Top Santa Cruz How to Get Around in 2026

Spend a few hours exploring the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz on this half-day tour. Sail to La Loberia where you can swim with sea lions who call the area home. Then, it’s off to Punta Estrada to observe birds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Finally, visit Playa de Los Dogs to see a large number of iguanas that live in volcanic landscapes.

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.

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.

With this combination of a bike and a hike tour, you can experience the natural wonders of Santa Cruz in two different ways. First, cycle through the Galapagos landscape with a guide to take care of the navigating, so you don’t get lost. Then, explore the Galapagos Frontier on foot, with opportunities to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Along the way, learn about the surroundings from a naturalist guide, with gear rental included for a stress-free tour.

Discover the natural beauty of the upper part of Santa Cruz with a fascinating visit to the Los Gemelos craters. Explore the stunning lava tunnels that tell the island’s volcanic history and enjoy a close encounter with the majestic giant turtles in their natural habitat at Rancho Primicias. An ideal tour for nature and adventure lovers, offering a glimpse into the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos. - Visit to the Los Gemelos craters in Santa Cruz - Exploring the fascinating lava tunnels - Encounter with giant turtles at Rancho Primicias - Ideal for nature and adventure lovers

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Bartolomé Island on this full-day land tour. Renowned for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, this volcanic islet offers breathtaking views accessible via a manageable hike. Encounter diverse wildlife, including Galapagos Penguins and marine iguanas, while enjoying activities such as snorkeling and swimming in the pristine waters. A bilingual guide enhances your experience with expert insights into the unique ecology of the Galapagos. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this tour includes lunch and transportation from your hotel for a seamless experience. - Full-day tour to Bartolomé Island with hiking and snorkeling - Bilingual professional guide provides insights into local wildlife - Includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, and transportation from the hotel - Moderate difficulty level; suitable for travelers seeking adventure and nature experiences

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.

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.

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.

This is the unique transportation to go from Hotels in Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport. First we pick up you in your Hotel to go to Baltra airport, after this we will take the Canal de Itabaca to take the barcaza then we can go Baltra Airport

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. .

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.

This tour will allow you to get to see the highlights of Santa Cruz' Highlands, including the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, an impressive underground lava tunnel and the famous Twin Craters "Los Gemelos". This definitely is a rewarding visit for nature loving people and a must-do when in Galapgos. The lush green scenery of the highlands is in stark contrast to the more arid lowland coasts, providing a very different Galapagos experience.

Marvel at the beauty of the Galapagos’ Central Islands aboard our own Sea Lion Yacht – one of only 12 yachts in the Galapagos that offers day tours to the Galapagos National Park. You’ll embark on a Galapagos Day Tour like no other! North Seymour is teeming with life! Cliffs that are only a few meters high form the shoreline and serve as the spot where swallow-tailed gulls sit among the ledges and rocks accompanied by playful sea lions. Prepare to be greeted by the lounging Galapagos sea lions and some of the most iconic archipelago’s largest colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies! This tour is offered on: Mondays: Las Bachas / North Seymour Sundays: North Seymour / Las Bachas A destination expert will contact you soon to go over details and request sensitive information. Note: Day Tours are subject to change due to weather conditions, logistical reasons and Galapagos National Park Regulations.

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.

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.

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.

Santa Cruz and Isabela are two of the Galapagos Islands' most captivating destinations where giant tortoises roam freely, marine iguanas bask on lava rocks, and pristine turquoise bays await exploration. This 6-day fully guided Galapagos island hopping tour takes you through the heart of the archipelago, combining top-rated land excursions with the islands' most iconic bucket-list adventures: kayaking at Tortuga Bay, snorkeling the dramatic lava tunnels of Los Tuneles, exploring wildlife-rich Las Tintoreras Islet, and biking to the historic Wall of Tears. From the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to crystal-clear marine channels teeming with reef sharks, sea turtles, and Galapagos penguins, every day delivers world-class wildlife encounters that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else on the planet. Designed for couples, solo travelers, families, and small groups this active Galapagos adventure delivers an intimate, expertly guided, and unforgettable experience.