Cruise port Bahía Borrero (Santa Cruz, Galapagos)
Info for port Bahía Borrero (Santa Cruz, Galapagos) on 22 Oct 2027
Port information & tips for Bahía Borrero (Santa Cruz, Galapagos)
Bahía Borrero on the north coast of Santa Cruz is an unspoiled natural paradise in the Galapagos Archipelago, captivating visitors with its wild, pristine beauty. The remote bay welcomes guests with a brilliant white coral sand beach, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes the harmony with nature truly palpable. Highlights include spotting sea turtles right by the shore as well as excursions to the nearby Cerro Dragón, home to flamingos and land iguanas; dense mangrove forests also invite exploration. Cruise ships utilize Bahía Borrero's natural anchorage, from which guests land directly on the beach via dinghy (panga). Thanks to this exclusive location, travelers experience the secluded wilderness and can comfortably reach the center of Puerto Ayora, around 30 kilometers away, by sea.
Bahía Borrero on Santa Cruz is primarily an impressive landing point for Galapagos cruises and is reached by guests from the DACH region exclusively via Fly & Cruise. Arriving requires careful planning and several transfer steps after landing on Baltra, the main gateway island for Santa Cruz.
Airplane
Your journey to the Galapagos Islands begins with a long-haul flight to Ecuador, either to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. From there, a domestic flight takes you to Seymour Galapagos Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. The flight time from Guayaquil to Galapagos is about 2.5 hours. Due to the often early departure times to the Galapagos Islands, an overnight stay on the Ecuadorian mainland is recommended.
Transfer & Shuttle
After landing at Baltra Airport (GPS), a multi-stage transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz begins. First, you take an airport bus to the Itabaca Channel, an approximate 5- to 10-minute ride that costs about 5 US dollars. Next, you cross the channel by ferry for a price of 1 to 2 US dollars in around 5 to 10 minutes. On Santa Cruz, taxis (white pick-ups for up to four people) are available to take you to Puerto Ayora for 20 to 25 US dollars in about 35 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, there are public buses for 5 US dollars, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Bahía Borrero itself is a landing point for shore excursions from cruise ships.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to international long-haul flights and multi-stage transfers, arriving at least one day prior to embarkation is strongly recommended. Many cruise lines offer organized transfers and pre-cruise hotel packages to ensure a relaxed arrival. An overnight stay in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz before your cruise begins ensures that you can board punctually and stress-free, while also offering the opportunity to explore the charming town and its surroundings.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Bahía Borrero on Santa Cruz is primarily an impressive landing point for Galapagos cruises and is reached by guests from the DACH region exclusively via Fly & Cruise. Arriving requires careful planning and several transfer steps after landing on Baltra, the main gateway island for Santa Cruz.
Airplane
Your journey to the Galapagos Islands begins with a long-haul flight to Ecuador, either to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. From there, a domestic flight takes you to Seymour Galapagos Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. The flight time from Guayaquil to Galapagos is about 2.5 hours. Due to the often early departure times to the Galapagos Islands, an overnight stay on the Ecuadorian mainland is recommended.
Transfer & Shuttle
After landing at Baltra Airport (GPS), a multi-stage transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz begins. First, you take an airport bus to the Itabaca Channel, an approximate 5- to 10-minute ride that costs about 5 US dollars. Next, you cross the channel by ferry for a price of 1 to 2 US dollars in around 5 to 10 minutes. On Santa Cruz, taxis (white pick-ups for up to four people) are available to take you to Puerto Ayora for 20 to 25 US dollars in about 35 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, there are public buses for 5 US dollars, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Bahía Borrero itself is a landing point for shore excursions from cruise ships.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to international long-haul flights and multi-stage transfers, arriving at least one day prior to embarkation is strongly recommended. Many cruise lines offer organized transfers and pre-cruise hotel packages to ensure a relaxed arrival. An overnight stay in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz before your cruise begins ensures that you can board punctually and stress-free, while also offering the opportunity to explore the charming town and its surroundings.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The anchorage of Bahía Borrero on the northern coast of Santa Cruz is an ideal starting point for nature experiences and offers direct access to the untouched flora and fauna thanks to organized transfers.
Panga Shuttles
Movement from the ship to the shore takes place with the island's typical dinghies, the so-called pangas, which bring you safely to the landing points on the white sand beach.
Taxi Pick-ups
For trips into the highlands or to the center of Puerto Ayora, the characteristic white pick-up taxis are available at the nearby Itabaca Channel and enable a comfortable journey across the island.
On Foot
The exploration of the immediate surroundings and the coastal paths for observing sea turtles takes place directly from the beach and can be wonderfully combined with a relaxed walk thanks to the short distances.
To make the most of your limited time on Santa Cruz, we recommend combining an exploration of the pristine northern coast with a visit to the island's lively center in the south.
Bahía Borrero
This paradisiacal stretch of beach impresses with its powdery white coral sand and, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, is a perfect spot for observing sea turtles in a completely natural environment.
Puerto Ayora
The charming port town forms the pulsing heart of the island and is ideal for a relaxed stroll along the promenade, where sea lions and iguanas naturally mingle with visitors, creating a unique atmosphere.
Charles Darwin Research Station
This world-famous educational institution offers fascinating insights into evolutionary history and, thanks to its well-maintained paths, is the perfect place for unforgettable encounters with the majestic Galápagos giant tortoises.
Bahía Borrero
The picturesque Bahía Borrero on the north coast of Santa Cruz is easily accessible with the ship's own dinghies and welcomes you with fine, white coral sand and an impressive backdrop of mangroves and cacti. This natural stretch of coastline is ideal for relaxing walks and also offers excellent opportunities to observe green sea turtles swimming in the shallow, turquoise water. Thanks to the protected location within the national park, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in the midst of untouched nature, which is perfect for a refreshing dip in the Pacific. It is best to use the early morning hours for your shore excursion to experience the wildlife in its most active phase and return to the ship relaxed well before lunch to enjoy the rest of the day on board.
The return journey to Bahía Borrero on the northern coast of Santa Cruz usually takes place via the strategically important Itabaca Channel and is safe and straightforward thanks to the island's well-organized transfer structures.
Taxi and Private Transfer
The typical white pick-up taxis are the most reliable means of transport on Santa Cruz and bring you directly to the Itabaca Channel from Puerto Ayora or the farms in the highlands. You can find these vehicles everywhere at central locations in the city as well as in front of major hotels like the Finch Bay or Hotel Solymar, reaching the northern coast in a relaxed drive of about 45 minutes.
Water Taxi and Panga Transfer
Since Bahía Borrero often serves as an anchorage, the final leg of the journey is comfortably made using the ship's own dinghies or local water taxis from the pier in the Itabaca Channel. The guides and onboard staff coordinate departure times directly at the landing points, ensuring you get back on board your ship safely and without waiting after your shore excursion.
Bus Shuttle
Regular public buses and tour operator shuttle services run between the terminal in Puerto Ayora and the northern ferry station. These provide a punctual connection across the island, allowing you to cover the scenic route to the port section stress-free and in the company of fellow travelers.
