Playa de los Alemanes
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Despite what its name suggests—alemanes means Germans in Spanish—you won’t find any currywurst or lederhosen on this pristine stretch of sand. Playa de los Alemanes serves up Galapagos’ signature white sand, turquoise waters, and a wealth of marine life. Plus, the cove-like shape of the beach means its waters are generally much calmer than other Santa Cruz beaches.
The basics
Thanks to its shallow and tranquil waters, Playa de los Alemanes is the perfect place to go snorkeling—you’re likely to spot black-tip reef sharks, rays, colorful fish, and even sea turtles. On the sand, jet-black marine iguanas will inevitably be soaking up the sun. Some kayaking tours stop at the beach after exploring the sea caves of Franklin Bay, while others combine it with Las Grietas, a crystal-clear swimming hole sandwiched between a volcanic crevasse.
Things to know before you go
The 3-star Finch Bay Hotel is the only accommodation option on the beach. It’s home to a high-end restaurant serving Ecuadorian and international cuisine.
There are no stores or loungers on the beach, so you’ll need to bring everything you need for the day.
There’s a boardwalk behind the beach that makes access for wheelchairs and strollers more easy.
How to get there
Playa de los Alemanes is in the south of Santa Cruz, the second largest of the Galapagos islands. It’s just a 10-minute boat ride from Puerto Ayora jetty (you can take a water taxi or visit on a tour), where boats to and from Isla Isabella and San Cristobal depart in the morning and afternoon.
When to get there
If you want to swim and snorkel, arriving at Playa de los Alemanes for high tide, which is generally early in the morning, is best. The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May, as you’ll have the highest chance of good weather and the calmest seas for sailing between islands.
The best beaches on Santa Cruz
Playa de los Alemanes isn’t the only beautiful beach on Santa Cruz. Other stunning stretches of sand include Playa Tortuga, which has black lava formations and is a surfing hot spot, and Playa Peninsula, where you can admire marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies.
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