Santa Cruz Island (Spanish: Isla Santa Cruz, Chumash: Limuw) is located off the southwestern coast of California, United States.It is the largest island in California, and largest of the eight islands in the Channel Islands archipelago. Home to the largest town in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora, the Island has a large variety of vegetation. There are small settlements across the island, but many people live in Puerto Ayora, the main town. 30 Amazing Galapagos Islands Animals includinding the Blue Footed Booby, Galapagos Tortoise Galapagos Shark, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Sea Lion, & more. Here you’ll find giant tortoises, beautiful hikes, beaches as far as the eye can see, the Charles Darwin Research Center, pit craters, and World War II remnants; it’s an island that truly has it all. 30 Amazing Galapagos Islands Animals w/ Galapagos Tortoise, Galapagos Penguin, Blue Footed Booby, Galapagos Sea Lion, Galapagos Shark & more. Santa Cruz Island (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈsanta ˈkɾus]) is one of the Galápagos Islands with an area of 986 km 2 (381 sq mi) and a maximum altitude of 864 metres (2,835 ft). Charles Darwin Research Station - Santa Cruz Island. It is the only island in Galapagos where tourists can easily experience the interior highlands of a Galapagos island. Isabela Island in Galapagos is the largest of all the islands and sits across the line of the equator. It is the most populated island, with an estimated 15,000 residents. Floreana Island (Charles or Santa María), Galapagos Floreana was the first inhabited island and has an exciting human history. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. You can visit the captive breeding program at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island or at the Cerro Colorado Station in San Cristobal Island. The island of Santa Cruz is the most populated tourist destination and one of the most popular in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. READ MORE: Genovesa Island, Galapagos. Lava Heron. In … There are fresh water wells as this area was used by the early settlers who found refuge in the caves nearby. About Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is known for its relaxing beaches and exuberant vegetation. Located right in the center of the archipelago, next to Baltra Island. … Exploring Santa Cruz & Espanola Islands. The island is comprised of a younger part formed by volcanic cones and lava and an older narrow strip of land formed by uplifted lava flows and tuffs. Santa Cruz has the longest paved road in the Galapagos, running north-south across the island to take people from the airport ferry which … Situated in the center of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is the second largest island after Isabela. Founded in 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the Galapagos Islands and the animals and plants that live there. Santa Cruz. About Isabela Island. There are few places around the world where it’s possible to share such close proximity to birds, reptiles, and sea critters without them turning fearful. In the Galapagos, it’s an animal-lover’s dream come true. It includes the mysterious deaths of several inhabitants that have not been solved until today. Pit craters, Scalesia Forest, cacti and ferns are found in its vegetation zones. Santa Cruz in the Galapagos is found in the Central Islands. Photo by Benjamint444, GFDL 1.2 Galapagos Flycatcher ... and Santa Cruz. It also is a focal point for scientific research, housing the Charles Darwin Research Station, where a variety of Galapagos land animals are studied, including the Galapagos giant tortoise. Home to the largest town in the Galápagos—Puerto Ayora—Santa Cruz Island is one of the most popular islands to visit while traveling to the Galápagos.. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. For most people, a visit to the Galapagos Islands is all about the animals. It boasts extreme scenery, beautiful snorkeling beaches, excellent hiking trails, diverse and charismatic wildlife, and welcoming visitors centers. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Santa Cruz, Ecuador on Tripadvisor: See 19,331 traveler reviews and photos of Santa Cruz tourist attractions. Santa Cruz Island of the Galápagos is a starting point for many who visit the islands. Marine Iguanas. We have reviews of the best places to see in Santa Cruz. Interesting Galapagos Islands facts: some people speculate that marine iguanas inspired the tales told by pirates and explorers of dragons in the new world.