1) Las Grietas Swimming Grotto!

 When your water taxi drops you off at the dock across the bay, follow signs towards “Las Grietas.”  You’ll pass a beach on the left, after which you’ll cross a long, wooden boardwalk with pretty views on both sides.

You’ll cross this wooden bridge on your way out to Las Grietas.

GWTW Tip: Instead of heading straight for Las Grietas – just before you get to the stairs leading down to the grotto, take a detour to the left.  You’ll find yourself walking along the entire length of Las Grietas, & you can look down into the grotto from various lookouts, culminating in a spot at the end of the path that gives you a huge view of the entire island.

If you take the “detour” at Las Grietas (turn left at the steps leading down to the Grotto), you’ll eventually come to this stunning view of Isla Santa Cruz.

To get to the “Grotto,” simply head down a set of wooden stairs (shown below).  You’ll likely hear sounds of laughter, splashes, & if it’s a warm day, you’ll encounter plenty of people coming up & down.  This is a popular spot ~ even for locals!

Head down the steps, into the “Grotto.”

Bring your swim suit, a towel, snorkel gear, & a waterproof camera.  When you venture into the water, leave your belongings on the rocks nearby (you should be able to view them the whole time, in case you’re worried about safety).  Budget approximately 3 hours minimum for a venture out to Las Grietas from Puerto Ayora ~ & more time if you take the detour.

Enter the water from the wooden dock that you see behind us in this photo, & simply leave your towel & clothing on the rocks nearby.

2) El Chato Tortoise Reserve in Puerto Ayora

Next up: hail a taxi for a ride to El Chato Tortoise Reserve, about 15-minutes from Puerto Ayora.  The island changes the further you get from town: it will start to look more tropical & green, with lush foliage & broader vistas (you’ll climb in altitude a bit).  When you get to the Reserve, grab a delicious cup of coffee at their main visitor’s center, take a photo between the tortoise shells on display, then head out for a tour of the grounds.

Wandering the grounds of El Chato Tortoise Reserve at our own pace (you can choose to go by yourself, or with a guide).

In the Reserve, you’re able to witness tortoises in their natural habitat.  It’s very peaceful, with gentle, meandering paths to amble along.  It’s different than the Charles Darwin Research Station (also on Isla Santa Cruz) in that you can walk right up next to the turtles, out in the wild.  At Charles Darwin, they’re inside enclosures ~ & you obviously can’t enter them.  The Reserve is a more interactive experience.  Wander on your own, or tour with a guide for greater explanation.  Budget at least 2-3 hours for El Chato, including the drive there.  And leave time for the volcanic craters nearby…

El Chato is a very peaceful place, filled with all kinds of lush (green) photo ops.

Best Things to Do in Puerto Ayora!

After enjoying your time at El Chato, have your driver make a quick stop up the street ~ so that you can check out one or both of two, huge craters remaining from the island’s volcanic activity.  Views are great, & it’s worth a stop before heading back to town.  If you have more time, stay awhile & hike around the craters.  Adicho & I literally encountered NO other tourists here, making this a slightly more off-the-beaten-path Puerto Ayora adventure.

If you’re visiting El Chato, stop by one of two MASSIVE volcanic craters, located near the Reserve!