Laguna de las Ninfas, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

The name translates to Lagoon of Nymphs, before you even enter you know this place is going to be magical.

Set back from the road there is a beautifully maintained garden that feeds you into the preserve.

Laguna de las Ninfas is just a short walk around the lake, but it adds so much to your day in the Galapagos on Santa Cruz.

Just a quarter of a mile to the end point showcasing a crystal clear emerald lake – you never know what wildlife you’re going to see in or around its shores.

Boardwalks bring you around the stunning green water, take it slow because the details are what is important here.

This is an estuary where fresh water from the highlands meets seawater from the tides. You can learn a lot about the four different mangroves in the Galapagos and how to identify them with the informational signage. Spy delicately swimming puffer fish, none of their flippers seem to be moving in the same direction.

The lava heron is an endemic species to the Galapagos, we caught this one hunting here on each of our visits to the lagoon.

Observe ever enchanting pool of this special place.

The restless yellow warbler actually sat still for a moment to let me snap a picture as it waited for food on the banks of a creek.

This is the perfect place for a morning or afternoon walk, other people have spotted sting rays and sea turtles here, so you never know what you might spot.