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Home/Ecuador/Galapagos Islands/Santa Cruz Island (Isla Santa Cruz)

Explore Santa Cruz Island: Ultimate Galapagos Adventures

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Santa Cruz Island (Isla Santa Cruz), the heart of the Galapagos adventure. Discover a world of unparalleled biodiversity where you can witness iconic Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat, marvel at blue-footed boobies, and explore mysterious lava tunnels. Whether you are snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, hiking through lush landscapes, or embarking on a guided wildlife tour, Santa Cruz Island offers a once-in-a-lifetime connection to nature. From breathtaking marine life to stunning volcanic scenery, book your dream Galapagos expedition today and experience the magic of this pristine island paradise.

4.96/5 avg ratingFrom $127 per person10 unique experiencesExpert guides included

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.96★ average

Based on 78 pooled reviews with 82% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$223–$374 typical

Median price is $340, with a wide range up to $1,385

Best Value

Best Value

Wildlife Tours

Averages 4.97★ at $313, which is at or below typical pricing

Tour Duration

Tour Duration

3 hrs to 1.1 days

Median duration is 8 hours

Main Themes

Main Themes

Nature & Wildlife

Nature is the top theme at 80%, followed by Wildlife at 50%

Key Inclusions

Key Inclusions

Guides included

90% of tours include a guide, 40% include meals or hotel pickup

12 Products

Transfer Airport-hotel in Galapagos Santa Cruz with visit to Giant Tortoises

Transfer Airport-hotel in Galapagos Santa Cruz with visit to Giant Tortoises

3.5 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.84 (38 reviews)
94.94%
5.06%
Excellent tourexcellentgreat experience
Viator
$214
Book now
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Transfer Airport-hotel in Galapagos Santa Cruz with visit to Giant Tortoises
Summary

Optimize your time in Galapagos! By visiting the giant tortoise reserve and lava tunnels upon arrival you can save time and use it for other activities. Normally the transfer from the airport is direct and non-stop, the next day they take you back to the upper part of the island to visit the turtle...

Inclusions
  • Lava Tunnels Entrance
  • Bilingual guide certified by the Galapagos National Park
  • Private transportation from the Itabaca channel (Santa Cruz) to the hotel
  • Entrance visit giant tortoises
  • Transportation ticket from the Airport to the Itabaca channel
  • Itabaca channel ferry ticket.
Exclusions
  • Tips
  • Feeding
Itinerary
  • Canal de Itabaca
  • Santa Cruz
  • Rancho Primicias
  • Puerto Ayora
Good to know
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Bartolome Island Full Day Tour

Bartolome Island Full Day Tour

10 hrs
4.81 (21 reviews)
82.39%
17.61%
fantasticexcellent foodGreat tour
Viator
$378
Book now
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Bartolome Island Full Day Tour
Summary

Explore Bartolome Island with a full-day tour from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island). 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 capture the best of the la...

Inclusions
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Bilingual Professional Guide.
  • Snacks
Exclusions
  • Other services not specified.
  • Tips & Gratuities (optional)
Itinerary
  • My Tour Galapagos
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Not recommended for child aged 5 and under, A maximum of 2 people per booking
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

North Seymour Day Trip Galapagos

North Seymour Day Trip Galapagos

9 hrsEco-Friendly
5 (3 reviews)
95.24%
4.76%
delicious lunchknowledgeable and interestingvery comfortable
Viator
$360
Book now
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North Seymour Day Trip Galapagos
Summary

Take a full-day trip to one of the most beautiful uninhabited parts in Galapagos. The ideal spot to observe native Galapagos birds, the island is home to colonies of Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. This place is the chosen spot for birds mating rituals and nesting depending on the time of the...

Inclusions
  • Towels.
  • Bilingual Professional Guide.
Exclusions
  • Other services not specified.
  • Tips & Gratuities (optional)
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Bring your swimsuit
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Day Trip to South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora

Day Trip to South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora

8 hrs
5 (6 reviews)
100%
0%
Definitely recommendDiego excellentLoved
Viator
$355
Book now
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Day Trip to South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora
Summary

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. First you will visit Punta Carrión, where snorkel take place, which is just five minutes away from pier of Itabaca Canal, here...

Inclusions
  • Water Refill
  • Towel
  • Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
  • Snorkel Gear
  • Galapagos National Naturalist guide
  • Drop-off in Puerto Ayora's Main Pier
Exclusions
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Tips
  • Wetsuit
Itinerary
  • Canal de Itabaca
  • South Plaza Island
  • Malecon de Puerto Ayora
Good to know
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Vegetarian/Vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

The Galapagos Giant Tortoise Experience + Los Gemelos | Private

The Galapagos Giant Tortoise Experience + Los Gemelos | Private

3 hrsPrivate tourEco-Friendly
5 (5 reviews)
100%
0%
Great to seequite knowledgeablewonderful tour guide
Viator
$595
Book now
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The Galapagos Giant Tortoise Experience + Los Gemelos | Private
Summary

In Santa Cruz Highlands visit Los Gemelos - amazing volcanic sink holes for an ecosystem introduction.   Then stop at our private Giant Tortoise Reserve for un unique close wildlife encounter.   Finish with an underground walk through a Lava Tube and explore Galapagos from the inside ! A 3 - hour ...

Inclusions
  • Professional guide
  • Local taxes
  • Pickup and drop-off (1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters)
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks
Itinerary
  • Los Gemelos
  • Reserva El Chato
  • Santa Cruz
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults, Children must be accompanied by an adult, May be operated by a multi-lingual guide, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Galapagos - North Seymour Island Wildlife Snorkeling Tour + Lunch

Galapagos - North Seymour Island Wildlife Snorkeling Tour + Lunch

8 hrs
5 (2 reviews)
88.89%
11.11%
Viator
$325
Book now
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Galapagos - North Seymour Island Wildlife Snorkeling Tour + Lunch
Summary

Explore the rugged Black Rock Trails and snorkel off the coast of North Seymour Island on this guided full-day tour from Puerto Ayora. If you're heading to the Galapagos to experience wildlife up close and enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, this adventure is perfect for you. North Seymour Is...

Inclusions
  • Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish/English)
  • Meals (vegan and vegetarian menu available)
  • Transfer by boat Itabaca Channel - Seymour Island (round trip)
  • Transfer Puerto Ayora - Itabaca Canal (round trip)
  • Snorkeling equipment
Exclusions
  • Neoprene
  • Additional Services
  • Tips
Itinerary
  • Canal de Itabaca
  • Playa las Bachas
  • Puerto Ayora
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, No previous experience is required to do the snorkeling activity but it is essential to know how to swim to be able to do the tour. // The water temperature in the area where the snorkeling will take place allows the activity to be done without a wetsuit all year round.
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Giant Tortoises Private Tour of Galapagos Frontier Reserve

Giant Tortoises Private Tour of Galapagos Frontier Reserve

3 hrsPrivate tour
0
Viator
$303
Book now
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Giant Tortoises Private Tour of Galapagos Frontier Reserve
Summary

Experience our Giant Tortoises Private Tour of Galapagos Frontier Reserve! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of Ecuador as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of the Galapag...

Inclusions
  • Modern, air-conditioned private transportation
  • Professional local tour guide in Ecuador
  • Pick up and drop off at the city center or hotels
Itinerary
  • Santa Cruz
  • Galapagos Frontier
  • Santa Cruz
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Full Day Pinzon Island, Finishing in la Fe with Snorkeling

Full Day Pinzon Island, Finishing in la Fe with Snorkeling

7 hrsFree cancellation
5 (1 reviews)
100%
0%
Viator
$238
Book now
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Full Day Pinzon Island, Finishing in la Fe with Snorkeling
Summary

The island is inhabited mostly by giant endemic turtles, sea lions, Galapagos hawks, dolphins and marine iguanas, the Pinzón Galápagos Island offers some wonderful diving opportunities and allows you to get up close with a lot of marine life, like turtles , eels, eagle rays, marine iguanas, dolphins...

Inclusions
  • Lunch
  • Hotel Pick Up (Inside the Urban Perimeter of Puerto Ayora)
  • Use of Snorkeling Equipment ( Mask and fins)
  • Professional Guide
  • Transportation
Exclusions
  • Breakfast
  • Food and drinks (Unless specified)
  • Hotel Drop off
  • Wet suits is not included you must rent by yourself if you decide
Itinerary
  • Malecon de Puerto Ayora
  • Malecon de Puerto Ayora
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, This tour is on boat and we practice snorkeling activity, There no drop off in the hotel, the tour end in Puerto Ayora's Dock, Wet suits is not included you must rent by yourself if you decide
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Bartolome Island Tour & Snorkeling from Puerto Ayora, Galápagos

Bartolome Island Tour & Snorkeling from Puerto Ayora, Galápagos

10 hrsEco-Friendly
4 (2 reviews)
61.54%
38.46%
excellentgreat tour
Viator
$345
Book now
View Details
Bartolome Island Tour & Snorkeling from Puerto Ayora, Galápagos
Summary

With its unique volcanic formations, Bartolome Island is the Galapagos reef that will make you feel like you are on another planet. The Day trip to Bartolome island from Puerto Ayora will take you to one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the islands, you will only have to climb 400 steps to get...

Inclusions
  • Land transportation to/from Baltra Canal
  • Tea and coffee station
  • Lunch
  • Towels
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Bilingual Guide
Exclusions
  • Additional Services
  • Tips
Itinerary
  • Puerto Ayora
  • Canal de Itabaca
  • Bartolome
  • Sullivan Bay
  • Santa Cruz
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, No previous experience is required to do the snorkeling activity, but it is essential to know how to swim to be able to do the tour. // The water temperature in the area where the snorkeling will take place allows the activity to be done without a wetsuit all year round.
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Full Day Plazas & Carrion Point

Full Day Plazas & Carrion Point

8 hrs
0
Viator
$430
Book now
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Full Day Plazas & Carrion Point
Summary

In this tour we can observe Terrestrial Iguanas in their natural state and Hybrid iguanas (cross between a land iguana and a marine iguana) you can also observe a large colony of sea lions and beautiful landscapes.

Inclusions
  • Lunch
  • Hotel Pick Up (Inside the Urban Perimeter of Puerto Ayora)
  • Use of Snorkeling Equipment ( Mask and fins)
  • Professional Guide
  • Transportation
Exclusions
  • Breakfast
  • Food and drinks (Unless specified)
  • Hotel Drop off
  • Wet suits is not included you must rent by yourself if you decide
Itinerary
  • Malecon de Puerto Ayora
  • South Plaza Island
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Taking swimsuit, Wet suits is not included you must rent by yourself if you decide
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Santa Cruz Island (Isla Santa Cruz).

Canal del Amor
Learn more

Canal del Amor

350 m away • from $45

North Seymour Island (Isla Seymour Norte)
Learn more

North Seymour Island (Isla Seymour Norte)

17 km away • from $270

El Chato Tortoise Reserve (Reserva El Chato)
Learn more

El Chato Tortoise Reserve (Reserva El Chato)

18 km away • from $130

South Plaza Island
Learn more

South Plaza Island

21 km away • from $430

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Wildlife tours are the most common option across the platforms we compare, making up about 60% of available tours. Snorkeling tours account for 40%, and you'll also find day tours, adventure tours, and hiking options. Most tours (70%) are guided group experiences, though a few private guided tours are available if you prefer a smaller group or customized itinerary.

Most tours across the booking platforms we compare fall in the $223–$374 range, with a median price of $340. You'll find options ranging from $127 to $1,385 depending on duration, what's included, and tour type. Wildlife tours offer particularly strong value, averaging $313 while maintaining excellent ratings.

A guide is included in about 90% of tours. Around 40% include hotel pickup and drop-off, and the same proportion offer meals. Roughly 20% provide snorkel gear, and about 30% cover transportation. Most tours use boats to get around the island (70% of options), with some combining walking and bus transport.

Tours typically run between 3 hours and 1.1 days, with a median duration of around 8 hours. This usually gives you enough time to explore wildlife, visit key natural sites, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

About 20% of the options we compare are tagged as eco-friendly, so if sustainability is a priority, there are a few choices available. Keep in mind that platform eco-friendly tags are applied loosely, so it's worth checking the specific tour details to understand what environmental practices each operator follows.

Tours are rated 4.96 stars on average across 78 combined reviews from booking platforms, with roughly 82% of reviews being positive overall. Reviewers repeatedly highlight stunning scenery, delicious food, knowledgeable guides, and the overall quality of the experience. These consistent themes suggest the island delivers on its promise as a nature and wildlife destination.

All 10 options we compare offer instant confirmation, so you can secure your spot right away. About 30% offer free cancellation, giving you flexibility if plans change. Since wildlife and nature tours are popular, booking ahead helps ensure you get your preferred date and time slot.

You can take a ferry from Santa Cruz or Monterey, which operates daily. The journey takes 1-2 hours depending on departure location and sea conditions.

Yes, camping is available at Scorpion Ranch. You must reserve in advance through Island Packers, the official concessionaire, as permits are limited.

You'll see island foxes, bald eagles, and sea lions. Bring sun protection and stay on marked trails. The island has limited water sources, so bring plenty to drink.

North Seymour Island (Isla Seymour Norte)17.3kmEl Chato Tortoise Reserve (Reserva El Chato)17.7kmSouth Plaza Island20.6kmCharles Darwin Research Station (CDRS)23.5kmPlaya de los Alemanes24.5kmThe Cracks (Las Grietas)24.9kmTortuga Bay25.1kmBartolomé Island (Isla Bartolomé)36kmLas Tintoreras84.1kmIsabela Island90.4kmIsla Lobos93.6kmLeón Dormido (Kicker Rock)95.6km