Short answer: Las Grietas is a swimming hole in a lava crevice across the bay from Puerto Ayora. You cannot just turn up: the park admits visitors through the bay tour or in organised groups that reserve ahead, with a cap on numbers. A half-day bay tour that includes Las Grietas takes about 4 hours and starts from about $100 per person.
- IslandSanta Cruz, across Academy Bay from Puerto Ayora
- AccessBay tour or organised group, reserved ahead
- Capacity32 people (park guideline, 2020)
- Visits in 2025131,793
What you will see
The draw is the water: a lava crevice where fresh water sits at the surface over the salt water of the sea, two distinct layers. The trail there passes lagoons, a beach and houses before it reaches the cliffs of the main crevice. Take care climbing down.
Galápagos sea lion
Seen on the bay tour that includes Las Grietas.
Whitetip reef shark
Seen on the bay tour that includes Las Grietas.
How to get there and what it costs
The route starts with a water taxi from the municipal pier in Puerto Ayora across to the Finch Bay hotel pier. From there a trail passes lagoons, a beach and the residential area to the crevice.
Access is managed: the park guideline lets visitors in through the bay tour or as organised groups that coordinate in advance, with a capacity of 32 people. Reports on the 2026 visit rules add advance reservation for busy sites like Las Grietas, so book through an agency in town.
Tours that go to Las Grietas start from about $100 per person (1 listing compared below). The national park entrance fee is paid once, on arrival in the islands: entrance fee and entry rules.
Best time to visit Las Grietas
Las Grietas is the same in every month. It is busy: 131,793 visits in 2025, the third most visited site near the towns of Santa Cruz.
Weather, sea temperature and wildlife for every month: month-by-month guide.
Tours that go to Las Grietas
Half-Day Bay Tour with Snorkeling and Las Grietas
Prices and ratings as listed in November 2026; the price at checkout is what counts. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
Compare every day trip on all islands: day-tour finder.
See Las Grietas on the 3D map →
Nearby: more visitor sites from Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz island guide · All visitor sites · Itinerary planner · Ferry board
Questions about Las Grietas
Can you visit Las Grietas without a tour?
Not on your own. The park admits visitors through the bay tour or organised groups that reserve in advance, with a capacity of 32 people at the site.
How do you get to Las Grietas?
Take a water taxi from the municipal pier in Puerto Ayora to the Finch Bay hotel pier, then walk the trail past lagoons and a beach to the crevice. Bay tours include the transport.
Is the water at Las Grietas fresh or salt?
Both. Fresh water lies at the surface and the salt water of the sea sits below it.
Sources:Galápagos National Park and Governing Council, Galápagos Conservancy. More numbers:facts and figures.
Updated 2026-11-07. Fees, boat times and prices change, so confirm with the operator before you travel.