Located in the middle of Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are best known for their diverse endemic species, found nowhere else in the world. The Archipelago is made up from a chain of 127 volcanic islands, islets and rocks, of which only 4 main islands are inhabited by people: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. Although Isabela is bigger then all the other islands combined, due to its central position, Santa Cruz is the starting point for most excursions and cruises in the Archipelago.

As visits to most of the islands are not allowed without a naturalist guide licensed with the Galapagos National Park, the most popular budget-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz include: • Charles Darwin Research Station • El Chato Reserve • Tortuga Bay • Las Ninfas Lagoon • El Garrapatero • Las Grietas Lagoon • Playa de la Estacion.