Overview

Ballena, or Whale Bay, located on the west side of Santa Cruz Island, is a quiet and open visitor site, where you can explore freely the wonders it offers. Its names derives from the fact that it was believed to have been a popular stop for whaling ships. One of the highlights of this bay is the beach with its green sand, color given by the large percentage of olivine crystals. It's also a great spot for snorkeling. You can spot sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and even Galapagos hawks here.

Difficulty: Hard

Disembarkation: Wet Landing

Interactions: Hiking ,Beachcombing

Highlights at Ballena, or Whale Bay

• Birdwatching
• Green-colored Beach

Animals:

Blue-Footed Booby, Brown Pelican, Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Frigatebirds, Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Lava Lizard, Galapagos Marine Iguana, Galapagos Mockingbird, Galapagos Sea Lion