Garrapatero Beach is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, known for its wide, sandy shores and impressive variety of marine and land wildlife, plus unique vegetation.
Stretching 3 km along Santa Cruz Island, this golden-sand beach feels like a hidden paradise. Its remote location means you might just have it all to yourself during the week—a rare treat!
Sharing the beach with sea lions, flamingos, and blue-footed boobies adds to the charm, making Garrapatero truly special. In our opinion, it’s the best beach to visit on Santa Cruz if you’re staying in Puerto Ayora. No tour guide or special planning is needed; just head there on a free day and enjoy.
How to Get to Garrapatero Beach?
Garrapatero Beach is on the east coast of Santa Cruz Island, northeast of Puerto Ayora. Since the trailhead is about 19 kilometers from town, arranging transportation is necessary.
We found that hiring a taxi in Puerto Ayora is a convenient option. Many drivers are more than willing to make the trip and will even arrange to return at a scheduled time to pick you up, making it easy to plan your day.
Activities in El Garrapatero
Garrapatero makes for a perfect day out for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, the beach offers all the classic activities—sunbathing, swimming, and taking leisurely strolls along the shoreline. My wife and I found it to be a wonderfully relaxing spot, with just the right mix of peacefulness and beauty.
At Garrapatero Beach, we enjoyed following the path to the flamingo pool, where the sight of these beautiful birds added a special touch. Beachcombing and exploring the tidal pools were highlights too—you never know what little creatures you might stumble upon.
The beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, with the chance to swim alongside sea lions or turtles. It felt like a hidden gem for snorkeling, and those encounters made it even more memorable.
A Well-Spent Half Day in El Garrapatero
We hired a taxi in Puerto Ayora, and the driver agreed to pick us up later in the afternoon. The ride dropped us off at the parking lot, and from there, we took a scenic walk along a cobblestone path that opened up to the vast beauty of Garrapatero Beach. Right at the start, we were welcomed by towering 20-foot cacti, and as we made our way closer to the shore, we passed through diverse vegetation, including mangroves and even poison apple trees.
The marine life was just as rich as the surrounding plant life. Snorkeling along the beach was incredible—we encountered reef and pelagic fish, sea turtles, rays, and the colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs.
For bird lovers, Garrapatero offers a wonderful range of bird species, including blue-footed boobies, flamingos, frigate birds, and pelicans. Flamingos are a rare sight, but there’s a chance to see them in a small lagoon just a short walk from the beach.
With its well-protected, crescent-shaped bay, Garrapatero is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also the only beach on Santa Cruz Island where camping is allowed, provided you have a permit, making it a unique spot for those seeking a more immersive experience.
Travel Tips When Visiting Garrapatero Beach
- Garrapatero Beach offers a stunning natural escape with very minimal tourist facilities. Since there are no cafés or shops, we made sure to pack plenty of food and water for the day. There are also no amenities like lounge chairs or umbrellas, so we brought our own beach towels and a portable umbrella for shade. And as always, we were mindful to carry all our litter back to Puerto Ayora to keep this beautiful spot pristine.
- To avoid any last-minute stress, it’s important to plan your return in advance. Our taxi driver was happy to pick us up at a set time, which is typical—just remember to pay for the return trip only when you’re safely back in Puerto Ayora.
- For those interested in snorkeling, equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) can easily be rented from agencies in Puerto Ayora. We also recommend a wetsuit if you’re visiting during the cooler months (June to December) and plan to spend a lot of time in the water.
- Garrapatero Beach is especially peaceful on weekdays, often deserted, so that’s the best time to visit. However, it can get busier with locals on weekends. The beach is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and we found that arriving early was ideal since the lack of shade makes it quite hot by late morning.
- For those looking to extend their stay, there’s a public grilling area—just bring your own food and charcoal. Camping is also allowed with a permit from the Galapagos National Park, adding a unique opportunity for an overnight adventure.
- Even on cloudy days, the sun is strong, so we made sure to apply sunscreen regularly and bring a hat and sunglasses to protect ourselves. Garrapatero is one of those beaches where preparation goes a long way to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Bottom Line
Garrapatero Beach makes for an excellent day trip from Puerto Ayora, and it’s both easy and affordable to do on your own. No need for reservations, tour guides, or elaborate planning—just set aside some free time during your busy Galapagos itinerary. We loved how straightforward it was to reach, giving us a refreshing break from the more structured excursions.
El Garrapatero is truly a serene spot where you can unwind, connect with nature, and experience the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos up close. It’s an affordable, enjoyable day out that the whole family can appreciate. For us, it was the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery—a peaceful retreat with the beauty of the Galapagos all around.
