The hub of most activity in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora is a charming port town where sea, sun, seabirds and sailboats coexist in happy equilibrium. On the town's outskirts, you will also find the headquarters to the world-renown Charles Darwin Research Station.lthough it is the Galapaganean town most frequented by visitors, the majority of travelers just pass through on their way to see Lonesome George (a 150-year old tortoise; the last of his species) at the Darwin Station.

However, those that linger a moment longer, discover that Puerto Ayora has more than geriatric reptiles. In fact, Puerto Ayora is a lively seaside town offering international cuisine, oceanfront hotels, outdoor bars, scuba diving schools and an avenue of boutiques with everything from tie-dyed sarongs to Panama hats.

Our Hotel Pelican Bay Spa, is located in this Island.

Features

Landings

Wet, Dry, by panga

Wildlife

•Giant Tortoises
•Vermillion Flycatcher

Plantlife & Geology

•Pampa (fernsedge zone)
•Scalesia trees
•Miconia
•Volcanic cones

PUERTO AYORA (Academy Bay)

Landing: Dry
Note: Bring money for souvenirs, etc.
Home of the Charles clarwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park headquarters. You'll learn first hand of the conservation and research efforts in the islands. See the tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs which are saving several races of tortoises from extinction. Tour the Van Straelen Exhibit Hall. For most, this likely will be your only opportunity to see the giant tortoises. Stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population 8,000) to buy souvenirs. Tourism, boot repair, fishing and agriculture are the major trades.

For passengers on longer cruises, you may have an opportunity to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz. The scenery continually changes as we ascend through different vegetation zones. Visit a pair of large pit craters called "Los Gemelos" (Spanish for "twins") and the largest lava tunnels found in Galapagos.

Our Hotel Pelican Bay Spa, is located in this Island.