Santa Cruz Island is the heart of Galápagos and the premier destination for tourism in the archipelago. It offers the perfect combination of unique wildlife and modern convenience.
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Unique Wildlife: Get up close with the iconic Galápagos Giant Tortoises in their natural highland habitat and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
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Adventures: Explore lava tunnels and relax on the famous white-sand Tortuga Bay Beach, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
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Logistics Hub: Based in Puerto Ayora, you’ll have easy access to daily tours to other islands, the best hotels, and dining options.
Your Galápagos Islands trip starts here, on Santa Cruz!
Pricing is customized based on your selections: please specify your desired hotel category for a detailed proposal.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: TRANSFER IN – BALTRA AIRPORT – CHARLES DARWIN STATION
Upon arrival at Baltra Island, travelers undergo an inspection at the airport to ensure no outside plants or animals are introduced to the islands, and the G.N.P. entrance fee is paid. After collecting luggage, the group will meet our guides and be transferred to the hotel.
LUNCH After lunch, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center to view the giant tortoise and land iguana enclosures.
Return to the hotel.
DAY 2: TORTUGA BAY BEACH – HIGHLANDS: RANCH, TUNNELS, & GIANT TORTOISES
In the morning, after breakfast, we will take a 45-minute walk through majestic vegetation, spotting birds and land iguanas. The trail leads to one of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in Galapagos and Ecuador. Here, we will find large black marine iguanas strolling along the soft white sand—an excellent spot for surfing.
Return to the hotel. LUNCH
In the afternoon, we will visit a local Ranch, where we can find giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We will enjoy the country atmosphere and mild climate while observing these wonderful creatures to learn about their way of life on the island. Next, we will explore the Lava Tunnels: splendid volcanic formations that showcase the magnitude of the islands’ underwater volcanic origins. We will tour the interior accompanied by a naturalist guide who will provide fascinating insights into the site. Return to the hotel.
DAY 3: BAY TOUR: LOBERÍA, PLAYA DE LOS PERROS, LAS GRIETAS + SNORKELING
After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Galapagos Bay. Most of the tour is enjoyed aboard comfortable boats, featuring two guided nature walks of approximately 15–20 minutes each. With a total duration of 3 to 4 hours, this tour offers the perfect balance to connect with nature. The journey begins at La Lobería, a small island inhabited by sea lions. Here, you can snorkel among colorful fish and even swim alongside these curious animals. We then visit Love Channel, a secluded spot with turquoise waters and rock formations that create an intimate, photogenic atmosphere. At Playa de los Perros, you will observe large crabs and several marine iguanas surrounded by stunning landscapes. The tour continues to Shark Channel, where a walk along the ridge allows you to spot white-tip sharks in their habitat with a spectacular view of Santa Cruz. We conclude at Las Grietas, a crevice between lava walls where fresh and sea water mix, creating a crystal-clear pool ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
LUNCH – Return to the hotel.
DAY 4: TRANSFER OUT / BALTRA AIRPORT
INCLUDES
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Round-trip Airfare (GYE or UIO) CARRYON 10KG + CHECKED BAG 23KG
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Assistance at Baltra Airport
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Transfer IN/OUT – Galápagos.
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Land and Sea Transportation (According to itinerary).
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Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners.
- Lobito BUS round trip
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Accommodation – Selected Hotels (with and without a pool).
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Guaranteed and Authorized Galápagos National Park (GNP) Guides.
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Excursions, Land and Sea Visits (According to itinerary).
DOES NOT INCLUDE
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Payment with Current/Deferred Credit Card
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Transit Control Card $20 ADT-YCD-DIS-CHD (INGALA)
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Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee (GPS/SCY)
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Nationals: $30 ADT / $15 CHD-YCD-DIS (From August)
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General Foreigners: $200 ADT-YCD-DIS / $100 CHD
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Andean Community Foreigners: $100 ADT-YCD-DIS / $50 CHD
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Water Taxi $1 per pax (Combined Programs, Full Days to other Islands)
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Isabela Dock Usage Fee $5 NAC / $10 EXT (Only when a Full Day or Combined Tour with Isabela is done)
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Anything not detailed in the current program.
HOTEL CATEGORIES:
CATEGORY A: COSTA DEL PACIFICO, CASA DE FRAGATA, CARLIZA
CATEGORY B: GPS NATIVE, GPS ISLANDS, VERDE AZUL
CATEGORY C: CASA DE JUDY, GPS PARADISE, ESPAÑA, PALMERAS
CATEGORY D: LEÓN MARINO, PELICAN BAY, FERNANDINA, DEJA VU, TORTUGA BAY
CATEGORY E: BARRANCO ST, NINFA, VILLA LAGUNA, FIESTA
CATEGORY F: IKALA, ACACIA, BARRANCO VA
