Las Grietas
A narrow natural swimming pool between two basalt cliffs, where fresh and sea water meet. The water is clear to the bottom, making it a hidden snorkeling spot near Puerto Ayora.
Las Grietas means 'the cracks.' It is a narrow channel formed by fractures in volcanic rock, more than 10 meters deep and several hundred meters long. Cliffs on either side rise more than ten meters, and the water at the bottom, a mix of seeping sea water and rainwater, is clear and blue-green. Parrotfish and other fish can be seen. Getting there: take a water taxi from the Puerto Ayora pier (about USD 1) across to the Angermeyer Point / Punta Estrada pier. From there, walk along the trail for about 15 to 20 minutes past the Finch Bay hotel. Along the way, you pass salt flats, a cactus forest and a viewpoint. Entry is free. Opening hours are roughly 07:00 to 17:00. Lifeguards are on site. Swimming must take place in the designated area, and jumping from the cliffs is prohibited. Bring a snorkel mask. Light is best around midday. The water is cool and the rocks are slippery, so wear non-slip canyoneering shoes. Locals crowd in on weekends, so weekday mornings are quieter.
Opening hours
Approx. 7:00 am–5:00 pm, free admission
Nearby sights
- Laguna de las Ninfas
- Puerto Ayora Fish Market & Av. Charles Darwin
- Charles Darwin Research Station
- Tortuga Bay
- El Garrapatero Beach
- Cerro Crocker
- Los Gemelos
- El Chato Tortoise Reserve