Santa Cruz in the Galapagos is found in the Central Islands. Founded in 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the Galapagos Islands and the animals and plants that live there. It also is a focal point for scientific research, housing the Charles Darwin Research Station, where a variety of Galapagos land animals are studied, including the Galapagos giant tortoise. It boasts extreme scenery, beautiful snorkeling beaches, excellent hiking trails, diverse and charismatic wildlife, and welcoming visitors centers. We have reviews of the best places to see in Santa Cruz. For most people, a visit to the Galapagos Islands is all about the animals. Santa Cruz has the longest paved road in the Galapagos, running north-south across the island to take people from the airport ferry which … About Santa Cruz. Floreana Island (Charles or Santa María), Galapagos Floreana was the first inhabited island and has an exciting human history. Pit craters, Scalesia Forest, cacti and ferns are found in its vegetation zones. There are small settlements across the island, but many people live in Puerto Ayora, the main town. It is the most populated island, with an estimated 15,000 residents. … In the Galapagos, it’s an animal-lover’s dream come true. Galapagos, Santa Cruz Island, Cost of Living, Things to Do, Free Walking Tours, Cheap Accommodations, Restaurants, Nightlife, and Livability Factors. About Isabela Island. Photo by Benjamint444, GFDL 1.2 Galapagos Flycatcher ... and Santa Cruz. The island of Santa Cruz is the most populated tourist destination and one of the most popular in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Santa Cruz. The island is comprised of a younger part formed by volcanic cones and lava and an older narrow strip of land formed by uplifted lava flows and tuffs. It has the largest local population of the islands, and easy access nearby to the larger of two major airports – Baltra. Santa Cruz is known for its relaxing beaches and exuberant vegetation. Santa Cruz Island of the Galápagos is a starting point for many who visit the islands. Here you’ll find giant tortoises, beautiful hikes, beaches as far as the eye can see, the Charles Darwin Research Center, pit craters, and World War II remnants; it’s an island that truly has it all. It is the only island in Galapagos where tourists can easily experience the interior highlands of a Galapagos island. Santa Cruz is the most populous of the islands and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Galapagos. Home to the largest town in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora, the Island has a large variety of vegetation. READ MORE: Genovesa Island, Galapagos. Charles Darwin Research Station - Santa Cruz Island. Located right in the center of the archipelago, next to Baltra Island. Isabela Island in Galapagos offers all of these activities. Santa Cruz Island (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈsanta ˈkɾus]) is one of the Galápagos Islands with an area of 986 km 2 (381 sq mi) and a maximum altitude of 864 metres (2,835 ft).