Going to the Galápagos Islands is a bucket list trip for many people. It’s a special place, hard to put into words, that you’ll never forget. Our family was so fortunate to stay at the delightful Torre Mar with owners John and Donna who by the end we would call our friends. It was perfect for our family. Unlike a boat, we had a lot of space to relax after our daily explorations. There were so many wonderful special touches. First, they had a driver they know personally & use frequently pick our family up at the airport and bring us to the hotel leaving no mix up to chance. Donna then greeted us with cooling wash cloths, cool drinks, fresh flowers, a friendly welcome and advice. Her breakfasts and packed lunches for our explorations are convenient & wonderful! The beds are comfortable, everything is clean, there is fresh water, a comfortable, cozy terrace, nothing is broken or unsatisfactory- and that list can go on. But what we could never have put a price tag on was their great personal care of our family. John would hop in our taxi with us personally and make certain we got to our destination – or they made sure they knew our taxi drivers and we were in great hands. They made sure we got from point A to point B without any problems making sure the only thing we had to worry about was wearing enough sunscreen. Their restaurant recommendations were wonderful. We also felt it was nice staying on the island of Santa Cruz and contributing to the local economy vs. a ship owned by a company not owned locally. Plus, we feel we may have avoided a lot of sea sickness especially with our older son. Additionally with John having been born & raised in Santa Cruz – knows & loves the islands like the back of his hand so he makes for the best guide. And because he is a naturalist & marine biologist, we were able to have him serve as ours on a trip one day which was a delight! He even joined us for dinner one evening which was a treat for our family. Indeed it was sad to say goodby to our new friends. They are delightful people, meticulous hoteliers & have an extensive knowledge of the Galápagos Islands. You simply could not ask for more. And every member of our family vows to return to the Torre Mar in the beautiful Galapagos Islands. We are seasoned travelers. We’re from America but have traveled extensively throughout Europe, many, many islands and Canada – you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay on your trip to these magical islands.

Going to the Galápagos Islands is a bucket list trip for many people. It’s a special place, hard to put into words, that you’ll never forget. Our family was so fortunate to stay at the delightful Torre Mar with owners John and Donna who by the end we would call our friends. It was perfect for our family. Unlike a boat, we had a lot of space to relax after our daily explorations. There were so many wonderful special touches. First, they had a driver they know personally & use frequently pick our family up at the airport and bring us to the hotel leaving no mix up to chance. Donna then greeted us with cooling wash cloths, cool drinks, fresh flowers, a friendly welcome and advice. Her breakfasts and packed lunches for our explorations are convenient & wonderful! The beds are comfortable, everything is clean, there is fresh water, a comfortable, cozy terrace, nothing is broken or unsatisfactory- and that list can go on. But what we could never have put a price tag on was their great personal care of our family. John would hop in our taxi with us personally and make certain we got to our destination – or they made sure they knew our taxi drivers and we were in great hands. They made sure we got from point A to point B without any problems making sure the only thing we had to worry about was wearing enough sunscreen. Their restaurant recommendations were wonderful. We also felt it was nice staying on the island of Santa Cruz and contributing to the local economy vs. a ship owned by a company not owned locally. Plus, we feel we may have avoided a lot of sea sickness especially with our older son. Additionally with John having been born & raised in Santa Cruz – knows & loves the islands like the back of his hand so he makes for the best guide. And because he is a naturalist & marine biologist, we were able to have him serve as ours on a trip one day which was a delight! He even joined us for dinner one evening which was a treat for our family. Indeed it was sad to say goodby to our new friends. They are delightful people, meticulous hoteliers & have an extensive knowledge of the Galápagos Islands. You simply could not ask for more. And every member of our family vows to return to the Torre Mar in the beautiful Galapagos Islands. We are seasoned travelers. We’re from America but have traveled extensively throughout Europe, many, many islands and Canada – you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay on your trip to these magical islands.

Going to the Galápagos Islands is a bucket list trip for many people. It’s a special place, hard to put into words, that you’ll never forget. Our family was so fortunate to stay at the delightful Torre Mar with owners John and Donna who by the end we would call our friends. It was perfect for our family. Unlike a boat, we had a lot of space to relax after our daily explorations. There were so many wonderful special touches. First, they had a driver they know personally & use frequently pick our family up at the airport and bring us to the hotel leaving no mix up to chance. Donna then greeted us with cooling wash cloths, cool drinks, fresh flowers, a friendly welcome and advice. Her breakfasts and packed lunches for our explorations are convenient & wonderful! The beds are comfortable, everything is clean, there is fresh water, a comfortable, cozy terrace, nothing is broken or unsatisfactory- and that list can go on. But what we could never have put a price tag on was their great personal care of our family. John would hop in our taxi with us personally and make certain we got to our destination – or they made sure they knew our taxi drivers and we were in great hands. They made sure we got from point A to point B without any problems making sure the only thing we had to worry about was wearing enough sunscreen. Their restaurant recommendations were wonderful. We also felt it was nice staying on the island of Santa Cruz and contributing to the local economy vs. a ship owned by a company not owned locally. Plus, we feel we may have avoided a lot of sea sickness especially with our older son. Additionally with John having been born & raised in Santa Cruz – knows & loves the islands like the back of his hand so he makes for the best guide. And because he is a naturalist & marine biologist, we were able to have him serve as ours on a trip one day which was a delight! He even joined us for dinner one evening which was a treat for our family. Indeed it was sad to say goodby to our new friends. They are delightful people, meticulous hoteliers & have an extensive knowledge of the Galápagos Islands. You simply could not ask for more. And every member of our family vows to return to the Torre Mar in the beautiful Galapagos Islands. We are seasoned travelers. We’re from America but have traveled extensively throughout Europe, many, many islands and Canada – you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay on your trip to these magical islands.

I stayed at Torre Mar in May 2023 and have nothing but positive things to say. The room itself was very spacious, AC worked well, Wifi worked well, had a full kitchen, private outdoor space, many plugs along the wall, etc. Everything was well thought out, I couldn’t believe it for the price! John was also extremely helpful and fun to get to know. He was helpful with recommendations around the island and for various tours. He prepared to-go breakfast bags the night before I had to leave for tours early in the morning. He even helped me improve my GoPro camera settings for underwater footage as he is a photographer (the pictures inside the room were all his own photography). Close walk to the port. Overall was very happy I stayed here and would stay again.

My wife and I just got home from our stay there. Donna and John made us feel like we were the only VIPs in their place. Home cooked breakfast that was made with pride and Love (Thanks John!)

We could not have chosen a better place to stay, or better hosts than John and Donna! The suite was immaculate, the beds so comfortable, the courtyard with its bougainvilla, lemon grass and hibiscus a spectacular place to relax, the tropical ambiance perfect. We were spoiled by Donna and John, and treated to detailed, intense “lectures” on Santa Cruz Galapagos wildlife! We could not have been more pleased. We count John and Donna among friends that we will cherish!

I would give 100 stars if possible. My daughter, best friend and I had the most amazing experience at Torre Mar. The host went above and beyond to make our trip memorable filled with tours and adventures. My daughter said she misses the hosts D&J the most of all we visited. So thankful and I definitely plan on coming back!!!