Charles Darwin Research Station, Puerto Ayora

A definite must see if you are on Santa Cruz. Very educational and interesting. So many turtles to see. An air conditioned education center and gift store with lots of picture opportunities. Lots of trails with education stops and turtles. Definitely recommend.

A good place to learn lots about the islands and the amazing wildlife. $10 PP entry as you cannot enter without a guide. Of course the tortoises are amazing. A great cause and worth the small entry fee. The tour was around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Walking distance from center of Puerto Ayora. Interesting to learn the story of Lonesome George. Mostly exhibits. I was hoping to see more live things such as turtle hatching. But overall okay experience.

Only 3/5 since the actual research station is pretty closed off for the general public. You can just see the small museum, one outdoor exhibit, a couple beaches (but Tortuga Bay was much better), and walk around outside. It is annoying to see so many “employees only” signs on buildings with interesting names. If you do go the other route and pay the $10 to visit the national park, then your experience will be much better as you will have a knowledgeable guide who will also show you the tortoise centre. Even though the tortoise centre is technically part of the research station and the research station is free, the tortoise centre isn’t free. You also get to see the taxidermied Lonesome George (last Pinta Island tortoise that died 10 years ago). I would recommend just paying the $10 to view the tortoises and learn about Charles Darwin and present conversational efforts.

Check out the tortoises. Definitely a must see. We had the luck of having a very knowledgeable guide. It’s $10 a person, children half the price, but definitely worth it.