Top Santa Cruz Shore Excursions

Explore one of the most wildlife-rich islands in the Galapagos aboard a comfortable and well-equipped yacht designed to offer a smooth and relaxing sailing. Enjoy delicious meals on board, the attention of a friendly and experienced crew, and the guidance of a certified naturalist who will bring the landscape and its fascinating creatures to life. Before the tour, you will be given a detailed briefing so that you are fully prepared for the day. During the excursion, you can discover the fascinating underwater world of the archipelago by practicing snorkeling, using an exclusive high-end equipment of renowned brands such as Cressi and Scubapro. This tour combines unforgettable wildlife encounters – such as blue-footed boobies, frigates, yellow terrestrial iguanas, sea lions and marine species – with comfort, security and expert guidance, making it the ideal choice for those who want to experience the best of the Galapagos.

Enjoy wonderful snorkeling in Santa Fe Island! During this snorkelling tour you will be able to see many animals such as sea lions, sharks, turtles and more! We will visit the Santa Fe Cliff, the Santa Fe Bay where you will have lunch in the calm waters overlooking the bay whilst watching the sea lions in the distance. After lunch, there will be one last point in Playa Escondida where you have the option to disembark to spend time on the beach or to continue snorkelling. Part of the tour time is also allocated to fishing, however this depends on weather conditions on the day.

This experience combines 50% cycling and 50% hiking to actively explore the Santa Cruz Highlands. The normal bike option follows a mostly descent route, quiet and suitable for most travelers. For those looking for a more dynamic experience, the e-bike allows you to travel sectors with steeper slopes in greater comfort. We will start at Parque San Francisco de Puerto Ayora, where we will pick up bikes and helmets before moving to Los Guayabillos. During the tour we will cross rural landscapes, agricultural areas, fruit trees and coffee plantations of the Galapagos. Upon arrival at Galapagos Frontier we will continue with a guided hike through the nature reserve to observe giant turtles in their natural habitat and explore impressive lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Ideal for those looking to combine adventure, nature and physical activity.

Santa Cruz may not be the largest island in the Galapagos, but this petite island still boasts plenty to explore. See its famous beaches, rock formations, and maybe even some of its native wild animals in their natural habitat on this tour, which is limited to a small group of 10 people or fewer and includes hotel pickup.

Embark on a unique Galapagos adventure: Explore the majestic upper part of Santa Cruz Island by bike and immerse yourself in the wonder of nature! Pedal along picturesque trails, admire the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and let the magic of the Galapagos envelop you. Ready to live an unforgettable experience? Hop on your bike and join us to discover the wild beauty of the Santa Cruz Heights! ‍♂️ Remember to be prepared according to the season of your visit, it may be a humid season (rain and sun) and be prepared with repellent and sunscreen. The level of demand of the route is minimal, after knowing and seeing the turtles in their natural state we have a short section where the ascent tests our physique a little.

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.

Cabotage boat for inter-island passenger transfers with over 30 years of experience you will enjoy satellite internet throughout the trip We have departures every day between the islands. we speak English and Spanish

After pickup from your Puerto Ayora hotel, you’ll board a yacht bound for North Seymour Island.  This day tour is a birdwatcher’s dream trip, with the likelihood to spot frigate birds, blue footed boobies, and swallow tailed gulls.  Follow private guide on a hike around the island, before you enjoy swimming and snorkeling amongst the sea lions. Relax as you return to Puerto Ayora and are dropped off at your hotel.

Embark on a maritime journey on a small-group day tour to South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion. This wildlife-packed excursion is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to maximize their vacation time. After a yacht ride from Puerto Ayora, take a guided walk to discover terrestrial iguanas, hybrid iguanas, sea lions, and more. Next, snorkel the clear waters at Punta Carrion, where you may encounter whitefin sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.

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.

After pick up from your hotel in Puerto Ayora, board a yacht for your private trip to Bartolome Island.  You’ll spend a fun filled day on one of the most photographed Galapagos islands. Your private guide will lead you to the top of the pinnacle rock.  Afterwards, sunbath on the beach or snorkel through the lava formations. You may even get to swim with sea turtles and penguins.

Discover the rich Galapagos Islands fauna that lives above ground and underwater on a small-group day tour to Playa la Fe and Pinzon Island. This immersive tour includes both land tours and snorkeling opportunities to ensure you get a comprehensive, stress-free wilderness experience. During a hike on Pinzon Island, keep your eyes peeled for marine iguanas, turtles, and Galapagos hawks. Underwater wildlife sightings may include white-tip sharks, eagle rays, and sea lions.

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.

Discover Pinzon Island's vibrant birds, reptiles, and marine life on a day tour from Santa Cruz. This excursion is perfect for travelers interested in native wildlife both above and below the water. On the island, enjoy a walking tour through the candelabra cactus forest. Wildlife sightings may include blue-footed boobies, frigates, and marine iguanas. Later, snorkel with sea lions, manta rays, sea turtles, and more in clear waters.

Visit Bartolome Island and for a day of hiking and snorkeling with this small-group tour from Puerto Ayora. You'll take a hike up to the volcanic top of the island to take in great views of the surrounding area before continuing to Playa Dorada, known for its resident penguins. While at the beach, you'll get the chance to snorkel in the waters of Sullivan Bay before returning to Puerto Ayora.

Enjoy a swift and scenic transfer from Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal with a small-group water transfer. Booking this service in advance enables you to avoid the stress of organizing last-minute transportation in one of the world’s top travel destinations. While overpriced flights only allow for small baggage, you can bring two suitcases and one piece of hand luggage aboard the boat, ensuring you don’t have to leave anything behind.

Embark on a captivating Santa Fe Island Fishing and Snorkeling Expedition, effortlessly blending wildlife exploration and relaxation. With a professional guide, provided lunch, and convenient hotel pick-up included, you enjoy the convenience of a curated experience, ensuring you focus on the fun, not the logistics. The expertly crafted tour enables you to maximize your snorkeling experience at two prime spots, encountering sea turtles, rays, and vibrant marine life.

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.

One day visit to the best of the city of Isabela plus a private tour to Tintoreras islet, ideal for short people without the opportunity to stay a couple of nights in Isabela and who want to know Isabela Island and see Galapagos penguins. Guaranteed way.

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.

Discover even more Galapagos species on a full-day tour to North Seymour Island. Board your vessel in Santa Cruz and make your way to the island where you can observe red-breasted frigates, land iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Then, head to Las Bachas beach for free time to relax and snorkel, observing even more species like sea lions, sea turtles, and even flamingos.

This perfect 5 days itinerary is designed for active travelers and explorers looking for adrenaline-pumping activities and getting immersed into learning opportunities. Dive into thrilling water activities, including snorkeling, and enjoy hikes around active volcanoes. Learn about the unique animals and their evolution in this living laboratory, guided by expert naturalists who bring the magic of the Galapagos to life. This journey isn't just about adventure—it's about connecting with the local community and contributing to sustainable tourism. You'll engage with local residents, understand their culture, and support eco-friendly practices that preserve the delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos. Designed for those who care deeply about the environment, this eco-friendly program ensures every aspect of your journey respects and protects the wildlife and habitats of the islands.

Get up close to iconic Galapagos Islands wildlife, including marine iguanas and masked boobies, on a full day tour to South Plaza Island from Santa Cruz. There’s no need to rush to a meeting point, as complimentary hotel pickup is provided. After a scenic yacht ride from Itabaca Canal, swim and snorkel with white tip sharks and sea turtles at Punta Carrion. Book the excursion in advance to maximize your limited time on the islands.