Digital Nomad Guide to Santa Cruz: Work & Explore in Paradise
Discover why Santa Cruz, Galápagos, is a dream destination for digital nomads. From stunning beaches to vibrant local culture, this guide covers everything you need to balance work and adventure in paradise.
Mar 22, 2025
Whether you're here for a few days or planning a longer adventure, knowing how to get around Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos will help you make the most of your stay. From buses and taxis to boats connecting the islands, here’s everything you need to know.
🚍 Public Transportation: Buses
Buses are an affordable way to get around the island and connect with nearby towns and attractions.
Bus Rates from Puerto Ayora:
- To Bellavista: $0.50
- To Santa Rosa: $1.00
- To El Chato: $1.00
- To Canal de Itabaca (Airport): $5.00
They follow a regular schedule and offer a laid-back, local way to see the island—perfect if you're up for a little adventure and want to experience daily life like a true islander.
🚖 Taxis on the Island
Taxis in Santa Cruz are actually white pickup trucks. Prices are generally fixed, so no haggling needed! Request a Taxi
Common Taxi Rates:
- Within Puerto Ayora: $1.50
- To Bellavista: $3
- To Los Túneles: $5
- To Media Luna: $10 (one way)
- To Chato 2: $20 (one way)
- To Playa El Garrapatero: $25
- To Canal de Itabaca (Airport): $25
- To Los Guayabillos: $7
- Full-day tour (Chato, Los Gemelos, Túneles): $45
Pro tip: if you’re traveling with friends or family, taxis are a convenient and flexible way to explore the highlands.
⛴ Maritime Transport Between Islands
Puerto Ayora is the only port in the Galápagos that allows round-trip travel to all other populated islands in a single day. Perfect for day trips!
Cost per ticket: $30
Departure Times:
- To Isabela: 07h00 & 15h00 (daily) Buy a Ticket
- San Cristóbal Islands: 07h00 & 15h00 (daily) Buy a Ticket
- To Floreana Island: 08h00 (daily) Buy a Ticket
📍Important: Buy your ferry tickets in advance at authorized travel agencies and arrive at the Gus Angermeyer dock at least one hour before departure. Boats fill up fast and leave on time!
🌴 Don’t Miss These Must-See Spots
When in Santa Cruz, these are some places you just can't skip:
🏖 Tortuga Bay – a stunning white sand beach perfect for walking and kayaking
🐢 Centro de Crianza – Solitario George – meet the famous tortoises and learn about conservation
🌊 Las Grietas – a crystal-clear lava fissure for snorkeling and swimming
🏝 Playa El Garrapatero – peaceful and surrounded by mangroves
🏖 Playa Los Alemanes – close to town and great for a quick swim
🧪 Playa La Estación – near the Charles Darwin Research Station
🌋 Lava Tunnels (Manzanillo, El Chato, Primicias) – walk through natural tunnels formed by ancient lava flows
🌿 Media Luna & Los Gemelos – lush highland trails and volcanic sinkholes
Whether you're exploring on a budget or ready for a full-day island adventure, Santa Cruz has a little bit of everything for every kind of traveler. 🌎✈️🐢