Activities in Isla Santa Cruz (Indefatigable)
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Diving
Not surprisingly for a place whose underwater habitat resembles a well-stocked aquarium, scuba diving in the Galápagos is world class. The conditions aren't suitable for beginners because of strong currents, sometimes murky visibility and cold temperatures. When the water is warm there's not much of a current so it's also a little murky (January to March); there is better visibility but colder water temperatures from July to October.
Besides an array of tropical fish there are plenty of whale sharks, hammerheads, manta rays and even sea horses to be seen. Most live-aboard boats go to Wolf and Darwin, northwest of the major islands where there's a large number of differen…
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Surfing
Surfers tend to be an adventurous bunch and obstacles like inaccessibility and sea lions usually aren't enough to deter them. There are several good surf breaks near Puerto Ayora itself including La Ratonera and Bazán near the Charles Darwin Research Station beach. If hauling your board a few kilometers is no problem Tortuga Bay has several breaks.
An hour or so by boat takes you to Punta Blanca and further north to Cerro Gallina, Las Palmas Chica and Las Palmas Grande, considered to be three of the best breaks in the Galápagos. There are also several breaks off the west side of Isla Baltra. Stop by Gravity Surf (Av Charles Darwin) in Puerto Ayora for more information.
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Metropolitan Touring
Located at the Finch Bay Hotel, it books the M/V Santa Cruz and luxury Isabel II and La Pinta yachts and any land or water-based tours in and around Santa Cruz.
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Ninfa Tour
Operates the 'tourist-superior' class of motor yacht Lobo del Mar, so it's a good place to check for last minute cruise deals. Also organizes various daytrips to other islands.
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Moonrise Travel
Run by a family of Galápagos experts and guides, who can arrange camping at their private highlands ranch, plus boat- and hotel-based tours and diving trips.
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Lonesome George Travel Agency
Rents snorkeling equipment (per day $8), kayaks (per half-day $30), bicycles (per hour $2), surfboards (per half-day $20) and wet suits (per day $8).
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We Are the Champions Tours
Run by an experienced Ecuadorian guide and an English-speaking German woman, Champions offers all kinds of ecologically minded Galápagos trips.
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Galápagos Tour Center
Offers half-day snorkeling trips and half-day trips to the highlands. Also rents mountain bikes, surfboards, snorkel equipment and body boards.
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Scuba Iguana
Run by two of the most experienced divers in the Galápagos. Offers full-certification courses, and trips can be booked online.
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Iguana Travel
Rents bicycles (per day $15), arranges day tours and books last-minute overnight yachts on the lower end of the pay scale.
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Galápagos Sub-Aqua
The longest-running full-service dive center in the Galápagos. Guides are friendly and most speak English.
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Galayachts
A full service agency supplying and supporting private yachts, also runs a high quality dive operation.
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Galextur Dive Trips
Run out of the Silberstein Hotel. Offers dive trips with brand new equipment and a good boat.
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Nauti Diving
Across from the turtle statue, runs hotel-based diving tours as well as day trips.
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