Santa Cruz Island
This tour takes you to discover its main natural and cultural attractions: you’ll walk among giant tortoises in their natural habitat in the highlands, explore lava tunnels, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts, and relax at the stunning Tortuga Bay, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador. You'll also have the chance to spot seabirds, iguanas, and sea lions as you enjoy the perfect mix of nature and comfort.
Day 1 – Arrival in Baltra – Visit to the Highlands (El Chato)
Airport – Hotel Transfer (Time to be confirmed)
PM
Lunch at El Chato restaurant
Visit to the highlands of the island, including a 45-minute walk to observe giant tortoises in the wild, endemic vegetation, and beautiful landscapes.
Explore the lava tunnels, large volcanic formations created millions of years ago.
Return to the hotel
Activity briefing
Day 2 – Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Pinzón, Santa Fe, or Isabela
AM
Departure from Puerto Ayora. A certified Naturalist Guide from the Galápagos National Park will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to the dock.
Board the yacht and begin a 50-minute navigation to Pinzón Island.
Snorkeling activity with the chance to swim with white-tip reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, and colorful tropical fish.
PM
Lunch on board the yacht
Navigate to La Fe or Las Palmitas for a second snorkeling session. Possibility to swim with white-tip sharks (Tintoreras), manta rays, and sea lions.
Visit La Fe Beach, a beautiful white-sand beach and a nesting site for sea turtles. During nesting season (Nov–Feb), you may witness turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
Enjoy some relaxing beach time and a final snorkeling session directly from the shore.
Return navigation to Puerto Ayora.
Day 3 – Visit Tortuga Bay & Charles Darwin Research Station
AM 08:30
The Naturalist Guide will pick you up at your hotel and lead you on a 45-minute walk to Tortuga Bay. Along the way, observe Galápagos finches feeding, giant candelabra cacti and opuntia, and the Galápagos mockingbird (Cucuve), a bird found only in this region.
PM 12:00
Lunch at a local restaurant
14:30
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Enjoy a guided walk and observe giant tortoises in captivity. Learn about the famous Lonesome George, the last known individual of his species from Pinta Island, now taxidermized and displayed at the center.
Return to the hotel.
Day 4 – Visit Los Gemelos & Transfer to Baltra Airport
The guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Los Gemelos, two large volcanic sinkholes formed millions of years ago.
Continue the transfer to Baltra Airport.
End of Services
