Cruise port Las Bachas (Santa Cruz, Galapagos)
Info for port Las Bachas (Santa Cruz, Galapagos) on 23 Jul 2026
Port information & tips for Las Bachas (Santa Cruz, Galapagos)
Las Bachas is a paradisiacal natural jewel on the northern coast of the island of Santa Cruz and embodies the untouched magic of the Galapagos Archipelago. The brilliant white coral sand beach impresses with its wild beauty and offers an incomparable expedition atmosphere thanks to crystal-clear water and fascinating wildlife. Travelers here observe graceful flamingos in the coastal lagoons, discover nesting sea turtles, and explore the eponymous remains of historical US landing craft directly on the shore. Arrival takes place as a "wet landing" by tender boat directly at Las Bachas Landing Beach, as this protected coastal section has no permanent pier, and simultaneously allows direct access to the wilderness, while Puerto Ayora, approximately 40 kilometers away, can be easily reached by sea.
A journey to the impressive cruise port of Las Bachas on Santa Cruz, Galapagos, is a true adventure that typically takes place via Fly & Cruise. Since Las Bachas itself is a landing site for expedition cruises and not a port with direct access, the journey leads through one of the two main airports of the Galápagos Islands.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is via international flights to the Ecuadorian airports of Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). From there, national flights, for example with LATAM or Avianca, continue to Seymour Galápagos Ecological Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. Flights from Guayaquil to Galápagos take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, while flights from Quito, often with a stopover in Guayaquil, take approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. It is advisable to book flights to Baltra Airport (GPS), as this is the central access point for Santa Cruz Island.
Transfer on the Galápagos Islands
After landing at Baltra Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island, the most important airport for the Santa Cruz region, the multi-stage transfer to the main town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz begins. First, you take a bus (approx. 5-10 minutes, approx. 5 USD) to the Itabaca Channel. There you cross the channel with a short ferry ride (approx. 5-10 minutes, approx. 1-2 USD) to Santa Cruz Island. On Santa Cruz, taxis (approx. 20-30 USD for up to 4 people, approx. 45 minutes) or public buses (approx. 5 USD per person, approx. 1 hour 15 minutes) are available for the onward journey to Puerto Ayora. Las Bachas itself is an expedition landing point on the north coast of Santa Cruz and is usually reached by inflatable boat (Zodiac) from the cruise ship.
Pre-Cruise Stay & Embarkation
Due to the long journey and the necessary transfers to the Galápagos Islands, a pre-cruise stay is strongly recommended. Ideally, plan at least one overnight stay on the Ecuadorian mainland (Quito or Guayaquil) to prevent flight delays and start the onward flight relaxed. Many cruises begin or end in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz or directly on Baltra Island. A pre-cruise overnight stay in Puerto Ayora can provide a relaxed start to your Galápagos adventure before you board your ship, which will then take you to fascinating landing sites such as Las Bachas.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
A journey to the impressive cruise port of Las Bachas on Santa Cruz, Galapagos, is a true adventure that typically takes place via Fly & Cruise. Since Las Bachas itself is a landing site for expedition cruises and not a port with direct access, the journey leads through one of the two main airports of the Galápagos Islands.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is via international flights to the Ecuadorian airports of Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). From there, national flights, for example with LATAM or Avianca, continue to Seymour Galápagos Ecological Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. Flights from Guayaquil to Galápagos take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, while flights from Quito, often with a stopover in Guayaquil, take approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. It is advisable to book flights to Baltra Airport (GPS), as this is the central access point for Santa Cruz Island.
Transfer on the Galápagos Islands
After landing at Baltra Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island, the most important airport for the Santa Cruz region, the multi-stage transfer to the main town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz begins. First, you take a bus (approx. 5-10 minutes, approx. 5 USD) to the Itabaca Channel. There you cross the channel with a short ferry ride (approx. 5-10 minutes, approx. 1-2 USD) to Santa Cruz Island. On Santa Cruz, taxis (approx. 20-30 USD for up to 4 people, approx. 45 minutes) or public buses (approx. 5 USD per person, approx. 1 hour 15 minutes) are available for the onward journey to Puerto Ayora. Las Bachas itself is an expedition landing point on the north coast of Santa Cruz and is usually reached by inflatable boat (Zodiac) from the cruise ship.
Pre-Cruise Stay & Embarkation
Due to the long journey and the necessary transfers to the Galápagos Islands, a pre-cruise stay is strongly recommended. Ideally, plan at least one overnight stay on the Ecuadorian mainland (Quito or Guayaquil) to prevent flight delays and start the onward flight relaxed. Many cruises begin or end in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz or directly on Baltra Island. A pre-cruise overnight stay in Puerto Ayora can provide a relaxed start to your Galápagos adventure before you board your ship, which will then take you to fascinating landing sites such as Las Bachas.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The landing point Las Bachas on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island is a magnificent natural harbor and, thanks to its protected location, offers an ideal starting point for nature exploration. The arrival at the shore takes place directly from the ship and promises a special experience in the wilderness of the Galapagos Islands.
Pangas (Dinghies)
The landing on the beach of Las Bachas is conveniently carried out with the ship's own pangas as part of a wet landing. These maneuverable dinghies bring you safely directly to the flat sandy beach and provide direct access to the pristine coastal landscape.
Taxi & Bus (Transfer to Puerto Ayora)
From the nearby Itabaca Channel, you can easily reach the inhabited center of the island with the island-typical white pickup taxis or local buses. The journey across Santa Cruz takes about 45 minutes and also offers impressive views of the various vegetation zones of the highlands.
On Foot
The immediate surroundings of Las Bachas can be excellently explored on foot on the marked nature trails. A short walk leads you directly to the saline lagoons behind the beach and simultaneously allows for the relaxed observation of flamingos and nesting sea turtles.
To make the most of your stay on the pristine shores of Las Bachas, we recommend focusing on the unique wildlife watching directly on the brilliant white coral sand and the immediately adjacent lagoons.
Strand Las Bachas
This brilliant white, powdery sand beach is perfect for long walks and, thanks to its fine texture, serves as one of the most important nesting sites for the Pacific Green Sea Turtle on Santa Cruz.
Brackwasser-Lagunen
Located directly behind the dunes are picturesque lagoons regularly visited by proud flamingos and stilts, offering visitors a fascinating natural spectacle in a tranquil setting.
Caleta Tortuga Negra
The nearby Black Turtle Cove is perfect for exploration by dinghy, as the protected mangrove forests provide a safe haven for sharks and rays while offering insights into the untouched marine world of the Galapagos Islands.
Playa Las Bachas
The paradisiacal Playa Las Bachas on the northern coast of Santa Cruz is easily accessible directly by dinghy and offers the finest white coral sand as well as an exquisite snorkeling experience in crystal-clear water. Thanks to its protected location within the National Park, you can enjoy a completely untouched atmosphere here and also observe flamingos in the nearby lagoons and sea turtles on the shore. Ideally, use the early morning hours for a relaxed beach walk and a refreshing dip in the turquoise sea to admire the fascinating wildlife in peace and return to the landing dock in good time after your nature experience.
Returning to the ship from this idyllic stretch of beach on Santa Cruz Island is particularly straightforward and safe, thanks to the close accompaniment of your naturalist guides and the ship's own tenders.
Inflatable Boats (Pangas)
The return journey to the cruise ship takes place directly from the shore using your cruise line's stable pangas. Since Las Bachas is a site for wet landings, you board comfortably in shallow water and are brought directly back to your ship by the experienced crew.
Taxi and Bus (Transfer)
If your excursion has taken you to the highlands or to Puerto Ayora, white taxi pickups or local Lobito buses will bring you reliably back to the Itabaca Channel. From this central hub, the onward journey to the anchorage off Las Bachas is easy and punctual thanks to coordinated transfer boats.
On Foot
The way back along the beach is easy to find at any time thanks to the clear and well-marked trails of the National Park. Simply stay near your group and enjoy the short walk across the white coral sand directly to the agreed meeting point for the tenders.
In port on 23 Jul 2026
