My husband and I, along with another couple, stayed four nights at the Torre Mar in late May of 2016. Donna and John were terrific from the first contact through finding us the best way back to the Baltra airport. They even arranged for our driver to stop at some of the attractions in the highlands on our way into Puerto Ayora! We found everything to be as advertised. We loved the rooftop terrace for grilling and dining on fresh local seafood or getting to socialize with some of the other guests in the evenings. The views were fantastic! We loved the central, neighborhood location. It was a short walk to Charles Darwin Avenue, a bakery, the Saturday market, the popular outdoor "restaurant street", and the head of the trail to Tortuga Bay! The truck-taxis are certainly abundant, but we enjoyed walking. The beds were very comfortable, and having separate remote controlled air conditioning for each bedroom was a definite plus. For two families with children, both second floor apartments would be a nice setup. We would definitely go back!

I would recommend this apartment to everyone who wants to go to the Galapagos and stay at Santa Cruz Island. First thing, Donna was so helpful and always available to answer our questions, arrange excursions and taxis. The apartment is bigger than it appears in the photos and it is nice to have air conditioning. A short walk to the pier and the main street with the restaurants. The common area was fantastic for grilling. We stayed 8 nights and took day trips and were sorry when we had to leave. The snorkeling was fantastic: tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, sea lions, lobster, rays, etc. The combination fishing charters and snorkeling trips were our favorite, as the boat went fast to the destination. Don't miss the frigates and blue footed boobies!

The apartment was lovely, comfortable and clean. It was within walking distance of restaurants, shops and the docks. There were small convenience stores very close. Donna was very helpful in providing information both before the trip and when we arrived. We have no complaints and would certainly recommend it for people staying on the island.

We stayed at the Torre Mar apartments from December 28-January 3 and could not have been happier with our decision to rent an apartment rather than stay on a boat (or in a hotel). And the apartment could not have been more perfect: spacious, comfortable, centrally located, fantastic view from the shared terrace, and the amazing owners/landlords Donna and John. Donna was incredibly quick to answer e-mails and to help with whatever questions we had. John was able to find us reservations on two day trips by boat when I was having no luck at all several weeks before our departure. Donna also found us a fantastic guide (Sophia) for a day trip to the Highlands to see the tortoises. We really liked being in Puerto Ayora for New Year's Eve, although we were a bit caught off guard by everything closing down for 2-3 days, including the corner bakery! When the laundry service Donna recommended was also closed over the New Year's weekend, we tried the one across the street, with great results. A lot of smiles and gestures (they spoke no English and we speak minimal Spanish), we got clothes washed, pressed, and ready for pick-up within 24 hours, all for $5. I would definitely stay at Torre Mar again if I were returning to Santa Cruise, and I will definitely recommend it to anyone I know who is thinking of making that trip. Thank you, Donna!

Our family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) had a great stay on the 4th floor apartment at Torre Mar in early November 2013. This apartment was beautiful - spotlessly clean, and very well-maintained! We had a lot of space too. The master bedroom has a king-sized bed, and the second bedroom has two doubles, so you comfortably sleep at least 6 people here! Donna and John were great hosts - they live in the building, so they are available if you need help. They also provide a great information package before you arrive, which helps a lot with planning your trip. John is a naturalist guide, so he knows what the best things to see on the island are! There are many things to do on Santa Cruz Island. Visiting Santa Cruz is a great way to see Galapagos without the expense of a cruise. Or, you can do as we did, and book a short cruise followed by a stay at Torre Mar. I highly recommend this vacation rental. Our family has been traveling for nearly 6 months, and this was one of the nicest rentals we've stayed in. Thanks Donna, John and Donovan!

I rented the penthouse for 1 week this past March. I found the apartment to be spacious, modern and very clean. I especially enjoyed the view and the friendliness of the owners. A true home away from home!

I am late writing this review, but my feedback remains the same: My husband and I stayed at Torre Mar for two weeks in November 2011. We stayed in the two bedroom apartment on the second floor, which was a great size for two or four people and very comfortable. The apartment contained everything you could have asked for from the over sized, very comfortable kind bed, flat screen TV, DVD, AC in every room,fully equipped kitchen, on site laundry, walk in shower,furniture was all good quality and new, plus a very Eco-friendly environment. The rooftop patio is available for guests to use. There you will find a deluxe BBQ,very comfortable patio furniture, and the most amazing view of Puerto Ayora. We enjoyed the location very much, as we were in walking distance to the main streets and center of town. We bought our groceries from the local supermarkets, and patronized the local empanada ladies almost every evening on our return back to the apartment. We liked the freedom this land based vacation allowed us. Our agenda was never too full or hurried and we enjoyed the Galapagos Islands at our leisure. Donna and John are wonderful hosts: they are down-to-earth and great fun to be around. We did not feel like guests, we felt like friends. Donovan, their 4 year old son was also a joy to see daily. Such a sweet, clever boy!!! We really miss him !!! Donna and John have great knowledge of the islands,tours, restaurants, and dive sites. We found them extremely helpful. Our two weeks were great and we had a very wonderful experience in the Galapagos. We are seasoned travelers and would have no hesitation in recommending Torre Mar to everyone we know. Many, many thanks Donna, John and our little friend Donovan (who wants to come to Canada and build a snowman!) Deb & Lorne

My husband, 26 yr old son and I stayed at Torre Mar December 4-10, 2011. Our 2 bedroom apartment was spacious and clean. Everything was very modern and deluxe. The master bed was king sized, unusual in Latin America, and a real treat for tall people. When we reserved the apartment, Donna, the owner, sent us 16 pages chock full of everything you need to know for a successful vacation in the Galapagos. Travel documents, insurance, airport transfers, packing list, restaurants, spas, laundry, descriptions of activities, hikes, beaches, other islands, etc. Donna was very helpful in orienting us in Puerto Ayora. We would highly recommend Torre Mar!

We stayed at Torre Mar mid October 2011 in the studio unit. It was a very nice unit and clean. The owners were very attentive, kind and informative. You couldn’t ask for anything more than Torre Mar had to offer. Do yourself a favor and definitely entertain staying here. The unit has a kitchenette, but the options for restaurants in Puerto Ayora are wonderful. Or if you prefer to eat in, there are plenty of small shops nearby for groceries.

My family and I spent a week in the Torre Mar facility on the Galapagos Islands. The 2 bedroom apartment had everything that we needed, from all the dishes and bedding to a strong air conditioner, plenty of hot water, and the largest bed that I have ever seen in South America. It was a very comfortable stay away from the main street and about a five minute walk to the waterfront. The washer and dryer in the building made it easy to wash our clothes, a key component when travelling for several weeks. The place really worked out for us. It sure beat staying in a hotel. I would gladly go back to the apartment if I ever return to the Galapagos, and I have mentioned it to my friends as a great place to stay.

My husband and I recently traveled to the Galapagos Islands for our honeymoon. We had a hard time deciding between a cruise or land-based accommodations. We are so happy we chose Torre Mar. Being land-based allowed us to make our own schedule. The apartment was spacious, quiet and private. The furniture and beds are comfortable and fresh. We loved the private terrace overlooking the ocean. We appreciated being able to cook in the apartment if we wanted to. The location in town is central to restaurants, tour agencies, shopping, and the main dock. We enjoyed experiencing the local culture, food and people. The best part of our stay was the top –notch service we received from the owner, John. He made every effort to make sure our honeymoon was the best it could be, with super attention to detail. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Torre Mar to all of our friends and relatives.

I would heartily recommend Torre Mar for your stay if you are visiting the Galapagos Islands. It is located on Santa Cruz, the most inhabited of the islands, and is within walking distance of all the restaurants, shopping and beaches. My wife and I are retired, and it was necessary for us to work within a budget , while at the same time fulfilling our dream to visit the islands. We were able to do make it work by staying at Torre Mar. The accommodations were excellent -comfortable, clean, and secure. We particularly were pleased to have a locking safe in our room to store our money and travel documents. Best of all, we did not have to sacrifice quality for price. The owner was very helpful in recommending tours that suited our budget and abilities, as well. We couldn’t have been more delighted by the high-touch and friendly service. After looking around, we think got the best deal in town.

I went to Puerto Ayora on a business trip, I didn´t find any hotel in advance. I am glad I found this suite!!!! It is very comfortable, plenty of space, a king size bed!!!!! Wifi all over, LCD TV, air condition, big kitchen, and laundry facilities, what else can you ask!!! I recommend this suite for families too!!! I will choose Torremar for all my future business trips!!!!

We stayed at Torre Mar from May 10 to May 18, 2011. We had a great stay! The Torre Mar is an excellent place to stay in Puerto Ayora. Our apartment was spacious, comfortable, clean and well-stocked with the necessities. John and Donna, the owners, were extremely gracious and very helpful. We certainly recommend you stay with them during your expedition to the Galapagos.

Myself and my daughter stayed at Torre Mar in February 2007 and found the penthouse apartment to be delightful, well equipped and in a beautiful setting, the 360 degree wrap around balcony gave us fantastic views. Torre Mar is well situated for exploring the Islands and the proprietors were lovely people, very informative. We had a wonderful stay here as the last leg of a South American adventure!

I have stayed at Torre Mar several times. I found the property to be as described. It was clean and well maintained. Torre Mar also has many amenities not normally found in the Galapagos. The owner is a Guide in Galapagos and very helpful and informative concerning the islands and activities. The location is very conveniently located. I have recommended Torre Mar to my friends and relatives. Galapagos is a special and unique destination and Torre Mar is a great place to stay while in the islands.

From the moment I booked my stay at Torre Mar until the moment I left, my experience was fantastic. It is easy to get to Puerto Ayora from Baltra airport (water taxis and taxis are plentiful). The apartment was clean, spacious and very conveniently located. The kitchen was well-equipped and the AC (one central and one in each bedroom), flat-screen TV and DVD player were appreciated. Beds and linens were comfortable and clean. Both bedrooms are very large and either room can easily accommodate an additional inflatable mattress. Two sets of washers/dryers are available for use. As a traveller who has been to Galapagos several times, I appreciated staying in Puerto Ayora and experiencing the local culture, restaurants, cafes and bars - and there many excellent ones to choose from (Hernan's for a good cup of coffee, Il Giardino for good Italian food, The Rock for good mojitos and a varied menu, Galapagos Deli for ice cream). The other islands can be easily visited by arranging day trips with the many tour operators in town. If staying in town, a 40 minute walk on a scenic, paved path (also reachable by water taxi) takes you to a beautiful beach and bay (Tortuga Bay) which has a long beach on the ocean and a calm beach on an adjoining bay. It is not crowded and is a "must-see". You should consider planning a land-based trip to Galapagos to experience this charming city and its culture. Torre Mar is a comfortable, well-located place to stay outstanding amenities and standards. I can recommend it without hesitation.