Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz is the most populated island in the Galápagos. Ships anchor offshore and passengers tender to Puerto Ayora, a small town where giant tortoises occasionally walk through the streets and marine iguanas sit on the docks. The Charles Darwin Research Station, a short walk from the pier, has a tortoise breeding centre and covers the conservation work that brought several species back from near extinction. El Chato Tortoise Reserve, in the humid highlands, is where wild giant tortoises graze in open fields. Lava tunnels nearby are large enough to walk through. Tortuga Bay, a white-sand beach about a 20-minute walk from town, has kayaking and snorkelling with sea turtles. Las Grietas, a volcanic fissure filled with clear water, is a good swimming spot. In the evening, the fish kiosks along Calle de los Kioskos serve freshly grilled seafood and ceviche at outdoor tables. Cash in US dollars is useful at smaller vendors.