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Mindful Travel in the Heart of the Galapagos Islands
Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel, encapsulates the original and authentic spirit of the Galapagos Islands, where the natural world reigns supreme and where you can reconnect with your inner nature. Comfortable and spacious ensuite rooms with beautiful views blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Opt for one of our Semi-Inclusive Hotel & Tour Packages for a complete experience.
Our award winning hotel offers a unparalleled level of personal service, traditional home cooking, panoramic views from raised terraces, swimming pool, fitness studio and exclusive access to nature trails through twelve acres of private forest. Giant tortoises lumber through the coffee plantations and birdsong resounds in the canopy above. On an evening, sit out and enjoy the majesty of the night sky, listening for owls and an exhilarating frog chorus. Stay connected with home via high-speed internet.
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About us
As their name says, this is a Boutique Hotel - just 9 rooms. Don't expect 24 hour room service or suchlike, but expect to be welcomed as a treasured guest and looked after superbly by General Manager Cattya or Owner Robert Grimstone, and their team.
WyoBus
Deserves the High Rating!
Robert and Cattya were exceptional in answering any questions and making sure each guests needs were met. All the friendly staff were extremely helpful and the food....the food was AMAZING!!!
Stephanie C.
A week of WOW!!!
Una de las mejores experiencias en nuestro viaje. Un hotel con sus tortugas gigantes y su propio café, la habitación gigante, walk in closet, maderas nobles, comedor y sala donde compartir con los demás pasajeros, jardines y senderos para perderse... maravilloso.
Carlos D.
Naturaleza y lujo, y una atención excelente
Semilla Verde - 2 night / 3 day Package
Two nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 3
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 3 night / 4 day Package
Three nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel
|
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde
|
| 14.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises)
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour or South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 3
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 17.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 4
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS)
|
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 4 night / 5 day Package
Four nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel
|
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour or South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises)
|
| 13.30hrs |
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon, suggest Tortuga Bay Beach (kayaking/swimming)
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in town (not included)
|
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 17.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS)
|
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 5 night / 6 day Package
Five nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel
|
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises)
|
| 13.30hrs |
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon, suggest Tortuga Bay Beach (kayaking/swimming)
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 17.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas or Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16:00hrs |
|
| 19.00hrs |
|
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS)
|
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 6 night / 7 day Package
Six nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel
|
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises)
|
| 13.30hrs |
|
| 14.30hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 17.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps)
|
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in town (not included)
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas or Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 7 night / 8 day Package
Seven nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 17.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free days, suggest Garrapatero Beach Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) or Isabela day trip or Bay Tour or Spa treatments
|
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 8
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 8 night / 9 day Package
Eight nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| 11.00-12.30hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport / Private transfer to Semilla Verde |
| 13.30hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 15.00hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 17.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free days, suggest Garrapatero Beach Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) or Isabela day trip or Bay Tour or Spa treatments
|
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 8
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 9
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 9 night / 10 day Package
Nine nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 17.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free days, suggest Garrapatero Beach Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) or Isabela day trip or Bay Tour or Spa treatments
|
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 8
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 9
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 10
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 10 night / 11 day Package
Ten nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 17.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free days, suggest Garrapatero Beach Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) or Isabela day trip or Bay Tour or Spa treatments
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 8
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 9
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 9
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest you decide once you arrive |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 11
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Bartolome Island (approx. 6.30am to 5.30pm)
A spectacular volcanic landscape and great snorkeling! Climb up a long staircase to the view point on the summit offers breathtaking views over the surrounding islands. Bartolome is famous for its Pinnacle Rock – probably the most famous volcanic landscape in Galapagos. This beach is great for swimming and snorkeling with the opportunity of seeing many different reef fish, penguins, rays and white-tipped reef sharks.
North Seymour Island (approx. 8.30am to 4pm)
Located slightly to the north of Baltra, North Seymour is a low, flat island, formed as a result of the uplift of a submarine lava formation. It is covered with low, bushy vegetation and contains the largest colony of Magnificent frigate birds in the Galapagos. Land iguanas are common here too. There is also a population of blue-footed boobies that perform an amusing courtship dance when nesting conditions are right. This goofy stride, picking-up high their blue feet in a slow motion, wing spreading, whistling and honking is one of the highlights of a visit to this island. Snorkeling and swimming from the beautiful and sandy Bachas beach follows the walk.
South Plazas Island (approx. 8am to 5pm)
One of a pair of small uplifted islands a short distance from the east coast of Santa Cruz, South Plaza has a unique landscape of colourful Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti and provides some of the most interesting wildlife observation spots in Galapagos. Land iguanas are easily seen from the trail. Swallow-tailed gulls, Pelicans and Shearwaters, along with other sea birds use the rising air to glide effortlessly over the escarpment. The protected rocky seashore is prime habitat for a large colony of playful sea lions.
Santa Fe Island (approx. 8am to 5pm)
Located south of Santa Cruz Island, this rugged island offers the chance of spotting the Santa Fe Land Iguana, that only exists here. Arriving on the sandy beach of a protected bay you will be greeted by tens of sea lions and lava lizards. A short circular trail takes you along the cliff edge where you can most likely spot the iguanas. Snorkeling in the beautiful bay here offers playful sea lions, colorful reef fish and occasionally sea turtles and rays.
Scuba Diving
The Galapagos Islands offers some of the best pelagic scuba diving in the world. In fact, Galapagos is rated as one of the seven underwater water wonders of the world. You can swim with harmless hammerhead sharks, playful sea lions, manta rays amongst others.
The diving is for advanced divers but there are courses run in town for beginners that we give you the necessary skills to enjoy the less testing sites. Many great dive sites are accessible via day tours from Santa Cruz Island.
Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay Beach is a hot 40-minute walk from Puerto Ayora town along a paved path that passes through arid zone vegetation (2.5km). Tortuga Bay is the longest and most famous white coral-sand beach on Santa Cruz Island. This is a must do, on Santa Cruz!
If you walk to the end of the beach, you will come to a beautiful, naturally protected pool where you can swim and snorkel safely (the main beach has strong rip tides and is only suitable for surfers). Another 5-minutes walking brings you to a protected inner bay, called Playa Manza with sun-warmed waters and shady trees. Here you can hire sea kayaks to see harmless white tip sharks and green sea turtles. There is also a short rocky trail along the coastline and around a forest of huge Prickly Pear Cacti where you can see many marine iguanas piled on top of each other and blue footed boobies.
Garrapatero Beach
Garrapatero Beach is another beautiful beach and a good place to swim. It is a 40-minutetaxi ride and then a 10-minute walk. Fixed grills are available if you would like to make yourown BBQ there.
Station Beach
Station Beach is just off the narrow road leading to the Charles Darwin Station. It is small but pretty and conveniently close to town.
Playa de los Alemanes
Playa de los Alemanes is next to the Finch Bay Hotel, via water taxi on the ‘other side’ of the harbor. From here you can take a rocky 20-minute walk to ‘Los Grietas’ where you canswim in crystal clear seawater. You can use the hotel pool for just $10 per person.
Highland Tour
Highland Tour including bird watching and nature trails through scalesia cloud forest, visit two giant pit craters ‘Los Gemelos’, walk through underground lava tunnels and search for tortoises in the wild. This is a must do, on Santa Cruz!
Bay Tour
Bay Tour a half day trip from Puerto Ayora offers snorkeling with sea lions at the ‘La Loberia’ (sea lion island) and the chance of seeing harmless white tip reef sharks at the ‘Canal del Amor’ and a visit to las Grietas and Playa de los alemanes beach.
Sports
Local operators offer excellent Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, surfing and mountain biking excursions. Hiking can also be done in the highlands although it is recommended that a National Park guide accompany any expedition.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora has a wealth of information about current conservation efforts and the captive rearing program for giant tortoises and land iguanas. See the tiny new born tortoises and join the huge adults in their corrals. Lonesome George, the last remaining individual of Pinta Island and conservation icon of Galapagos sadly died in 2012 but you can still meet Super Diego ‘the latin lover’ who has fathered the vast majority of over one thousand tortoises repatriated onto Espanola island. There is no entrance fee and so you can do a self-guided tour. However, it is well worth paying a guide to take you round, for added insight and perspective. This is a must do, on Santa Cruz!
Renewable Energy Centre
Renewable Energy Centre a very new exhibition found on the road to Tortuga Bay Beach. Focusing on renewable energy projects in Galapagos, it is fun and very educational. Can be combined with a visit to the beach.
