Visitors arriving to the Galapagos Islands will most likely fly into the
Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport, located in the island of Baltra, just off Santa Cruz. Even though it is an inhabited area, aside from the airport, it serves as the main gateway to the archipelago and also as an embarkation point for many of the Galapagos ships and cruises. Here are some interesting facts about this small, but important island.
- Baltra Island, also known as South Seymour Island, is a small, flat island located near the center of the Galapagos archipelago.
- Despite being relatively barren and uninhabited, Baltra is an important hub for tourism and scientific research in the Galapagos.
- Visitors to Baltra Island typically arrive at its airport, which was built by the United States military during World War II and now serves as the main gateway to the Galapagos.
- The proximity of Baltra to the island of Santa Cruz, just one short ferry and bus ride away, allows visitors to explore its most relevant sites, such as the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to a wide variety of Galapagos wildlife, including giant tortoises, iguanas, and various bird species.
- Explore the town of Puerto Ayora, Tortuga Beach, and Bachas Beach in Santa Cruz.