Santa Cruz: Striped marlin & more

Santa Cruz is the main doorway to enter the Galapagos through it’s adjacent small island Baltra where the airport is.  More daily flights to Baltra/Santa Cruz make it the preferred island to fly into.  This was the island where Ecuagringo first made history back in 1998 while testing the waters.  The waters between Puerto Ayora and 0-30 Bank at times hold more striped marlin than anywhere in the Galapagos.

The island sits more centered in the archipelago making it an ideal starting point if you are looking to explore and tour more sites. Santa Cruz offers closer access to more reefs and mounds for wahoo, tuna and bottom fishing.

If you are looking for the most diversity while fishing the Galapagos then this is the island for you.  More hotels, restaurants and nightlife than anywhere else in the Galapagos.  For anglers looking to combine striped marlin and then fishing Isabela Island for giant blue marlin Santa Cruz is the place to go.

Fish For Striped Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo & Bottom Fishing

Santa Cruz has an incredible striped marlin fishery but less mounds and areas to fish for striped marlin than San Cristobal Island. However, it more than makes up for it with some very good wahoo and tuna fishing around MacGowen Reef, Hancock Bank and Santa Fe.  The amount of bottom structure also provides a variety of reef fish, grouper, jacks, snapper and more to keep the rod bending fun for the whole family.

Fishing Seasons

Striped marlin are generally found year round out of Santa Cruz Island.  However calmest seas are mid December to mid June most years.  As long as sardines are on the banks so will the striped marlin be around. Wahoo and tuna migrate through the Galapagos year round so it is more a question of luck to connect with these smaller gamefish.  Bottom fishing is available all year as well.

Touring & Exploring

Santa Cruz offers more variety of tours perhaps than any island.  You can spend more days doing different tours on Santa Cruz or taking a boat to access smaller islands and islets that provide great snorkeling.  As a more central island it makes it closer to get to many of the great dive and snorkeling sites.

Combining Santa Cruz Island & Isabela Island (Striped Marlin & Giant Blue Marlin)

If you would like combine the world’s hottest striped marlin bite with shots at the biggest blue marlin to swim the Pacific then a combo fishing trip yo Santa Cruz and Isabela islands is a must.  Just 45 miles separates the two island and special custom packages will have you fishing each island for as many days as you want.  This is the best way to combine high volume striped marlin with giant blue marlin.

Where To Stay On San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

Ecuagringo offers a property each year that we lease and enhance. Usually either a house or an apartment. After over 20 years of working with local hotels we have made the move to provide what we believe will be more comfortable and personalized service to our guest.

Our anglers spoke and we listened. No expense will be spared to provide the best amenities and comfort possible so that you feel at home while away. A good night’s rest is important and we will make sure you are provided the best accommodations possible.

Some amenities include:

• Breakfast
• Full kitchen so you can prepare or have meals prepared
• Open liquor bar with local varieties such as rum
• Air conditioning in each room
• Queen size beds
• Daily housekeeping
• Living room or center room to have a drink and tell fish tales
• Entertainment center such as darts & foosball