Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos

Port Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island stands apart from other Galápagos cruise ports not just for how you reach its emerald shores, but for the immersive mood it creates the moment your vessel glides past lava rock and mangrove-lined coves. This is a gateway to intimate encounters with Ecuador’s protected archipelago, offering signature experiences that begin the moment you step ashore: a guided ascent to Dragon Hill’s coastal viewpoint to spot flamingos and tide-pool life, followed by a hike to Tortuga Bay for snorkeling with sea turtles, then a zodiac excursion to nearby lava tubes and hidden coves brimming with sea lions, penguins, and rays. The port’s itineraries connect seamlessly with Santa Cruz’s standout destinations—the Charles Darwin Research Station, the bustling waterfront market in Puerto Ayora, and easy day trips to islets where you can observe lava formations and endemic species in their natural habitat. Fleet features at Dragon Hill emphasize sustainability and comfort: purpose-built expedition yachts and small-ship catamarans with stable hulls and shallow drafts for close-to-shore landings, plus on-board naturalists who tailor excursions to your pace; and onboard services that blend gourmet Galápagos cuisine, bilingual guides, interactive science talks, and wellness amenities, all designed to minimize environmental impact while elevating discovery.