We had 2 different visits to Santa Cruz.

First trip

February 23
After leaving San Cristobal, we arrived in Santa Cruz at 7am. Breakfast. Todd did some boat chores while the rest of us napped. Around 3pm, we left the boat, stopped at Insular mini-market to get some sandwiches. Walked over to Tortuga Bay. Started raining during the walk which took about 40 minutes. Paved walkway with ups and downs. The first beach we arrive to is nice - white sand but the waves are crashing and not swimmable. We were told to walk another 15 minutes so we arrived at Playa Mansa at 4:15pm and swam some. No turtles in the water but we saw lots of iguanas in the beach. Walked back to town and got dinner at a restaurant on Kiosko Street. $30 for all 4 dinners with unlimited juice. Got ice cream ($1 soft serve) and some pastries then back to boat.

February 23 Photos

February 24
Early water taxi pickup, 5:45am, for our 6am pickup at Tortuga Monument. About 10 minute walk then we got picked up at 6:15pm then after several more hotel pickups, we went to the ferry dropoff by Baltra airport. Took 2.25 hours to get to Bartolome Island. Hiked up the viewpoint - beautiful - of Pinnacle Rock. After 1 hour, back to the boat then to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Snorkeled and saw many fish, including penguins. Spent an hour snorkeling. Terrible life jacket for me! Back to the boat and had lunch - rice, tuna, veggies with drinks. 2.25 hours ride back then bus. Arrived back in town around 5:30pm. Walked around and shopped some. John's last dinner with us and we were back at Kiosko.

Second trip

March 1
Arrived Santa Cruz at 7:30am and anchored and same spot as before, front row. Relaxed. Todd and I walked to town and stopped at fresh market to scope things for Marquesas provisioning. Stopped at a mini market and bought the dry goods. Back to the boat. Todd worked on sail sewing. Around 4pm, we went to The Rock (World ARC's "office" in Santa Cruz and where daily happy hours are held). Talked to Debra of Entre Nous and her new crew, Kurt and Kirsten. More WARC people arrived. Clark showed up around 6:30pm. Had dinner there. After, walked around and stopped at a bookstore then for ice cream then back to the boat.

March 2
Fuel delivery at 8:30am. Washed mattress pad and made up aft beds. Made it to 9am mass. From there, went to The Rock to turn in jerry cans for gasoline and propane tank. Dropped off laundry for 10am pickup tomorrow. Got a whatsapp text regarding the boat almost hitting the rocks. Called Clark; Misfit crew came over to help him pull up some chain and move some. Back to the boat by 11 and everything was okay. Thanks to Misfit! Todd and Clark got in the water to check the rudder then spent 2 hours cleaning the hulls. Made breakfast frittata. Todd worked on sail sewing. Clark and I worked out some. Made some pizza crust, prebaked, and froze. Around 5:30pm, we left the boat to meet the group for lava cave dinner at Royal Palm Galapagos. Took bus – 25 of us. Cave walk was wet! Dinner was 5 courses with wine. Took bus back to town. Got ice cream with LTD, listened to some live music and people watching (there's Carnival/Beer Fest going on for 3 nights in the town square), bought empanadas then back to boat by 11pm.

March 3
Todd went for run; I worked out. More sail sewing. Clark and I went the Las Grietas for some snorkeling. Las Grietas Galapagos is the best swimming hole on Santa Cruz island, close to Puerto Ayora town. Three crystal clear pools lie in a picturesque setting, sandwiched in a crevasse between high volcanic walls. Locals and tourists alike flock here to cool off while enjoying the spectacular views. Back to the boat by 1pm.

Guys went to skippers briefing at 3pm while I went for mani/pedi/haircut. Clark met me there for his haircut. All services cost $70! Met Todd at Bahia Mar for prizegiving after picking up laundry. Talked to some rallyers. We won 1st place for fastest boat (least engine hours) in the multihull class – got a Galapagos apron. After there, went to La Pescaderia for dinner – sushi and poke bowl. From there, walked over to get ice cream then back to boat.

March 4
Todd finished sewing so main went up. Everything back in order. Went to shore to do some provisioning – went to fruit market and Todd also went to the fishing store for more lures. We all had many bags. Also got more empanadas and baked goods. Back to the boat and it took almost 2 hours to put everything away. Started raining in the afternoon. Around 5:30pm, we went to shore for final happy hour at The Rock. Clark and I shopped some and also picked up the laundry. Met Todd at The Rock and stayed there until 7:30pm. Went for Chinese food for dinner. Also stopped at Proinsular Market for a few more items. Back to the boat by 9:30pm.

March 5
Up early to make sure to see garbage boat – done by 7:40am. Agent and authorities arrived at 8:15am for clearance. Done in 20 minutes. Gave Alvaro an Alegria hat. After they left, went to shore to buy final provisioning items. Stop at fruit market for green pineapples, more onions. Also stopped at mini market for more bacon, hotdogs, bread, cheese, etc. Stopped for more empanadas then back to the boat by 11am. Got everything put away then at 12:15pm, picked up the anchor then went outside the harbor. 1pm sharp was start time for the rally to Marquesas.

Santa Cruz Photos