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.
