Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Formed by volcanic cones, lava flows and tuffs from a now-dormant volcano, Santa Cruz is the second-largest of the Galapagos Islands. Most cruises that call here include visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where a visitor center lends insight into geography, climate and conservation programs. Santa Cruz is home to marine iguanas, giant tortoises known to reach up to 475 pounds and roughly 20 species of birds like waved albatross and blue-footed boobies. Excursions include dinghy rides to Black Turtle Cove for up-close looks at sea turtles, reef sharks and rays in the shallow waters, as well as trips to Dragon Hill, where a walking trail leads along pristine shores to a lagoon lookout for pink-flamingo sightings. Guests also can stroll through lava tunnels, sunbathe near basking sea lions and venture to the highlands for massive tortoise sightings.

Language: Spanish
Currency: US dollar (US$)

Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Weather
Temperature (Fahrenheit)
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 82 86 86 82 81 81 77 75 75 75 77 79
Low 64 66 64 66 64 63 61 59 59 56 61 63
Temperature (Celsius)
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 28 30 30 28 27 27 25 24 24 24 25 26
Low 18 19 18 19 18 17 16 15 15 13 16 17
Precipitation
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Inches 7 6 7 6 3 4 5 3 3 3 3 5
Centimeters 18 15 18 15 8 10 13 8 8 8 8 13
Precipitation Days
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Days 14 12 8 8 8 9 12 12 12 11 10 10


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