Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
GALT (UTC-6)
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Dec
Typical Duration
7-8 nights
Price Range
$5,298–$20,250 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to the Galápagos Islands, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore unique wildlife and pristine natural ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.
Cruises that visit Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz
- cruises to Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz
- Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz sailings
- Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz cruises
- 10-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 11-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 13-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 13-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 15-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 15-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 15-night HX Expeditions cruise
Build Your Day in Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 10:00 PM
Usually about 14 hours ashore
Getting around:
Parque Nacional Galápagos
Iconic national park & marine reserve
Open now
Rancho Primicias - Giant Tortoise Reserve
Onsite services
Tortuga Bay Beach
Cove known for abundant wildlife
1835 Restaurant & Coffee
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery
Las Grietas
Its $10 to get in and you get to snorkel for 45 minutes.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Large collection of Galápagos flora
Santa Cruz Brewery
Dine-in·Curbside pickup
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Galapagos Deli
The bread is divine, the chips were delicious and the drinks were great.
PLAZA EL JARDÍN GALÁPAGOS
Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery
The Rock Galapagos
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Proinsular Market
Well stocked store, amazing harbour view from the upstairs cafeteria.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Saint Francis Park
Great island lots of restaurants and activities for everyone
Isla Grill
Fantastic seaside restaurant with unforgettable food and views to match.
Opens soon · 12 PM
Fishing piers
You can spot sea lions and birds.
El Muelle de Darwin
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Midori（寿司店）
Dine-in·Drive-through·No-contact delivery
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Restaurante El Descanso del Guía - Muelle
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6:15 AM Sun
Gus Angermeyer Pier and Ferry Terminal
Beautiful pier, awesome to see sea lions and small sharks and fish.
Bahía Mar
Dine-in·Takeout
Opens soon · 12 PM
FRAFRE GASTROBAR
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Opens soon · 12 PM
Lemon & Coffee
Incredible shrimp risotto, nice cocktails, great atmosphere, kind staff.
La Regata
Dine-in·Takeout
Santa Cruz Island
Tourism hub of the Galapagos Islands
Patas Azules Socks - FlagshipStore
Beautiful products, good prices and nice discounts.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Nazca Esencia Restaurant
Strongly recommended if you are in Puerto Ayora for dinner
Gelato Bar
The food and coffee here was incredible with reasonable prices.
Golden Prague Pub
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 5 PM
OY
Great food and excellent service - the best food we had in the Galapagos
Rancho El Manzanillo
Onsite services
bongo bar
No delivery
Closed · Opens 7 PM
Agave Studio
One of the best food and drinks i had in puerto Ayora
Closed · Opens 1 PM
ISLANDER COFFEE ROASTERS
The kindest team serve fresh local coffee and delicious food.
Closes soon · 12:30 PM
Laguna Beach
Dine-in·Takeout
Playa los alemanes
However, it is very close to town and safe for swimming.
The Point By Midori
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Pinchos del Gato Mera
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Nymphs Lagoon
We saw some turtles, fish and sea lions swimming there in the evening.
Temporarily closed
Rústica Restaurant Encebollados ,Ceviches ,Platos a la carta
Dine-in
AYORA Resto Wine
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Galapagos frontier
Highly recommend and super easy to book / get to from Puerto Ayora!!
Playa de la Estacion
You can swim with marine life
Highland View Galapagos
Onsite services
Chococoffee Cafeteria y Pasteleria
The coffee, food and WiFi are excellent and the desserts are delicious!
Ferry Galapagos
Onsite services
Puerto Ayora
Great place to grab a water taxi or a ferry.
Open · Closes 7:45 PM
DARWIN AND WOLF
Gorgeous store, great prices and high quality items.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Island Coffee
Dine-in·Drive-through·Delivery
Closes soon · 12 PM
Art Coffee Galápagos
The best food and incredible atmosphere in a place with peaceful
El Mirador de Los Tuneles
Playa de la Estación
Hotspot for snorkeling with black-tipped shark pups and spotted eagle rays!
Chocolápagos Darwin’s Favourites
Wide variety and prices to choose from.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Mercado Artesanal
The market is very touristy...but the benches on the sea offers a nice ...
Open · Closes 11 PM
La Ratonera
Bring water shoes as entrance is rocky
Origen Galapagos-Bar Restaurante
Cheapest and best food I had in Galapagos.
ELOISE RESTAURANTE GALAPAGOS
+good food, beautiful place with a great view over the sea.
Opens soon · 12 PM
tortuga break
Dine-in
REPTILIA GALAPAGOS BREWERY
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Bohemian Cocktail Bar & Lounge
Dine-in·Drive-through·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Camila Cafe & Grill
Good food, great coffee and a very sweet owner (multiple vegetarian options)
Finch Bay Restaurante
If you want to eat outside then book a table in advance.
Nona Cocina Libre
Dine-in·Takeout
Opens soon · 12 PM
Monumento de tortuga
Right across the road sea lions and marine iquanas like to hang out.
Galería Exótico Ecuador - Fair Trade
Hard to beat prices for designer goods.
Open · Closes 1 PM
FISHED GALAPAGOS SEAFOOD HOUSE
Closed · Opens 1 PM
Darwin's Lounge
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 2 PM
D' Willy Santa Cruz
Great variety, large selection of havianas as well
Open · Closes 8:30 PM
CASA MAREA
Great place to buy souvenirs from Galapagos and Ecuador!
Open · Closes 1 PM
Tortuga Way
Takeout·No dine-in·No delivery
593 Origins
In-store shopping·Delivery
Closes soon · 12:30 PM
Galapagos Tantum Coffee
Closes soon · 12 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz serves as a premier port of call in Ecuador's Galápagos Islands, welcoming cruise passengers from three distinguished cruise lines including Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, and HX Expeditions. With nearly 270 upcoming cruises and a strong presence of 7-night itineraries, this Pacific port has become a favorite embarkation point for Galápagos exploration. The port experiences peak activity during October, May, September, November, and July, making it an ideal destination for those seeking world-class expedition cruising to some of the planet's most unique natural wonders.
When your ship docks in Puerto Ayora, you'll find a charming waterfront town that serves as the perfect complement to your Galápagos adventure. The port offers easy access to the Charles Darwin Research Station and opportunities to explore the island's distinctive wildlife and volcanic landscapes. Whether you're embarking on a multi-island cruise to destinations like Baltra, San Cristóbal, North Seymour, Isabela, and Española islands, or simply enjoying a port day, Puerto Ayora provides an authentic taste of island life alongside world-class expedition experiences.
When your ship docks in Puerto Ayora, you'll find a charming waterfront town that serves as the perfect complement to your Galápagos adventure. The port offers easy access to the Charles Darwin Research Station and opportunities to explore the island's distinctive wildlife and volcanic landscapes. Whether you're embarking on a multi-island cruise to destinations like Baltra, San Cristóbal, North Seymour, Isabela, and Española islands, or simply enjoying a port day, Puerto Ayora provides an authentic taste of island life alongside world-class expedition experiences.
Cruise Lines at Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz
- HX Expeditions (231 cruises)
- Silversea (129 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (123 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz
Cruises Visiting Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz
Ship Schedule at Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz Location
Other Cruise Ports in Ecuador
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Puerto Ayora?
Puerto Ayora is the main town on Santa Cruz Island and the gateway to the Galápagos.
What can I see in Puerto Ayora?
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortuga Bay, and nearby Las Grietas for wildlife and scenery.
When is the best time to visit?
Galápagos can be visited year-round; the cool season (June-November) is often drier and windier.
How do I access Puerto Ayora?
Reach via Baltra or San Cristóbal airports and a short ferry to Santa Cruz.