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Santa Cruz Day Tours
The best Santa Cruz tours in Galapagos. Visit uninhabited islands like Bartolomé, have lunch with giant tortoises and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station during your time in Santa Cruz.
Bartolomé & Sullivan Bay
From $410
Main activities: Snorkeling & hiking
Intensity: Easy – medium
Group size: 16 person max
Departing from Itabaca Canal onboard a luxury vessel, the tour starts with a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise out to the island of Bartolomé, hopefully spotting some dolphins or sea lions who come to play around the boat. The first stop is a hike along a path through volcanic rock and cacti to the top of the island for a spectacular view of Sullivan Bay. The tour then takes to the water to snorkel with Galapagos sea life such as white tip reef sharks, sea turtles and more. After snorkeling a hot lunch is provided onboard before returning to Santa Cruz.
North Seymour & Las Bachas
From $410
Main activities: Snorkeling, swimming & walking
Intensity: Easy
Group size: 16 person max
Departing from Itabaca Canal onboard a luxury vessel, the tour follows the coast of Baltra Island to North Seymour. After landing on a sandy inlet, walk the path past marine iguana nesting areas. Then continue inward to the center of the island, observing sea lions, blue footed boobies and land iguanas. After a delicious lunch onboard, the tour then visits Bachas Beach, a beautiful white sandy shoreline to swim, snorkel or simply soak up the sun. A short distance inland are several lagoons where wading birds such as flamingos can be found. The tour then heads back to Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Highlands
From $230
Main activities: Walking
Intensity: Easy
Group size: Private tour
Begin either upon your arrival to Baltra Airport, or from downtown Puerto Ayora. After meeting your private Naturalist Guide, travel up to the Santa Cruz highlands and visit a giant tortoise ranch. Observe these incredible creatures up close, explore the underground lava tunnels and enjoy a restaurant lunch. Then head out to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Explore the visitor center, take the tortoise path, and learn about the conservation work being undertaken by Charles Darwin Foundation scientists.
South Plazas & Sombrero Chino
From $410
Main activities: Snorkeling & walking
Intensity: Easy
Group size: 16 person max
Departing Puerto Ayora onboard a luxury vessel, the tour takes the direct path to the island of Santa Fé. After anchoring in a beautiful bay, land on a small sandy beach that is home to a colony of sea lions. Following a short trail across the island, you will see land iguanas resting amongst Opuntia Cactus, as well as possibly spotting a Galapagos Hawk. Following the walk the tour dives into the water, snorkeling in the beautiful clear bay. Here is a chance to see sea turtles, sea lions and an abundance of fish. After snorkeling, enjoy a delicious hot lunch onboard before heading back to Puerto Ayora.
Tortuga Bay
Main activities: Swimming & walking
Intensity: Easy – medium
Group size: Private tour
Tortuga Bay is a 2.5km walk along a paved walkway. Your private Naturalist Guide will point out animals seen along the walk such as mockingbirds, Galapagos finches and lava lizards. Upon arrival to Tortuga Bay you will first visit Playa Brava. This large white sandy beach is perfect for swimming or surfing, as well as observing animals such as marine iguanas, pelicans and perhaps a shark or ray in the shallows. Then walk along the beach and through the mangroves to Playa Manza, a protected inlet where you can swim and snorkel. For your return you can either choose to walk, or take a water taxi.
Fishing Charter
Main activities: Sea fishing, trolling & snorkeling
Intensity: Easy – medium
Group size: Private charter
This private charter can depart from either Puerto Ayora or Itabaca Canal. Departing from Puerto Ayora, the charter visits San Luis, Banco Ruso, Floreana and the Santa Fé eastern drop off. Departing from Itabaca Channel, the tour practices game fishing at the shore lines and underwater sea mounts of Bainbridge, Rabida, Tiburon Arrecho and La Draga.
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Our most popular tours sell out quickly. Reserve your spaces early, we look forward to seeing you!