Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Viewpoint · Puerto Ayora, Galápagos
Las Grietas
Volcanic fissure between lava cliffs near Puerto Ayora, filled with brackish, crystal-clear water, where people swim and snorkel among the rocks with colorful fish.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Las Grietas
Las Grietas is on the other side of Academia Bay, southwest of Puerto Ayora. It is a narrow fissure opened in volcanic rock, with lava cliffs about ten meters on each side, where seawater mixes with freshwater seeping through the rock. The result is brackish, cold and very clear water, with a blue-green color.
To get there, you cross the bay by water taxi from Puerto Ayora's pier and walk a trail of about 20 minutes, passing Finch Bay beach and a salt flat with occasional flamingos and cacti. The trail ends at a wooden platform with a ladder to enter the water.
In the fissure people swim and snorkel, seeing fish like parrotfish, and sometimes the rocky bottom at several meters depth. The water is cold and deep, and jumping from the rocks is not allowed.
Las Grietas may require prior reservation and has visiting hours; check the rules before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1h30 to 2 hours, including the boat, the hike and the swim.
Best time
In the morning, before the main movement, with light entering the fissure around midday. Confirm the time and your reservation before going.
How to get there
Take the water taxi from the Puerto Ayora pier to the Angermeyer pier on the other side of the bay — a few minutes; from there, a roughly 20-minute walk to the fissure.
Tip
Bring a snorkel mask and water shoes for the rocks. On the return, stop at Finch Bay for a swim.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Las Grietas
How do you get to Las Grietas?
By water taxi from the Puerto Ayora pier to Angermeyer and then on foot, about 20 minutes.
Is the water at Las Grietas cold?
Yes — it is brackish, cold and clear, a mix of sea and fresh water.
Is a reservation required?
Las Grietas may require advance reservation. Check the rules before going.