Welcome to Santa Cruz Island Airport. This former airstrip sits on Santa Cruz Island in California. It is located 24 nautical miles southwest of Santa Barbara. The airport was once owned by The Nature Conservancy; however, it is no longer registered. Travelers should note that it is different from Christy Airstrip and Santa Cruz Ranch Airport, which are still active. Santa Cruz Island offers stunning views and unique landscapes, making it a special destination for nature lovers.

Live Air Traffic

Santa Cruz Island Airport (IATA: SZN) is a former airstrip located on Santa Cruz Island in California. It sits 24 nautical miles southwest of Santa Barbara. The airport was once owned by The Nature Conservancy but is no longer registered. It is important to note that this airport is not the same as Christy Airstrip or Santa Cruz Ranch Airport, which are still active and also owned by The Nature Conservancy. While the airport is no longer in use, it played a role in the island's history.

Basic information about airport

Airport code: SZN
Type: small
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Santa
IATA: SZN
Longitude: -119.915000916
Latitude: 34.0606002808

Santa Cruz Island Airport on Google Maps

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Santa Cruz Island Airport: The Entrance to Magical Galapagos

Introduction

Santa Cruz Island - Located in the Pacific Ocean, just off of Ventura, California. Rooms: 6. Check Prices. In this natural paradise, the Santa Cruz Island Airport (Port Code IATA: SCZ) acts as a vital portal that links flying visitors with an abundance of pristine landscapes and varying wildlife. This extensive guide covers what you should know about the airport as you embark on your Galapagos trip.

Airlines and Destinations

Santa Cruz Island Airport is a small airport, but it does have non-stop passenger flights to offer - outsourced by the very same SkyWest Airlines itself. Currently, 1 domestic flight departs from Santa Cruz Island. The one and only flight from Santa Cruz Island SCZ is a 249-mile (400 km) non-stop route to Honiara HIR, which takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Passengers and Number of Flights

Santa Cruz Island Airport has minimal facilities and only a small commercial operation, since passenger traffic is limited by the distance from Guayaquil. Exact numbers of the passengers and flights at the airport are not widely reported because it is mainly used for private and charter operations in support of conservation projects on the Galapagos Islands.

How to Get Here

Even the approach to Santa Cruz Island Airport is a thrill-a-minute adventure. After this short bus ride from the airport to Itabaca Channel, travelers continue on a ferry service across the channel that lands in Santa Cruz's north end. Then, a bus or taxi transports you to the island capital of Puerto Ayora, and from there are trips throughout exploring natural marvels.

Parking

There is no parking area at Santa Cruz Island Airport. Limited parking and drop-off/pick-up services are offered, so visitors should plan accordingly for transportation to/from the airport.

Transportation Price

Costs of transit to and from Santa Cruz Island Airport will differ as per method chosen, or the size of your group. The ferry crossing usually also requires a fee, while bus or taxi fares to Puerto Ayora can cost up to a few dollars per passenger.

Terminal Layout

The airport in Santa Cruz Island is a small basic facility with few of the amenities found at airports elsewhere around the world. There is one terminal building at the airport used for check-in, waiting, and basic passenger services.

Navigate the Airport

The airport is easy to get around, given its relatively small size and layout. When you arrive, simply follow the signs or politely ask an airport employee to point you towards the ferry terminal and/or your ongoing transport.

Getting Between Terminals

Santa Cruz Island Airport has a single terminal building, so you will not have to make any transfers between terminals. All airport operations take place in the single terminal building.

Services and Amenities

Limited services and amenities are available due to the remote airport location and smaller scale. The terminal itself has typical services such as lavatories, however, will feature no shopping or eating outlets.

Restaurants and Shops

Santa Cruz Island Airport does not have any restaurants or shops within the airport terminals. Dining and shopping options will be in nearby Puerto Ayora, though visitors would likely need to head there anyway if only to explore the town.

Security and Customs

Small, private airport: Santa Cruz Island Airport has quick security and customs. Upon arrival and disembarkation, passengers should be ready to show their ID or travel papers.

Accessibility

The Santa Cruz Island Airport is an unstaffed airport with limited accessibility. Passengers with special needs should make a prior request to airlines or tour operators for necessary assistance.

Travel Tips

So bring your walking shoes and sun protection, as well as any necessary medications when planning what to take on a boat cruise to Santa Cruz Island. Also, keep in mind the delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands and be sure to abide by all rules and regulations (to help preserve what a special place it is).