Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
The 10 Best Day Trips from in Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
How often do you get the chance to walk through a tunnel of lava? Created by the flowing and cooling process of liquid magma, the underground lava tubes of Santa Cruz are simply breathtaking. The most popular is the Tunnel of Love, so named for the heart-shaped hole in the ceiling. Cool down with a splash in the fresh waters of Puerto Ayora, snorkel at Tortuga Bay or the mangrove-lined Garrapatero Beach and get friendly with the giant natives at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Bartolome Island Full-Day Tour: Snorkeling & Hiking Trip
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Explore Bartolome Island with a full-day tour from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island). Navigate to one of the most iconic spots in Galapagos. The volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island holds one of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago. Hike to the breathtaking viewpoint on the top of the island and cool-off afterwards snorkeling in the water around Bartolome. Swim with penguins, sea lions, marine Iguanas, Galapagos Sharks. The day-trip includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, box lunch and professional guidance. Group Maximum: 2 travelers IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to fulfill this tour, you must be at Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora) one day prior to departure.
Inclusions: Bilingual Professional Guide., Snorkeling equipment (mark and fins), Towels, Snacks, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch
Exclusions: Wet suit., Other services not specified., Tips & Gratuities (optional)
Reviewed By C3923YMchristinaf
I cannot stress enough how flawless this experience was. The communication before, during and after the trip was amazing. I traveled during the pandemic as a solo female traveler and had zero concerns. From the airlines to guides, to transfers, to the food and excursions. Snorkeling, hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife galore! Every step of the way everything was handled safely and responsibly. Animals everywhere and minimal people. Just what I needed! There literally could not be a better time to travel to the Galapagos. Nothing was ruined, canceled or impacted. I am so glad I moved forward with my trip and I highly encourage others to do the same. Do not hesitate. Book the trip!!! I will use this company again to plan an Amazon vacation.
2. Santa Cruz Explorer 4D - 3N
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy a tour through Santa Cruz with the best deal available! With this package you will get a great experience learning about the culture,location,faune and gastronomy of the Island while our guides go along with you in this adventure
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Professional guide, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Hotel Accomodation
Exclusions: Entrance to the GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK , Air Ticket, Transport airport /canal/ airport , Transit card (Ingala) personal expenses, and tips.
Reviewed By marcosz840
Hi Travellers! This is Joel. I am finally at home! I am from New York and I spent last week in the Galápagos Islands for the holidays and I am so happy to start this year after this incredible trip. Ecuador is amazing, the nature, community, the landscapes are out of mind! I was there with my family and we enjoyed so many activities with a smart, funny and friendly tour guide! I recommend BM Tours to everyone who wants to enjoy this beautiful country. They provided to me all the information about what I should bring and do. Thank you BM TOURS
3. Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
The Day Tour to Bartholomew Island departs from Itabaca Canal, the sailing is about two hours, this island is located North West of Santa Cruz Island. Bartholomew has the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of the archipelago with the iconic pinnacle rock.
Inclusions: Lunch, Snorkel Gear, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit
Reviewed By italiabella9
We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!
4. Day Trip to South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Day Tour to South Plaza Island departs from Itabaca Canal, the sailing is about one hour and forty five minutes, this island is located to the East of Santa Cruz Island. In South Plaza Island, which is partner of North Plaza Island, both create a turquoise water canal that contrast with the red natural carpet (sesuvium) and cactus that the island have as breathtaking landscape; here you you will be greeted by sea lions, and expect to spot land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos lizard and finches, also variety of sea birds fishing and flying really close to the cliff of this island like swalloed tailed gulls, pelican and masked boobies.
Inclusions: Snorkel Gear, Lunch, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Drop-off in Puerto Ayora's Main Pier, Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit
Reviewed By italiabella9
We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!
5. Day Trip to North Seymour Island from Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Day Tour to North Seymour Island departs from Itabaca Canal, the sailing is about one hour, this island is located to the North of Santa Cruz Island. In this wonderful island you will be welcomed by sea lions in the dock and rocks, the landscape of the island is contrasted by Palo Santo (incense stick) forest and red-colored soil.
Inclusions: Local taxes, Snorkel Gear, Lunch, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit
Reviewed By italiabella9
We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!
6. Day Trip to Santa Fe Island from Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Day Tour to Santa Fe Island departs from Puerto Ayora's Main Pier, the sailing is about two hours, this island is located South East of Santa Cruz Island. In this island you will find an endemic land iguana that lives only in this place, sea lions in a white sand beach resting waiting for pictures, they pose to your cameras.
Inclusions: Snorkel Gear, Lunch, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel Drop-off (selected hotels only), Pickup in Puerto Ayora's Main Pier/Sumbawa Store, Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit
Reviewed By italiabella9
We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!
7. Tour to North Seymour & Las Bachas beach * (Santa Cruz) *
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
If you are a nature lover and bird watching, this is the right place, taking into account that it is one of the 10 places you have to visit if you come to Galapagos.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Lunch, towel
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Sylvie L
Our guide was determined to show us everything, and we did! Blue footed Boobies mating, sea horses, tons of white fin reef sharks, black fin reef sharks, turtles, colourful fish. At the beginning we went for a land mini tour on top of the tunnels so good shoes or beach shoes are a must. The boat ride there included a quick stop a rock with wildlife. Very small bag lunch is included so bring snacks and water just in case. Afterwards the guide downloaded incredible pictures he took and we could get a copy on our USB for free! What a souvenir!!!
8. Charles Darwin Station & Tortuga Bay Beach Day Tour with Lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
- Private service - Certified Naturalist English/ Spanish speaking Guide - Menu lunch - Hotel pick up - Guided activities
Inclusions: Lunch, Certified Naturalist English/Spanish speaking guide, Hotel pick up, Activities, Entrance fee Charles Darwin Station, Bikes to visit Charles Darwin Station (optional)
Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips
Reviewed By jersey272
This tour was everything we had hoped it would be. Even before we got there Dante, the owner, guided us in our decision process. He was flexible and patient. The adventure started right after we got off the plane and didn't stop until we left the last day. Each place we met courteous people that were so helpful and kind. The places we visited were educational and so enjoyable. Dante was great to work with and available for us the whole way. He and the people he had working with him took care of us throughout the journey. My 50th celebration to the Galapagos was truly a trip of a lifetime...thank you Dante and everyone we met!!!
9. Full-Day Yacht Tour to Floreana with Snorkeling and Fishing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
This tour is operated on a brand new, very spacious luxury yacht (capacity for 30 passengers but only max. 10 on the tour - 3 different areas on two decks). Outstanding service and comfort on board, hot lunch (or ceviche) freshly prepared in the boat's fully equipped kitchen, high-quality snorkel equipment (brands Cressi/O'Neill/ScubaPro), an excellent naturalist guide and one of the most active and varied tours you can do. Snorkel activity in an abundant underwater world with access into the water on sea level (special fold-out platform) and two showers on board.
Inclusions: Restroom on board, All Fees and Taxes, Hot lunch prepared in the boat's fully equipped kitchen or freshly prepared ceviche. Vegetarian and vegan options available on request., Coffee and/or Tea, Soda/Pop, Fruits and cookies, Use of Snorkelling equipment, There are two showers on board to wash off the salt water after the snorkel activity, Comfortable disembarkation by dinghy/zodiac, Water taxi before and after the tour included
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Tips/Gratuities for the crew/guide
Reviewed By 224kristinep
It was and will remain an unforgettable 12 days in paradise. Thank you Stephanie for your wonderful suggestions and perfect planning. It gave me peace of mind and allowed me to fully relax and enjoy my experience in the Galapagos. Thank you Yazmany for making every excursion memorable. Your passion and knowledge of the Islands are impressive. Both of you are among the nicest people I ever met. I am so happy I chose Guiding Galapagos Expeditions. I could not have been in better hands and the trip could not have been more perfect!
10. Full-Day Floreana Tour
Overall Ratings
3.8 based on 12 reviews
Journey to Floreana Island's more historical sites such as the Scalecias Forest and Galapagos National Park, as well as activity areas such as the Black Beach where you can swim and snorkel. This 8-hour guided tour includes complimentary hotel pickup, and drop-off at the dock of Puerto Ayora.
Inclusions: Lunch box, Local guide, Hotel pickup, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Drop off at the dock of Pto Ayora
Exclusions: Hotel drop-off
Reviewed By robcantrell2
This was a great way to see the city in air conditioned comfort. Our tour guide is a retired airline pilot with perfect English and a great deal of knowledge regarding the city. We opted for the breakfast/lunch tour. We toured spots outside of the usual “tourists traps”. Lunch was perfection! We ate local cuisine at a corner cafe and the owner explained each dish in great detail. Don’t leave Guayaquil without taking this tour.
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