Canal del Amor
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, 200102
If you’re visiting Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands, be sure to add the Canal del Amor, known as the Love Channel, to your must-see list. This natural attraction is a spectacular turquoise channel sandwiched between mountainous rocks. From there, you can explore beautiful La Lobería and Punta Estrada, an ideal location for spotting the area's resident sea iguanas.
The basics
At the Canal del Amor, watch for shorebirds and reef sharks or take a swim; you can also go snorkeling to explore the diverse and plentiful marine life and flora. The best way to plan a tour of the Canal del Amor is to book an inclusive package that visits other sites as well; the natural attraction is typically a feature of most guided-tour itineraries. A multi-day bay and boat tour will offer you the most efficient way to see as much of the majestic Galapagos as you can during your stay.
Things to know before you go
Expect to find other "cracks" (two giant walls of rock traversed by crystalline waters) like the Canal del Amor throughout Santa Cruz.
Canal del Amor is a popular spot for photos.
Look for boat tours with smaller-sized groups, such as 16 to 32 passengers, for the most enjoyable experience while in the Galapagos.
How to get there
If you book a multi-day tour, your guide will typically greet you at the airport in Santa Cruz, and from there you'll travel to your accommodations; transportation to all stops on the itinerary including Canal del Amor is also provided. If you fly into Baltra (a small island north of Santa Cruz), you can take a bus to reach the ferry to Santa Cruz. Once on Santa Cruz, take a bus or taxi to Puerto Ayora, the main tourist hub where tours depart.
When to get there
Overall, you’ll encounter the biggest crowds in June, July, August, December, and January. From June through November, the seas are rougher but it’s a popular time for divers, because colder water attracts more marine life, such as whale sharks. If visiting during peak season, it’s best to book tours a few months in advance to secure a spot.
Santa Cruz Island
This centrally located island in the Galapagos serves as a popular home base for visitors who want to explore the archipelago. The island itself also boasts its own attractions, such as the historic Charles Darwin Research Station and lava tunnels, plus beaches like Tortuga Bay, Punta Estrada, and Las Grietas, where you can snorkel.
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