About Casa Marina
The Best Galápagos Islands Airbnb on Santa Cruz — Casa Marina, Puerto Ayora
Casa Marina is a top-rated Airbnb in the Galápagos Islands, located on Santa Cruz Island in the heart of Puerto Ayora. The entire 1,400 sq ft, 3-bedroom private villa sleeps up to 10 guests — one block from Academy Bay, the main dock, restaurants, and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Hosted by Celso since the early 2000s, with over 132 verified 5-star reviews on Airbnb and VRBO.
The Galápagos Islands' Finest Private Villa
Casa Marina Galápagos is a unique contemporary three-floor townhouse in the heart of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island — the most vibrant and well-connected town in the entire Galápagos archipelago. A spacious, family-friendly home suitable for families, friend groups, researchers, and corporate visitors, it has been welcoming guests from around the world since the early 2000s.
Unlike a Galapagos Islands hotel, Casa Marina offers guests the entire 1,400 sq ft property exclusively — no shared lobbies, no strangers, no rigid meal schedules. A spacious great room with a modern kitchen, large dining table, flat-screen TV, comfortable seating, and two rooftop terraces with panoramic views over Academy Bay make this a home that genuinely earns the name.
Host Celso and his team are always on hand for support — from arranging airport transfers from Baltra to recommending the best day trips, restaurants, and snorkeling spots on the island.
Three Private Bedrooms — Sleeps Up to 10
Casa Marina has three individually styled, air-conditioned bedrooms across its three floors. Every bedroom is soundproofed and beautifully styled.
Red State-Room
The dramatic top-floor master suite. King bed, air conditioning, and sweeping views over Academy Bay and the Galápagos horizon.
White State-Room
A tranquil king bedroom with a calm, coastal palette. Ideal for couples or solo travelers wanting their own peaceful retreat within the larger villa.
Blue State-Room
The largest bedroom in the house — three queen beds make this perfect for families with children or groups of friends. Spacious and beautifully styled.
View individual rooms → galapagoshouserental.com/rooms
Everything a Galápagos Villa Should Have
Casa Marina is fully equipped for a comfortable, self-contained stay — from the kitchen stocked for self-catering to the gym, terraces, and high-speed WiFi that makes remote work genuinely possible.
Full Modern Kitchen
Complete appliances, large dining table for 10, coffee maker. Self-cater with fresh produce from the fish market.
Great Room & TV
Spacious great room with large flat-screen TV — perfect for evenings after a full day exploring.
Two Rooftop Terraces
Panoramic views over Academy Bay. The finest sunset-watching spot in Puerto Ayora.
Air Conditioning
All three bedrooms are fully air-conditioned and soundproofed for deep, peaceful sleep.
Best WiFi in Galápagos
Private dedicated broadband — the strongest internet on Santa Cruz Island.
Private Gym
On-site gym for guests — an extraordinary rarity in any Galápagos accommodation.
Airport Transfers
Private Baltra Airport pickups arranged. Highly recommended for families.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning team visits regularly. Celso's support team is always reachable.
Why Casa Marina Beats Any Galápagos Islands Hotel
Most travelers search "Galápagos Islands hotel" and end up in a small room with thin walls and a buffet breakfast. Casa Marina offers something fundamentally different.
The Entire Home Is Yours
No hotel corridors, no strangers at breakfast. The whole 1,400 sq ft villa belongs exclusively to your group.
Unbeatable Location
One block from the main dock. The Malecon, restaurants, supermarkets, and tour operators are all within a 3-minute walk.
Genuine Value for Groups
A hotel charges per room. Casa Marina is priced per night for the whole house — far better per-person cost for 4–10 people.
Two Decades of Hosting
Celso has been hosting at Casa Marina since the early 2000s — longer than most hotels in Puerto Ayora have existed.
Wildlife Right Outside
Sea lions nap on benches one block away. Marine iguanas bask on the rocks. The Galápagos comes to you.
Book with Confidence
Available on Airbnb and VRBO with full platform protections, secure payments, and verified reviews.
Inside Casa Marina Galápagos
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BlueFull gallery → galapagoshouserental.com/gallery · 35+ photos on Airbnb →
Casa Marina vs. Galápagos Islands Hotels
| Feature | Casa Marina ★ | Galápagos Hotel | Galápagos Cruise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entire private home | ✔ Entire villa | ✘ Shared property | ✘ Shared vessel |
| Sleeps 10 together | ✔ 3 bedrooms | ✘ Multiple rooms needed | ✘ Separate cabins |
| Full kitchen to self-cater | ✔ Fully equipped | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Rooftop ocean terrace | ✔ Two terraces | Rare / varies | ✘ No |
| 1 block from main dock | ✔ 1 block | Varies | ✘ Anchored offshore |
| Private gym | ✔ Included | Rare | ✘ No |
| Best WiFi on Santa Cruz | ✔ Private broadband | Variable | ✘ Very limited |
| Airport transfer arranged | ✔ On request | Varies / extra cost | ✘ N/A |
| Cost per person (group of 8) | ★ Best value | 4× hotel rooms | Most expensive |
| 20+ years verified hosting | ✔ Since early 2000s | Varies | N/A |
What Guests Say About Casa Marina
If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the Galápagos and Casa Marina is available, then you have hit the jackpot! The size, convenience, location, and amenities make it a one-of-a-kind rental.
This place looks fantastic on the pictures, but the pics do not do it justice. The location is perfect — only a short walk from the supermarket and loads of great restaurants. It really does have the wow factor.
Perfect place for a large group! Casa Marina was a clean and comfortable home base for our unforgettable adventures. Centrally located, only blocks from the pier. Highly recommended.
Beautiful place in the most perfect and convenient location!! Top-notch hospitality and communication made our stay even more perfect. I highly recommend!!
Very spacious home centrally located in Puerto Ayora. Very good AC and wonderful rooftop terrace. Celso is a fantastic host — the place was exactly what we'd hoped.
Perfect spot in Santa Cruz! The apartment is centric and close to all the fun attractions. Really great terrace perfect for reading or a fun yoga class. Thank you Celso!
Meet Celso — Your Galápagos Guide
Celso has been hosting guests at Casa Marina since the early 2000s — making him one of the most experienced vacation rental hosts in the Galápagos Islands. A genuine expert on Santa Cruz Island, he and his team have helped hundreds of families, researchers, remote workers, and honeymooners make the most of their time in the archipelago. Whether you need a recommendation for the best cevichería in Puerto Ayora, advice on which day trips offer the best wildlife encounters, or help arranging a private airport transfer from Baltra — Celso is available via WhatsApp, email, and through the booking platforms at all times.
Location
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
The Best Address in Puerto Ayora
Casa Marina sits one block from the main dock in Puerto Ayora — the most vibrant, practical, and connected town in the Galápagos Islands. Every restaurant, supermarket, tour operator, pharmacy, and excursion departure point is within walking distance. Wildlife is literally outside the front door.
Malecon & Academy Bay
3-minute walk
Puerto Ayora Fish Market
5-minute walk
Las Ninfas Lagoon
7-minute walk
Charles Darwin Research Station
15-minute walk
Tortuga Bay Beach
45-minute walk
El Chato Tortoise Reserve
30-min taxi to highlands
Baltra Airport (GPS)
~2 hrs · transfer available
Inter-Island Ferries
1-block walk to dock
About Casa Marina — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casa Marina a hotel in the Galápagos Islands?
Why stay at Casa Marina instead of a Galápagos Islands hotel?
How many guests can stay at Casa Marina?
Where exactly is Casa Marina in the Galápagos?
How do I book Casa Marina and what is the minimum stay?
Is Santa Cruz Island the best island to stay on in the Galápagos?
Does Casa Marina offer airport transfers from Baltra?
Ready to Skip the Hotel and Stay at Casa Marina?
1,400 sq ft · 3 bedrooms · Sleeps 10 · Two rooftop terraces · Ocean views · Steps from the sea.
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, Ecuador.