun 28, 2025 Embark the luxurious Silver Origin on an 8-day adventure from San Cristobal to San Cristobal. Acquaint yourselves with Kicker Rock island, Punta Cormorant, Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay to name a few.
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard La Pinta $381,349 7 Jul 04, 2025 Experience the Galapagos Islands like never before during this 7-day Western Islands private cruise aboard La Pinta. Discover the volcanic landscapes of Punta Espinoza in Fernandina, the spectacular red beaches of Rabida on Santa Cruz Island, and snorkel or glass-bottom boat ride along the coast of Champion Islet in Floreana.
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Galapagos Outer Loop $11,500 8 Jun 21, 2025 Embark the luxurious Silver rigin on an 8-day adventure from San Cristobal to San Cristobal. Get to know the islands of Genovesa, North Seymour, Santiago, Fernandina, Isabela Santa Cruz, and Española. 
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Southern Islands $6,195 4 Jun 23, 2025 Set sail on a 4-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Explore San Cristóbal, and visit Tijeretas Hill. Enjoy Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española, then discover unique beaches, flamingos, and marine life at Punta Cormorant on Floreana. Conclude your journey at the Charles Darwin Research Station and fly back home.
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Central East & Southern Islands $12,995 8 Jun 19, 2025 Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts.
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Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $246,905 8 Jun 19, 2025 Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts.
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Private Charter - Northern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $117,705 4 Jun 26, 2025 Embark on a private 4-day North & Central Islands Galapagos cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Journey to Dragon Hill, home to land iguanas and flamingos then visit Chinese Hat. Explore El Barranco cliffs and Darwin Bay's bird paradise. Conclude with a visit in Black Turtle Cove.
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $117,705 4 Jun 23, 2025 Set sail on a private 4-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Explore San Cristóbal, and visit Tijeretas Hill. Enjoy Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española, then discover unique beaches, flamingos, and marine life at Punta Cormorant on Floreana. Conclude your journey at the Charles Darwin Research Station and fly back home.
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Puerto Ayora Travel Guide

Galapagos tortoises

Galapagos Wildlife

Wildlife has evolved in the Galapagos to create some of the world's most bizarre -- and fearless -- creatures. See Darwin's theory of evolution in action as you swim alongside marine iguanas, watch ancient tortoises slowly roam, kayak past playful sea lions, and hike among blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands.
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Magnificent views accompany your yoga practice

Hotels & Lodges on Santa Cruz Island

Explore hand-picked hotels & lodges chosen for their exceptional service, local personality, and easy access to the top attractions in Santa Cruz.
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With our favorite tortoise in the Galapagos

Galapagos Average Air and Water Temperatures

The Galapagos Islands are a great destination to visit year-round. The archipelago experiences very mild seasonal variations throughout. However, there are a few weather patterns that should be taken into consideration depending on what you want to see & do during your trip.
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Cruise the Galapagos islands aboard the Ocean Spray

Galapagos Cruise: When to Go?

If you are planning a trip to the Galapagos, this brief and informative article will give you a greater insight into when the best times to travel area.
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A pair of friendly sea lions

Galapagos FAQs

Do you want to book a trip to the Galapagos Islands but aren't exactly sure where to start? Our FAQ article answers some of the most common traveler questions. From what time of year to visit to packing suggestions, this guide will hopefully help you in the planning process. No matter what, this is sure to be a trip of a lifetime!
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What to do in Puerto Ayora
Although this bustling 18,000-person city is not the capital of the Galapagos Islands, it is the largest town in the archipelago and therefore home to many great attractions. 
  • El Chato Reserve – Here you will find the signature giant tortoises roaming freely through their natural highland habitat.
  • Lava Tunnels – Formed when the flowing surface lava hardened and the magma beneath continued to flow, these hollow tubes can sometimes extend for hundreds of meters like other-worldly caves, some of which are even open to exploration.
  • The Beach at Tortuga Bay – Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the warm equatorial sun as the turquoise water crawls up and down the golden sand.
  • Charles Darwin Research Station – Here you will learn more about the different conservation projects that the National Park does and see giant tortoises being bred and raised in the safety of captivity until they are mature enough to be released in their natural habitat.
  • Los Gemelos – Hike through a dense scalesia forest to these giant sinkholes. 
     
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