Reviews

Guest Reviews – Casa Marina Galapagos | Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
132
Verified Reviews
93%
5-Star Ratings
99
Location Mentions
86
Hospitality Mentions
40
Walkability Mentions
38
View Mentions

What guests talk about most

99 Location
86 Hospitality
45 Nearby Attractions
40 Walkability
38 Views
31 Indoor Spaces
28 Comfort
27 Family-Friendly
19 Kitchen
11 Air Conditioning

Guest Reviews

"

I cannot say enough about Celso's place! First, the photo on the listing doesn't do it justice. It's beyond comfortable, beautiful and convenient. The apartment is multi-levels — a huge living room and kitchen on the 2nd floor with large screen TV, games and all the cookware. Three suites on the 3rd floor, one of them has three queen beds, perfect for our family of 7. The room is big, private and the beds are very comfortable. Gloria comes every day to clean the house while we are out having fun.

C
Marietta, Georgia
Family Stay
"

What a wonderful experience. The apartment was absolutely beautiful for our three older couples. Celso is an amazing host that actually spent time giving us a presentation on his work for National Geographic. We all had a blast and would return if the opportunity arises.

R
Lenore, Idaho
Group Trip
"

Thanks for a marvellous stay at one of the most spacious Airbnbs I have ever stayed in. Two private decks with killer views and a huge kitchen with every appliance you would ever need and a thumping sound system. Location is within steps from tours, bars, restaurants and the harbour where water taxis take you on any journey. Run and book this place!

R
Kelowna, Canada
Few Nights
"

We had a fantastic stay at Casa Marina! Celso was extremely helpful and responsive from start to finish. The location couldn't be better — steps from the pier, restaurants, groceries and shopping. After busy days touring Santa Cruz, the rooftop is a highlight, offering incredible views to relax and unwind. We highly recommend this location and would definitely stay here again!

L
Greer, South Carolina
Group Trip
"

Celso was a fantastic host. We had a hiccup when we first arrived but Celso was very responsive to resolve it quickly to our satisfaction. Perfect location for accessing the dock and restaurants. Enjoyed the night life just as much as the wildlife! Glad to have connected with Guiding Galapagos tour company next door. This was a true value add to our stay.

S
Las Vegas, Nevada
Group Trip
"

Great location. Close to the port, restaurants, shops. Gorgeous view of the port. Very responsive and accommodating host. There is daily cleaning included, which you usually don't see. I had great recommendations on customs, tours, the island, and must-see places from the host. Highly recommend.

O
7 years on Airbnb
Group Trip
"

Centrally located in easy walking distance from the docks, the Darwin Center and everything else. Nice kitchen and shared living space. We often had sunset beers and wine on the upper deck overlooking the ocean. We got fresh Tuna from the docks and grilled it on the deck. We would go back again for sure.

M
Rochester, New York
Group Trip
"

Excellent value, close to everything, and lovely inside. The host was incredibly accommodating helping us figure out solutions for my elderly grandparents who struggle when traveling. The host was very communicative and friendly throughout our visit.

R
Vancouver, Washington
Group Trip
"

Celso was a phenomenal host. We were 4 adults and 2 children. The neighborhood was perfect — easy to walk to the Darwin Center, restaurants and grocery store, and easy to get to water taxi to go to beach. Highly recommend!

C
Phoenix, Arizona
Family Stay
"

Celso's place was very spacious with plenty of accommodations. It was super convenient for our team of six researchers with plenty of gear and supplies. It's just a short 100-meter walk from the ferry dock and super conveniently located to restaurants, shops, and transportation.

G
Marshallberg, North Carolina
Group Trip
"

Celso's place is the perfect home base for your Galápagos Island adventures. The space is comfortable and inviting and right in the heart of Puerto Ayora. We walked to several wonderful restaurants and bars and to the Darwin Research Center easily. Celso and Andrea were super helpful and responded to our questions and requests immediately. The kitchen is well-equipped, the showers were hot, and the air conditioning worked perfectly.

M
Bremerton, Washington
Week Stay
"

We loved the space and location. We were able to walk almost everywhere we wanted to go. It was a bonus that the maid cleaned every day. I can highly recommend this home! P.s. Celso is an awesome guy.

P
Vacaville, California
Family Stay
"

Our stay at Casa Marina was amazing. The accommodations were perfect for our group of seven and the location couldn't be beat. We enjoyed every aspect from our first communication with Celso to his local contact Andrea and the tips and trip ideas sent during our stay. Andrea was so helpful and always available. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our time and it was made even better staying at Casa Marina.

M
Bellingham, Washington
Family Stay
"

Celso and Andrea were super responsive and checked in regularly to make sure we were having an excellent experience — and we were. Everything was as described. Our entire stay was filled with delight and relaxation. I can't say enough nice things about this property and the people that support it. Truly a trip of a lifetime!

K
Detroit, Michigan
Group Trip
"

Celso place was amazing. Perfect location to all tours throughout all the islands. Walking distance to great restaurants and bars. Celso and his staff always in communication. Rooftop has an amazing sunset view. Highly recommended!

E
Chicago, Illinois
Family Stay
"

Celso's place was wonderful! It was very close to the docks, restaurants, and dive shops! The A/C was wonderful after a hot day in the sun. Very quiet and peaceful. Lots of room. We would stay here again and again!

E
Rapid City, South Dakota
Group Trip
"

Nice place to stay in the Galapagos! Safe, walkable to everything you need. Great view. Host was very nice and helpful and the cleaning lady was very good. Recommend to anyone interested in visiting Galapagos.

J
Lima, Ohio
Family Stay

Showing 18 of 132 reviews · Read all reviews on Airbnb ↗

Everything You Need to Know

Casa Marina is situated in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island — the main town and tourism hub of the Galápagos Islands. The property is within 100 meters of the main pier and ferry dock, a short walk to restaurants, shops, the supermarket, and water taxis that connect you to beaches and other islands.
Casa Marina comfortably fits groups of 6–7 or more. The property has three private suites on the third floor — one of which has three queen beds, making it perfect for families or larger groups. Multiple families of 7 have stayed and given it 5-star ratings.
Yes — this is one of the most praised features of Casa Marina. Gloria comes every day while guests are out exploring, so you always return to a fresh, clean home. Multiple reviewers specifically call this out as a rare and appreciated perk compared to other vacation rentals.
Casa Marina holds a 4.92 out of 5 rating from 132 verified reviews on Airbnb and carries the platform's "Guest Favorite" designation. Sub-ratings include a perfect 5.0 for both Check-in and Location, with 4.9 scores across Cleanliness, Accuracy, Communication, and Value. 93% of all reviews are 5 stars.
Celso is consistently described as one of the most responsive and thoughtful hosts guests have encountered. He sends orientation videos before arrival, personally briefs guests on tours and local tips, and is available throughout your stay. His on-island team — including Andrea (property manager) and Gloria (daily cleaner) — ensures someone is always there to help.
Absolutely. Several families with children of all ages have stayed and rated it 5 stars. The neighborhood is safe and walkable, the Charles Darwin Research Station is about 15 minutes on foot, and water taxis to kid-friendly beaches are steps away. The large living areas and well-equipped kitchen make family life easy.
The Guiding Galapagos tour company is located right next door to Casa Marina. Scuba Iguana dive shop is an easy walk away. The main pier is 100 meters away with boats departing to all the other Galápagos islands. Celso and Andrea can arrange personalized tour recommendations for every budget and interest.
The rooftop terraces are one of Casa Marina's most talked-about features. There are two levels of private outdoor deck space with panoramic views of Puerto Ayora harbor and the Galápagos ocean. Guests enjoy hammocks, patio furniture, sunset drinks, and even grilling fresh fish from the docks. The upper deck also has a sound system for unforgettable evenings.
Yes — Casa Marina is a three-story townhouse. There is one flight up from the street to the main living room, another to the bedrooms, and a third to the rooftop terraces. This is clearly detailed in the property listing. Guests with limited mobility should consider this before booking. The views and space from each level are worth the climb for those who can manage it.
You can book directly through this website, on Airbnb, or on VRBO. For direct inquiries, contact Celso via email or WhatsApp at +1-813-418-2806 or +593-994-904-290. Direct bookings allow for more flexible arrangements and personal communication with Celso before your trip.

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