These highland areas are often shrouded in cloud, where the cool and humid climate provides the perfect home for giant tortoises, Darwin Finches and Flycatchers. Heading lower we pass through the Brown zone of smaller shrubs, then the moist Scalesia zone of cloud forest. Santa Cruz is the most diverse Galapagos island, boasting six distinct vegetation zones.Īt the highest altitudes of Santa cruz, from 400 to 800 meters above sea level we find the Miconia forest upland zone. The twin craters (Los Gemelos) are collapsed magma chambers, and there are also various lava tubes to be found closeby in the highlands. Black and rusty colored volcanic rocks are visible across the island, testimony of ancient lave flows. Today there is still plenty of evidence of this explosive volcanic past. Santa Cruz island is a dormant volcano that last erupted over 1 and 1/2 million years ago. The Puerto Ayora fish market is frequented by brown pelicans and sea lions waiting for offcuts of the days catch. You don’t even have to leave town for some fun wildlife experiences.ělack Turtle Cove on the north coast of Santa Cruz is a great spot to observe white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos rays, Pacific Green seaturtles and more.Their Fausto Llerena tortoise breeding center is home to cute baby tortoises as well as Santa Cruz land iguanas.
The Charles Darwin Research Station is not to be missed.Share the depths with inquisitive hammerheads, Galapagos Sharks and an array of colorful reef fish. Some of the very best Galapagos day dive sites lay off the coast of Santa Cruz.The many pristine beaches of Santa Cruz Galapagos are home to diverse wildlife including blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, sea lions and lava lizards.These gentle giants roam the dense vegetation and cool off in inviting mud-pools. See Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat at El Chato Reserve.What wildlife to look out for? Which activities and visitor sites await? Also learn about the interesting geology & human history of this island. Read on for everything you need to know to plan your visit to Santa Cruz Galapagos. Santa Cruz island has something for everyone, so be sure to include some quality time here during your Galapagos vacation. Imagine windswept beaches, lush reserves where giant tortoises roam freely, massive volcanic craters, and out-of-the-way swimming holes where you can dive from surrounding cliffs into calm, turquoise waters. Away from the town, the island’s stunning natural attractions on the coast and in the highlands appeal to locals and visitors alike. The main port town of Santa Cruz Galapagos is Puerto Ayora, packed with attractive boutiques, fine dining, vibrant social life and oceanfront views over Academy Bay. Most tourists arrive and depart on cruises and tours here, but it’s also a great place to plan a few days of down time to explore. Santa Cruz Island is the central hub for most Galapagos tourists, as well as a worthy visitor site in it’s own right.
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