Playa El Garrapatero — Attraction in Parroquia Bella Vista

Feeling restless on my last day in Puerto Ayora, I walked and walked from Mainao Hotel to Tortuga Bay Beach, enjoying the outdoor beauty. A white Pickup Truck/Taxi caught my attention on my way back to Charles Darwin Avenue. I inquired about the taxi fee to the airport for the following morning. We agreed on the fee $25.00, then he offered to drive me to Playa El Garrapatero, wait for me and return me to Mainao for $50.00. I explained that I did not have the $50.00 with me. He took a chance on me, while he drove we amicably communicated. Playa El Garrapatero is peaceful; it has a camping area, kayaks for rent and a pond where flamingos gather. Once, the driver returned me to the Mainao Hotel, he waited for me to return with his earned $ 50.00. The following morning, he drove me to the airport ( Santa Cruz Ferry Terminal...

Fantastic beach in Eastern Santa Cruz, Galápagos.

We arrived there by taxi, normally 40 USD for a two way trip but able to get a better price after negotiation. Remember to pay after the return trip just to make sure you are picked up at the agreed time (it can be difficult to find a one way taxi from the beach in the evening).

Idilic spot with plenty of sun and warm, turquoise sea water. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen! We were lucky and found one of the few shades under a manzanillo tree.

Horse flies might be a problem, particularly if you get closer to the mangles. We were told to bring mosquitoes repelent but fortunately they...

Went in the afternoon. Too much surf made water very cloudy. Open beach, no fish results in poor snorkeling and the Horse Flies are many and painful. They bite through your shirt while snorkeling. Only redeeming point is that there is a shallow lagoon away from the beach where we did see four flamingos. The Park ranger noted that the water is calmer in the morning. There is camping allowed on the beach and a...