Galápagos Land-Based Tours

Las Grietas

Las Grietas is a narrow, water-filled volcanic fissure near Puerto Ayora. The journey across the bay and through the dry coastal landscape is an important part of the experience.

Reaching Las Grietas

The visit begins with a short water-taxi crossing from Puerto Ayora. From the landing point, the trail passes Playa de los Alemanes, saltwater lagoons, dry-zone vegetation and rocky volcanic terrain before reaching Las Grietas.

At a glance

Difficulty:
Moderate — uneven volcanic terrain and rocky water access.

Cost: $ — approximately US$10 to join a guided group; water taxis cost extra.

Typical duration: Approximately 2–3 hours or half a day when combined with nearby sites.

Main highlight: Swimming within a narrow, water-filled volcanic fissure.

Best time of year: Year-round.

Best time of day: Earlier visits may avoid the busiest periods.

Access and transport: Short water-taxi crossing followed by a walk through dry coastal terrain.

Vessel: Water taxi for the harbour crossing.

National Park arrangements: Must be visited with an authorised guide.

Is a guide required? Yes — a guide can be arranged and paid for at the entrance, where visitors are gathered into small groups.

Food: Not available at the site.

A flooded volcanic fissure

Las Grietas was formed by fractures in the volcanic rock. Steep lava walls rise on either side of the water, creating one of the most distinctive geological settings close to Puerto Ayora.

Water enters through the porous rock and underground connections, producing a mixture of seawater and fresher groundwater. The site is valued principally for its geology, scenery and swimming rather than for abundant wildlife.

Swimming

Swimming takes place in the first accessible section of the fissure. The water is usually cool, while visibility can vary. Entry is rocky and the surrounding terrain is uneven, so suitable footwear is recommended. Las Grietas can also become busy at popular times of day.

Guiding and visitor arrangements

Visitors to Las Grietas must follow the applicable Galápagos National Park rules, including visiting with an authorised guide. The guide manages access to the swimming area, including where visitors may swim and how long they can remain.

Independent visitors can join a guided group at the entrance for approximately US$10 per person. This may involve waiting until enough visitors have arrived to form a group.

Travellers who already have a private guide can walk directly to Las Grietas with them, avoiding the need to wait for an on-site group. This is the arrangement included when Las Grietas forms part of a fully guided itinerary.

Combining the visit

Las Grietas works well as a half-day excursion and can be combined with Playa de los Alemanes, the coastal trail and time in Puerto Ayora.

Visitors swimming between the volcanic walls of Las Grietas. — Swimming at Las Grietas

The walking trail through the arid landscape towards Las Grietas. — Swimming at Las Grietas

Interested in visiting Las Grietas?

Tell us your approximate travel dates, group size and interests. We’ll help you fit this experience into a sensible Galápagos itinerary.

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