Cruise port Bahía Borrero (Santa Cruz, Galapagos)
Info for port Bahía Borrero (Santa Cruz, Galapagos) on 27 Aug 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.
