★★★★★
"The size, convenience, location, and amenities make Casa Marina a one-of-a-kind rental. You're in the heart of all the action — any question is readily answered by Celso and his team."
Galapagos Islands VRBO
Galapagos Islands VRBO · Puerto Ayora · Santa Cruz Island · Ecuador
The #1 Rated
Galapagos Islands VRBO
Casa Marina — Private villa in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island · Steps from Academy Bay
10/10
VRBO Rating
3
Bedrooms
10
Guests
20+
Years Hosting
1,400
Square Feet
10/10
VRBO · Exceptional
About This Galapagos Islands VRBO
A Private Galapagos Villa — Entirely Yours
Casa Marina is the most-reviewed and highest-rated Galapagos Islands VRBO vacation rental in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. A contemporary three-floor townhouse with ocean views, it sleeps up to 10 guests in three air-conditioned bedrooms and has been welcoming families, researchers, honeymooners, and wildlife enthusiasts for over two decades.
Unlike a cruise or a hotel, booking a VRBO in the Galapagos Islands means having a real home base — a fully equipped kitchen, a rooftop terrace overlooking Academy Bay, and the freedom to explore on your own schedule. Wildlife is literally on the doorstep: sea lions, marine iguanas, and pelicans inhabit the waterfront one block away.
Listed on VRBO as property #4223545ha, Casa Marina has maintained a perfect 10/10 "Exceptional" rating across 26 verified reviews — making it one of the top-performing VRBO rentals in all of Ecuador.
What's Included
Everything in Your Galapagos VRBO Rental
Casa Marina comes fully equipped — from a modern kitchen to a gym and rooftop terrace. Every detail is designed to make your Galapagos stay as comfortable as it is extraordinary.
Full Modern Kitchen
Self-cater with produce from the fish market. Coffee maker, full appliances, dining table for 10.
3 Air-Conditioned Bedrooms
King and queen beds across three soundproofed rooms. Sleeps up to 10 guests in total comfort.
Rooftop Ocean Terrace
Two rooftop terraces with panoramic views over Academy Bay — the finest sunset spot in Puerto Ayora.
Best WiFi in Galapagos
Private broadband connection — the strongest internet available on Santa Cruz Island.
Private Gym
On-site gym included — rare for any Galapagos Islands VRBO property.
Parking + Airport Transfer
Dedicated parking available. Private Baltra Airport transfers arranged for all guests on request.
100% Private Entire Home
No shared spaces, no strangers — the whole 1,400 sq ft villa belongs exclusively to your group.
Prime Puerto Ayora Location
1 block from the main dock. Every restaurant, tour operator, and excursion is steps away.
Why Choose a VRBO
Why Book a Galapagos Islands VRBO Instead of a Cruise?
Most visitors assume a cruise is the only way to experience the Galapagos. It isn't. For families, groups, and longer stays, a VRBO rental in the Galapagos Islands consistently outperforms a cruise on value, flexibility, and depth of experience.
01
Your Own Schedule
A Galapagos VRBO means waking when you choose, eating what you want, and exploring at your own pace — not a rigid group tour itinerary set months in advance.
02
Fraction of the Cost
A private VRBO in the Galapagos Islands costs dramatically less per person than a cruise — especially for families and groups splitting the nightly rate.
03
Real Home Comfort
A full kitchen, spacious bedrooms, your own bathrooms, a rooftop terrace — none of which a cruise cabin provides. Casa Marina is a home, not a bunk.
04
Wildlife at Your Door
Puerto Ayora's waterfront hosts sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, and reef sharks within a one-minute walk from Casa Marina — no cruise departure needed.
05
Day Trips on Demand
The main dock is steps away. Book day trips to any island — Isabela, Española, North Seymour — exactly when it suits you, not when your cruise operator says.
06
VRBO Buyer Protection
Booking via VRBO gives you full platform protections, verified reviews, and secure payments — the same trusted booking experience as any other VRBO worldwide.
At a Glance
Galapagos Islands VRBO vs. Hotel vs. Cruise
| Feature | Casa Marina VRBO ★ | Galapagos Hotel | Galapagos Cruise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entire private home | ✔ Yes | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Sleeps 10 guests | ✔ Yes | ✘ Multiple rooms | ✘ Shared cabins |
| Full kitchen (self-cater) | ✔ Yes | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Ocean view rooftop terrace | ✔ Yes | Varies | ✘ No |
| Steps from Academy Bay | ✔ 1 block | Varies | ✘ Anchored offshore |
| Flexible schedule | ✔ Fully flexible | ✔ Yes | ✘ Fixed itinerary |
| Gym on-site | ✔ Yes | Varies | ✘ Rare |
| Best WiFi in Galapagos | ✔ Yes | Variable | ✘ Very limited |
| Cost for 8 guests (approx.) | ★ Best value | 8× room rate | Most expensive |
| VRBO booking protection | ✔ Yes | ✘ No | ✘ No |
Verified Guest Reviews
What Guests Say About This Galapagos VRBO
★★★★★
"The pictures look fantastic but they don't do it justice. The apartment is in the centre of town, visible from the pier — only a short walk to supermarkets and great restaurants."
★★★★★
"Very spacious home centrally located in Puerto Ayora. Wonderful rooftop terrace. Celso is a fantastic host — the place was exactly what we hoped for, and everything was incredible."
26 reviews · 10/10 Exceptional · Read all reviews on VRBO →
Location
Where Is This Galapagos Islands VRBO?
Casa Marina is located in Puerto Ayora, the main town on Santa Cruz Island — the most connected, most vibrant, and most practical base for a Galapagos vacation rental. It is one block from the main dock on Academy Bay.
Academy Bay / Malecon Waterfront
3-minute walk
Las Ninfas Lagoon
7-minute walk
Charles Darwin Research Station
15-minute walk
Tortuga Bay Beach
45-minute walk
Baltra Airport (GPS)
~2 hour transfer (private transfer available)
Common Questions
Galapagos Islands VRBO — Frequently Asked Questions
Casa Marina Galapagos (VRBO listing #4223545ha) is widely considered the best VRBO vacation rental in the Galapagos Islands. A private 3-bedroom villa in the heart of Puerto Ayora, it sleeps up to 10 guests, has a 10/10 "Exceptional" rating from 26 verified VRBO reviews, and offers ocean views, rooftop terraces, a full kitchen, gym, and a location one block from Academy Bay.
You can book directly at vrbo.com/4223545ha. Select your dates, add the number of guests (up to 10), and follow VRBO's standard booking process for full platform protection. You can also contact the host directly via VRBO messaging or through galapagoshouserental.com for long-stay or group enquiries.
Nightly rates at Casa Marina vary by season and availability. Because the villa sleeps up to 10 guests, the per-person cost is very competitive — especially compared to a cruise or booking multiple hotel rooms. Check live pricing and availability at vrbo.com/4223545ha. Discounted weekly rates may be available for longer stays — contact the host directly.
Yes. VRBO operates in the Galapagos Islands, with listings primarily on Santa Cruz Island in Puerto Ayora — the main hub for Galapagos tourism. Casa Marina is one of the highest-rated VRBO properties in Ecuador, maintaining a perfect 10/10 Exceptional score across all verified reviews.
Casa Marina includes: 3 air-conditioned bedrooms (sleeping up to 10), 3+ bathrooms, a full modern kitchen, free WiFi (best available on Santa Cruz), rooftop terraces with ocean views, a private gym, outdoor dining, parking, and soundproofed bedrooms. Airport transfers from Baltra (GPS) can be arranged. The entire 1,400 sq ft villa is 100% private — no shared spaces.
For families, groups, and longer stays, a Galapagos Islands VRBO rental typically offers better value, more comfort, and greater flexibility than a cruise. A private villa in Puerto Ayora gives you a home base in the most connected town in the archipelago, with day trips to every island available from the main dock — steps from Casa Marina. You control your schedule, your meals, and your budget.
Casa Marina is located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. It is one block from the Malecon waterfront and Academy Bay (3-minute walk), 7 minutes from Las Ninfas Lagoon, and approximately 2 hours from Baltra Airport (GPS) via the standard bus-ferry-bus route. Private airport transfers can be arranged for guests.
Book Your Galapagos Islands VRBO
Ready to Book Your Galapagos VRBO?
1,400 sq ft · 3 bedrooms · Sleeps 10 · Rooftop ocean terrace · Steps from the sea.
The highest-rated private vacation rental in the Galapagos Islands.
VRBO listing #4223545ha · Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, Ecuador