The Top Hotels & Catamarans in Santa Cruz, Galapagos 

For many, the Galapagos Islands conjure images of remote, untamed landscapes best explored by cruising. However, the main hub of Santa Cruz Island also offers a robust selection of premier hotels, allowing you to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site by land. Beyond Puerto Ayora's picturesque port, Santa Cruz's lush highlands, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife await. Whether you seek boutique luxury, eco-focused sustainability, or family-friendly adventures, this island delivers an immersive Galápagos experience.

For those wanting a more intimate nautical experience, we've also included details on two exclusive small-ship cruises around the archipelago. Carrying just 16 passengers each, these private yachts provide an exclusive window into the Galapagos' wonders.

Ready to chart your own course through the Enchanted Isles? Explore some of our top hotel and cruise recommendations on Santa Cruz Island.

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

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Location: Situated along the waterfront of Santa Cruz Island, within walking distance of main attractions and a short water taxi ride from key destinations. Prime position for accessing daily yacht tours to nearby islands.


History: Built on historic grounds once home to Gus Angermeyer, one of Santa Cruz Island's earliest settlers. In the early 1930s, Gus and his brothers left Germany for an adventure that led them to the Galapagos Islands, where they became part of the archipelago's pioneer community.


Services: Daily fresh breakfast at Isla Grill's waterfront patio, airport transfers, tour assistance and booking


Highlights: Breathtaking ocean views, private pier with direct access to water taxi services, waterfront restaurant featuring Italian-Thai fusion cuisine

Blu Galapagos

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Location: Situated in the main area of Santa Cruz Island, conveniently located near restaurants and attractions including the Charles Darwin Research Station. Set among mangroves with direct access to town - no water taxis required.


History: Originally constructed by Galapagos pioneers in 1995, building on the islands' legacy of exploration and tourism.


Services: Multi-day tours, breakfast in bed, free bicycle rentals, kids program


Highlights: Their waterfront restaurant and lounge is a popular resting spot for iguanas and seals, a shop and gallery filled with locally made items and popular Ecuadorian snacks, and a waterfront location.

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

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Location: The only beachfront hotel in Puerto Ayora, situated beside the town's only public beach on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. Accessible via a scenic 5-minute water taxi ride from Puerto Ayora's main port.


History: Originally established as Hotel Delfín in the 1970s, the property has been a witness to Puerto Ayora's evolution since the early settler days. Located in the once-isolated neighborhood of Punta Estrada, the hotel changed hands in 2005 and was renamed Finch Bay, paying homage to Darwin's famous finches that played a crucial role in his theory of evolution.


Services: Private yacht for exclusive island tours, adventure activities including local tours, kayaking, and snorkeling, airport transfers, candlelit dinners


Highlights: Swimming pool and spa, the only hotel on the island with beach access, full-service adventure programming, fine dining restaurant featuring Ecuadorian and international cuisine.

Ikala Galapagos Hotel

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Location: Centrally located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, within walking distance to key attractions including the Charles Darwin Station, Tortuga Bay Beach entrance, Ninfas Lagoon, and the fishermen's pier. Surrounded by restaurants, stores, and bars.


History: Built around 1980 as a private residence for a historic Galapagos family, the property was later transformed into a hotel by a small Quito-based travel agency, maintaining its connection to local island heritage.


Services: Free bicycle rentals, daily buffet breakfast, airport transfers, telescope for guests


Highlights: Rooftop restaurant overlooking Puerto Ayora Bay, swimming pool and pool bar serving cocktails and snacks, day tours and multi-day island excursions.

Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton

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Location: Nestled in the Miconia Highland Forests of Santa Cruz Island, set on 483 acres of pristine land. Unlike most Galápagos hotels that are in Puerto Ayora, this property offers a unique highland experience away from the town.


History: Established in 2000, the hotel was conceived with a vision of connecting travelers with nature while maintaining the charm of an Ecuadorian Hacienda. The property was thoughtfully developed to integrate with its natural surroundings.


Services: Buffet breakfast, room service, spa treatments


Highlights: Unique lava tunnel restaurant used for special occasions and cooking classes, adventures on and off property, swimming pool and hot tub, star gazing with telescopes

Ocean Spray Luxury Catamaran

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Itineraries:

  • 7-Night Cruise: Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santa Fe, Española
  • 7-Night Cruise: San Cristobal, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartholomew, Genovesa, Santiago, North Seymour
  • 5-Night Cruise: Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, South Plaza
  • 5-Night Cruise: Santa Fe, Española, San Cristobal, Floreana, Santa Cruz
  • 4-Night Cruise: Bartholomew, Genovesa, Santiago, North Seymour, Santa Cruz
  • 3-Night Cruise: San Cristobal, Floreana, Santa Cruz


Features:

  • 38-meter catamaran
  • 16 passengers
  • All excursions are guided by top-ranked naturalist guides
  • Ocean views in all suites with private balconies
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served al-fresco in the upper deck lounge or indoor dining room
  • Sky deck with a whirlpool and lounge chairs 
  • Lounge, social areas, and a library 
  • Excursions feature walks, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, Zodiac rides, wildlife observation, and more


Starting Prices Per Person Based on Double Occupancy:

  • 7-night starting at $8,290 per person
  • 5-night starting at $6,190 per person
  • 4-night starting at $5,190 per person
  • 3-night starting at $4,190 per person

Royal Galapagos Horizon Trimaran

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Itineraries:

  • 7-Night Cruise: San Cristobal, Española, Santa Cruz, Bartholomew, Rabida, Santiago, Genovesa, Mosquera Islet, North Seymour
  • 7-Night Cruise: Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Santa Fe, San Cristobal
  • 6-Night Cruise: Santa Cruz, Floreana, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Española
  • 4-Night Cruise: Bartholomew, Rabida, Santiago, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, North Seymour
  • 4-Night Cruise: Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz
  • 3-Night Cruise: San Cristobal, Española, Santa Cruz


Features:

  • 38-meter trimaran
  • 16 passengers 
  • All cabins have private balconies 
  • All excursions are led by a certified bilingual naturalist guide 
  • Al fresco dining area as well as an indoor dining room and buffet
  • Modern lounge
  • Outside bar
  • Sundeck with a jacuzzi
  • Excursions include hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy rides, and more



Starting Prices Per Person Based on Double Occupancy:

  • 7-night starting at $9,445 per person
  • 6-night starting at $7,845 per person
  • 4-night starting at $5,845 per person
  • 3-night starting at $4,145 per person

Ready to chart your own course through the Enchanted Isles? Contact us today!

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