Top Santa Cruz Nature and Wildlife Tours

Embark on a thrilling day tour to Isabela Island and discover its diverse natural wonders. Begin at the Tintorera Islet, home to various marine life, including marine iguanas, sharks, and penguins. Later, using provided snorkel gear, observe the island’s underwater world up close. You’ll also visit the island’s wetlands, a habitat for flamingos, and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. This excursion promises an adventurous and educational experience that’s fun for everyone.

Unlike many Galapagos tours that only visit one site or focus exclusively on wildlife viewing, this experience combines three unique elements into one tour: underground exploration, spotting giant turtles in the wild and tasting local artisan coffee. You’ll explore the breathtaking lava tunnels, underground volcanic formations that few visitors have the opportunity to travel. Then, you will walk among giant turtles in their natural habitat, without cages or closed centers, and finally you will enjoy a tasting of 100% Galapagueño coffee, grown in the volcanic lands of the upper part of the island. This experience is distinguished by offering an authentic, educational and multisensory approach, ideal for those looking for more than a tourist excursion: a real connection with the geological history, wildlife and agricultural culture of the Galapagos.

Swim with playful sea lions and other Galapagos marine life on a small-group snorkeling and fishing tour to Santa Fe Island. A short boat ride from Puerto Ayora takes you to a peaceful bay with crystalline waters. Using provided snorkel gear, get up close to sea turtles, eagle rays, sharks, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Later, take a wildlife tour of the island and have the chance to fish during the return journey.

With so much to do in Santa Cruz, it can be overwhelming to organize everything on your own. Make one of your adventures completely stress-free with a 3-hour afternoon tour to three of the island's top sights. Along with your naturalist guide, visit the Los Gremelos volcanic formations, hike the Scalesia Cloud forest, and get cozy with local wildlife at the Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve. Finally, have your camera ready for a jaunt through a lava tube.

This day tour takes you snorkeling at two of the most spectacular locations in Galapagos where you can see a variety of species, including sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions and marine iguanas. You'll also get the chance to disembark the boat at La Fé Bay or Las Palmitas Bay for a discovery walk through mangroves and past prickly pair cactus and candelabra cactus to see Darwin finches, mockingbirds, pelicans, lava herons and blue-footed boobies.

The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most bio-diverse places on earth, but you don’t have to take a pricey multi-day tour to experience Ecuador’s wildlife haven. Discover Seymour North Island on this full-day tour from Santa Cruz and marvel at blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and other wildlife. Hotel pickup is included.

Make the most of your vacation with a small-group day tour from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island, offering an ideal Galapagos Islands experience that combines education and adventure. Explore Isabela Island's diverse flora and fauna during a ground tour, spotting land turtles, flamingos, and zarapitos. Later, enjoy swimming and snorkeling at las Tintoreras with tropical fish, penguins, and turtles for the ultimate wildlife excursion.

The Kayak tour is a unique activity where you visit exclusive sites. By completing this program you will be advised by trained bilingual staff for the entire adventure. You will have the opportunity to watch seabirds and fish from the comfort of the kayak. The tour leader will help at all times by giving instructions to make it a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Explore the iconic area of Bartolome Island on a full-day tour from Puerto Ayora. This volcanic island is rich in biodiversity both on land and underwater. Take in the beautiful landscapes from the viewpoint at the top of the island and discover the abundant marine life with a snorkeling excursion. Enjoy a boxed lunch and listen to informative commentary from your guide throughout the day.

Discover the wonders of San Cristobal Island stress-free on a full-day small-group tour. This comprehensive excursion seamlessly blends land and water exploration, offering the best of the island’s landscapes, species, and sites. Between a private nature walk and group snorkel opportunities, you enjoy up-close views of sea lions, marine birds, iguanas, sea turtles, sharks, and more. Top-notch snorkel gear and wetsuits are provided for additional convenience.

Live the experiences in knowing Santa Cruz and San Cristobal island. In this programs you will explore amazing places of both islands. Additional you will explore isabela island in a full day from Santa Cruz This tour is perfect if you want to have an incredible and active experience in Galapagos. In 8 day you will have walking activities, snorkeling visit and birdwatching. Join the adventure!

Get up close and personal with marine iguanas, sea lions, and hawks on a day trip to Santa Fe Island from Santa Cruz. Included hotel pickup ensures a smooth start. Once aboard the yacht, you’ll set off for Santa Fe Island. In addition to wildlife sightings, you’ll have time to enjoy Playa Escondida. The day tour also includes a filling lunch with a vegetarian option available.

Maximize every second of your Galapagos adventure on a 4-day private tour in Santa Cruz Island. Begin in the Santa Cruz Highlands exploring Los Gemelos craters, lava flows, and a turtle ranch. On days two and three, enjoy island tours rich with wildlife sightings. Possible destinations include Bartolome, South Plaza, North Seymour, and Santa Fe, tailored to your interests and arrival time.

The North Seymour Island allows you to discover (walking) frigate birds, blue footed boobies, herons, hawks, and swallow-tailed gulls sitting among the ledges and rocks. Engage on the trip to enjoy the whitest sand beach (Bachas Beach) next to the pink flamingo lake. The site to visit could be different according to the Galapagos National Park authorization. Enjoy snorkeling with sharks, sea lions, green turtles, marine iguanas, and a variety of marine wildlife.

Experience the duality of Tortuga Bay, a paradisiacal white sand beach, with a private, organized excursion. Discover from "Playa Brava" to up-close encounters with majestic marine iguanas. Our expert guide will lead you to a viewpoint offering spectacular vistas before exploring the serene side of Tortuga Bay, with gentle waves and minimal currents. Traverse trails for sightings of endemic birds and a shark pool. Dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, where encounters with sea turtles, rays and small sharks await. Ideal for those who wish to make the most of such a prestigious location and there is no better way to explore this site than with an experienced and knowledgeable underwater specialist, who will make sure you get the best snorkel experience. This calm beach at the same time is the pefect place to practise some snorkeling if you haven't done it before and as preparation for any snorkel trips by boat that you might participate in afterwards.

The Galapagos Islands are home to distinct species and populations of animals, including penguins, iguanas, sea lions, turtles, and more. Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands are uniquely unafraid of humans. This program is a more economical way to explore the Galapagos Islands, on a land-based tour. Activities in this program include swimming, snorkeling, with marine animals, hiking, bird watching, and walking among giant Galapagos tortoises.

The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most bio-diverse places on earth, but you don’t have to take a pricey multi-day tour to experience Ecuador’s wildlife haven. Discover Floreana Island on this full-day tour from Puerto Ayora, including highlights such as the Scalecias Forest, Asilo de la Paz, and the Black Beach, where you can swim and snorkel. Hotel pickup is included.

As part of this off the beaten path adventure, besides the incredible flora and fauna that Floreana has to offer, you’ll also explore fascinating historical and archaeological sites. Visit the legendary Pirates’ Cave and Asilo de la Paz, where history comes alive through captivating tales of the past (you might want to watch the movies "Galapagos Affair" or "When Satan came to Eden" before the trip). Discover the engaging Inca Face sculpture on Floreana Island, a unique archaeological feature that adds a sense of mystery and wonder to your journey. To ensure your comfort, we provide top-quality snorkeling gear and wetsuits (from trusted brands like Cressi/Scubapro and O'Neill). This tour is conducted aboard a well-maintained and comfortable speedboat, guided by an experienced and knowledgeable naturalist guide. You’ll also enjoy a freshly prepared, delicious traditional Ecuadorian meal as part of this unforgettable experience in the best restaurant of Floreana.

Experience the magic of the Galapagos Highlands at The Tortoise Dome Lodge, a peaceful eco-lodge located inside a private reserve on Santa Cruz Island where giant tortoises roam freely and visitors can explore impressive lava tunnels surrounded by lush endemic vegetation. This unique experience combines nature, adventure, and comfort in a tranquil setting far from the crowded tourist areas. During your visit you will enjoy a guided walk through the private reserve, where you can observe Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, explore fascinating lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, and learn about the flora, fauna, and volcanic history of the islands. You will also walk through the endemic highland forest, where it is common to see native birds and unique vegetation typical of the Galapagos ecosystem. As part of the experience, guests will also enjoy an overnight stay in our private dome at The Tortoise Dome Lodge, surrounded by nature and tranquility.

Santa Fe Island is a popular day trip for wildlife enthusiasts in the Galapagos. Home to rare iguanas, a giant cactus forest, and great snorkeling opportunities, the island has a lot to offer, and this day trip from Puerto Ayora lets you effortlessly explore its highlights. Tour Santa Fe Island with a guide who can share lots of insight about the local ecosystem and travel from your hotel with peace of mind.

Taking a Bay Tour on Santa Cruz Island is not just another excursion; it is the perfect introduction to the Galapagos environment, it is the most efficient and exciting way to see incredible biodiversity. Here are the reasons why you should join this adventure: 1. On a half-day tour, cross off your list of the protagonists of the archipelago: Sea lions: You will see them resting in the Loberia. Dryer sharks : you will see these whitetip sharks resting in crystal clear water crevices. Marine Iguanas : Huge colonies sunbathing on volcanic rocks. Blue-footed boobies : It is very common to see them watching from the cliffs. 2. Unreal geological landscapes The tour takes you to Las Grietas, one of the most impressive formations on the island. It is a geological fracture of volcanic rocks where fresh water mixes with salt water. Swimming there, among giant basalt walls, is an almost spiritual experience. .

The Galapagos Islands are home to distinct species and populations of animals, including penguins, iguanas, sea lions, turtles, and more. Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands are uniquely unafraid of humans. This program is a more economic way to explore the Galapagos Islands, a land based tour. Activities in this program include swimming, snorkeling, with marine animals, hiking, bird watching, and walking among giant Galapagos tortoises.

The Galapagos Islands are home to distinct species and populations of animals, including penguins, iguanas, sea lions, turtles, and more. Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands are uniquely unafraid of humans. This program is a more economic way to explore the Galapagos Islands, a land based tour. Activities in this program include swimming, snorkeling, with marine animals, hiking, bird watching, and walking among giant Galapagos tortoises.