Laguna de las Ninfas in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos: Our Experience
Quick Facts About Laguna De Las Ninfas
| Where | Right at the edge of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, a short walk from town |
|---|---|
| What it is | A saltwater lagoon with a boardwalk through mangroves, with a species label on each tree |
| Entry | No entrance fee reported |
| The walk | Short; part of the boardwalk is damaged, so you return the way you came |
| Wildlife | Not much: a few large fish and some birds, with frigatebirds overhead |
Our Take On Laguna De Las Ninfas
We strolled along the winding walkway that hugs the lagoon, surrounded by mangrove trees with labels for each species. The boardwalk used to loop around the entire lagoon, but part of it is now damaged, so we turned back the way we came. Laguna de las Ninfas was a highlight of our Galapagos experience.
Laguna de las Ninfas, a beautiful saltwater lagoon near Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, was a highlight of our Galapagos experience. The lagoon’s unique mix of salt and freshwater creates a special ecosystem, home to some fascinating species.
We strolled along the winding walkway that hugs the lagoon, surrounded by dense mangrove trees with labels for each species. There are also a few lookout spots along the path where we could pause, scan the clear waters for marine life, or simply relax in the quiet surroundings.
It seems that the boardwalk used to loop around the entire lagoon, but part of it is now damaged, so we had to turn back the way we came.
Walking around the lagoon shouldn’t take more than an hour, and perhaps less, depending on how many times you stop for photographs or a rest.
How Do You Get To Laguna De Las Ninfas From Puerto Ayora?
The lagoon sits right outside Puerto Ayora, so getting there is easy on foot. We walked past the local grocery, following the road up, took the first left onto Moises Brito, then a second left to reach the entrance. It is only a short walk, making it a convenient stop.
Getting to Laguna de las Ninfas was easy since it’s right outside Puerto Ayora. We simply walked past the local grocery, following the road up. From there, we took the first left onto Moises Brito and then a second left to reach the lagoon’s entrance. It was only a short walk, making it a convenient stop to explore.
What Is The Walk Around Laguna De Las Ninfas Like?
The boardwalk winds around the lagoon, alternating between solid ground and stretches over the water. Mangrove trees flank the path, with a species label on each tree, and lookout spots allow pauses to scan the water. Part of the boardwalk is damaged, so visitors return the way they came. Allow an hour or less.
It was a relaxed day for us. With a free morning to unwind, we decided to head to Laguna de las Ninfas in the afternoon, leaving our hostel around 3:00 p.m. Our day backpack was packed with a few snacks, ready for an easy-going outing.
Even though we had an idea of where we were going, we somehow lost track of the street names as we wandered toward the sea. Thankfully, Puerto Ayora is small enough that it’s hard to truly get lost. After rounding a corner onto a slightly busier street, we spotted the entrance to Laguna de las Ninfas right ahead.
As we passed the signboard and stepped onto the boardwalk, our first view of the lagoon was simply breathtaking. The path wound around the lagoon, alternating between solid ground and stretches over the water. Overhead, frigates soared gracefully, riding the afternoon thermals. Across the lagoon, towering rock cliffs rose dramatically, and it wasn’t hard to imagine pirates scaling those heights, cutlasses in hand.
The mangrove trees flanked the boardwalk, their roots gripping the lagoon’s edge, creating a network of hideaways for fish and birds alike.
As we strolled, we noticed small, separated pools near the cliffs, where the water was so crystal clear we could see straight to the bottom. Little fish darted between the rocks, and the stones looked like they’d be perfect for a bit of climbing.
As we ventured further, the lagoon’s water transformed from a brilliant turquoise green to a deep, entrancing blue—a beautiful, natural gradient that held us captivated. By the time we decided to make our way back, it was almost dinner time. We took a slight detour to the Malecon near the docks, soaking in the atmosphere as locals gathered to wind down their day.
Is Laguna De Las Ninfas Worth Visiting In The Galapagos?
It is a relaxing experience and a good stop if a couple of hours are available for a calm stroll. Wildlife is limited: a few large fish and some birds, though bird watchers may find it worthwhile. Personally, I think there are more exciting places in the Galapagos. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
Exploring Laguna de las Ninfas is truly a relaxing experience. We’d definitely recommend stopping by if you have a couple of hours to unwind and take a calming stroll. The lagoon also makes for a peaceful lunch spot, perfect for taking in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Conveniently located between the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay, it’s easy to combine all three locations for a fulfilling day on Santa Cruz Island. However, if your time on the island is limited, you may want to prioritize other activities.
We didn’t spot too much wildlife at Laguna de las Ninfas, though we did catch sight of a few large fish and some interesting bird species. Personally, I think there are more exciting places to visit in the Galapagos. However, if you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, this spot might be worth the visit. Just remember to bring your sunscreen and insect repellent — they’re essential for a comfortable experience here!
Planning trip to Galapagos Islands?
My wife and I spent two weeks on these magnificent islands, visited nearly every possible tour, and explored as much as we could. I shared all the important details in my comprehensive Galapagos Islands Travel Guide, where I cover everything you need to know about planning a trip to the Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands travel might surprise you with extra fees to enter the islands, the complicated logistics between islands, booking tours, and knowing which spots are free to explore and which ones are not. I’ve covered it all in this Galapagos Travel Guide.
Also, if you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos, make sure to use my link for discounted hotel prices via Booking.com. It really helps support my blog!
Questions About Laguna De Las Ninfas
What are some things to do in Puerto Ayora?
Puerto Ayora offers a calm stroll or peaceful lunch at Laguna de las Ninfas, a short walk from town. It sits between the Charles Darwin Research Station, which has free entry, and Tortuga Bay, so all three can be combined in one day on Santa Cruz.
Are there mosquitoes in Galapagos?
Yes, mosquitoes are present on the Galapagos, and the CDC advises insect repellent. There is no malaria on the islands. Insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended for a visit to the lagoon.
