Isabela to Santa Cruz Ferry
The Isabela to Santa Cruz ferry in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador leaves the passenger pier at Puerto Villamil (Isabela) and reaches Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) in about 2 h. There is one departure a day, at 06:00. It is run by Gladel.
from $23Santa CruzYour destination: Puerto AyoraPhoto: Diego Delso · CC BY-SATimetable
| Date | Check in | Departs | Arrives | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 24-09-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 25-09-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 26-09-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 27-09-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 28-09-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 29-09-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 30-09-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 01-10-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 02-10-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 03-10-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 04-10-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 05-10-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 06-10-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
| Morning | 07-10-2026 | 05:00 | 06:00 Gladel | ≈ 08:00 | $23 |
Boarding day
Price
That is the final ticket price: inter-island sea transport is exempt from IVA and the price already covers card processing, so nothing extra is added at payment. The water taxi out to the boat is paid separately, in cash, as you board.
Duration and sea conditions
The crossing takes about 2 h in open water. Seas are usually rougher between June and September, and rougher in the afternoon than the morning. If you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet an hour before departure and sit toward the stern, near the centre line.
Where it leaves from and arrives
Puerto Villamil
Isabela, Galápagos, Ecuador
Puerto Ayora
Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador
The boats anchor in the bay rather than at the pier, so a water taxi takes you out to the vessel. Before boarding, the Ministry of Environment inspects luggage: do not move fruit, seeds or plants between islands.
Vessels on this route
You choose the vessel when you book; the name is on your voucher.
- Gladel
Common questions
How long is the Isabela to Santa Cruz ferry?
The crossing from Puerto Villamil to Puerto Ayora takes about 2 h. Seas are usually rougher between June and September, and rougher in the afternoon than the morning.
What time does the Isabela to Santa Cruz ferry leave?
Departures are at 06:00. Times are set by each vessel and can change; the table on this page reflects the live schedule.
How much does the Isabela to Santa Cruz ferry cost?
From $23 per adult. Inter-island sea transport is exempt from IVA, so that is the final ticket price; the water taxi out to the boat is paid separately, in cash.
How far ahead should I book?
The earlier the better in high season (June to September, and December to January). The boats are small and a single departure fills quickly; this page shows how many seats are genuinely left.
How do I get my ticket?
By email, as soon as your payment is approved. You receive a PDF voucher to show with your ID at the pier. There is no waiting for confirmation.
What happens if I am late?
The vessel does not wait. If you arrive late or miss the departure there is no refund, so be at the pier by the check-in time shown on your voucher.