Santa Cruz is located in the center of Galapagos and Puerto Ayora is the most active town in the archipelago. You’ll find lively locals and tourists giddy for their next adventure and still reeling over their last wildlife encounter! When looking across Academy Bay, you can see small boats and cruise ships, creating a beautiful backdrop against the horizon.  Best of all, adventure and multi-sport activities like kayaking and biking are available for exclusive experiences!

The attractiveness of Santa Cruz is represented by sandy beaches like those of Tortuga Bay and El Garrapatero, as well as flourishing highlands that are home to Galapagos tortoises and lava tunnel remains from millions of years ago.  Learn about the history of the islands, both geological and natural, and how the islands were discovered while visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Additionally, island hopping from Santa Cruz allows you to see more visitor sites with navigable tours to hot spots like Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plazas, Santa Fe, Rabida Island and diving sites brimming with aquatic life.

Of all the islands in the Galapagos, San Cristobal is the oldest. Having been formed millions of years ago, and after such an enormous period of constant erosion, San Cristobal is an enchanting island with unique geography, shapes, colors and wildlife.  It has had the most time to grow the lush vegetation you can find in the highlands, inhabited by lots of birdlife and unlike Santa Cruz, there is even a crater lake filled with freshwater from rainfall.

San Cristobal is home to the capital of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It is not as populated compared to Puerto Ayora, but it provides a cozy and laid-back atmosphere visitor love. There are plenty of beautiful hotels, restaurants, and nearby beaches and trails to roam freely. You also have the opportunity to explore other islands and visitor sites on navigable expeditions to Kicker Rock and Punta Pitt, which are must see highlights of breathtaking proportions.

Isabela Island is one of the youngest and most active islands in the entire Galapagos archipelago. The topography differs greatly from those of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, you’ll also notice the air and land is much drier. There are a multitude of wonderful and exciting attractions to enjoy, from more relaxed experiences to multisport activities.

On Isabela is the active Sierra Negra volcano, hiking it, you can view the astounding immensity of the caldera, one of the largest in the entire world. At sea level, the coast, wetlands and lagoons are filled with wildlife such as flamingoes, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, white-cheeked pintail ducks and shorebirds like blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans and many more. History is plentiful on this island, both human and natural, which can be learned at the Arnold Tupiza Breeding Center, as well as one of the best tortoise breeding programs.