Santa Cruz Island is the second largest island of the Galapagos archipelago. It is considered one of the most popular islands of the Galapagos, due to its proximity to the main airport of the archipelago and its rich fauna and flora. This island offers a wide variety of ecosystems, ranging from lush forests and high mountains to white sand beaches and saltwater lagoons. The island is also known for its nature reserves and national parks, where visitors can observe a wide variety of endemic Galapagos species.

- Tortuga Bay: This is a white sand beach bordered by turquoise water, where visitors can swim, snorkel or observe the endemic marine iguanas. - Charles Darwin Research Station: The Charles Darwin Research Station is managed by the Charles Darwin Foundation and is dedicated to scientific research, environmental education and conservation of Galapagos endemic species. - Academy Bay: Located near Puerto Ayora, this bay is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving activities due to its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. The bay is also lined with beautiful white sand beaches where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. - Bachas Beach: Las Bachas is a beach located on the northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is a popular place to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters, as well as to observe marine wildlife and coastal birds. The beach gets its name from the American barges that were abandoned there during World War II, which are still visible today. The beach is also an important nesting site for sea turtles, and visitors can sometimes see turtle nests on the beach. Visitors are also sometimes lucky enough to spot marine iguanas, hermit crabs, and a variety of birds such as frigatebirds, herons, and brown pelicans. - Ballena Bay: Ballena Bay is a bay located on the north coast of the island. This bay is a popular destination for snorkeling and swimming in the calm, crystal-clear waters. The waters of the bay are filled with abundant marine life, including colorful tropical fish, rays and sea turtles. Visitors can also spot reef sharks and hammerheads while snorkeling. At Ballena Bay Beach, visitors can see marine iguanas basking on the rocks and brown pelicans fishing in the water. The mangroves that border the bay are also home to a variety of birds such as herons and frigate birds. The bay is named after the humpback whales that migrate to these waters during the months of June through September. Although the whales are not always visible, visitors are often lucky enough to see their huge blowholes as they emerge from the water. - Black Turtle Cove: Black Turtle Cove is a lagoon located on the north coast. It is known for its calm, crystal clear waters, which are home to a variety of marine life including sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and sea lions. You can explore the lagoon by canoe, while admiring the natural beauty and biodiversity of this place. - Carrion Point (Punta Carrion): Located near the eastern mouth of the Itabaca Channel between the Baltra and Santa Cruz Islands, this dive site offers clear waters and abundant marine life, including schools of colorful fish, reef sharks and eagle rays. Divers can also admire the underwater volcanic rock formations and corals at this popular dive site. - Cerro Dragon: Cerro Dragon is a hill located on the northwest coast of the island. This place is famous for its population of land dragons (iguanas), one of the largest in the archipelago. You can observe these fascinating reptiles basking on the rocks, as well as other species of local fauna and flora such as cactus, birds and sea turtles. - Los Gemelos (or The Twins) are two large craters located on Santa Cruz island. These craters are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions and offer a spectacular landscape of rock formations and dense vegetation. You can explore the hiking trails that wind through the forests of Scalesia and observe the unique flora and fauna of this area, including Galapagos finches and orchids. - Primicias: Located on the highlands of the island, Primicias Ranch is home to giant Galapagos tortoises. It is an ideal place to observe these specimens in a semi-liberty space. - Lava tunnels: The lava tunnels are a system of underground caves carved into the solidified lava of the island. They offer a unique experience for visitors, who can explore the tunnels and admire the unique rock formations. The lava tunnels of Santa Cruz are a must for caving enthusiasts.