Amazing Journey in Santa Cruz Island 5 Days 4 Nights

Welcome to Galapagos: Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

Private group

Welcome to the beautiful Santa Cruz Island! After arriving at Baltra Airport, your guide will be waiting for you to take you to Santa Cruz Island.

You will be amazed to see giant tortoises in the wild (in their natural habitat) with our first stop at a local farm in the highlands where there are dozens of giant tortoises, and you can wander around at will and enjoy a delicious lunch, to then continue to the port in Puerto Ayora to check into the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, effects of tourism on nature, etc., and the most famous place to see Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos where the animals are raised before being released into nature. The actual name of the tortoise area here is the “Fausto Llerena” Breeding Center, named after the Galapagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George. This is the best place in the Galapagos to view numerous different species and see how their tortoiseshell shapes have evolved differently to match the terrain and vegetation of the islands they are native to.

Meals included: Lunch

Overnight: Puerto Ayora- Santa Cruz Island.

Kayaking Adventure in Tortuga Bay & Afternoon Bay Tour of Santa Cruz Island

Small group

We have reserved kayaks for you, and our adventure stars! You will begin with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery, this stretch of coast is considered one of the archipelago's most picturesque spots.

Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close and admire the coastline from a different perspective—observing colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating coastal flora. You may spot interesting array of bird residing here; pelicans and finches are locals here, and near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you even may spot flamingos wandering.

After kayaking at the nearby cove, sunbathe on the beach before returning to Puerto Ayora.

In the afternoon you will be taken on a bay tour on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz, and visit one, or if time allows it, or more of these fantastic sites:

You will arrive at the small islet called La Lobería named for the great colony of sea lions where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.

Afterward, at the Shark Channel, you may spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies, you’ll come upon the Canal del Amor where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties. Taking a 10-minute walk you’ll see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: Puerto Ayora- Santa Cruz Island.

Adventure: Cycling at Cerro Mesa Reserva & Snorkeling at Garrapatero Beach

Private group

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up to enjoy a day at beautiful Garrapatero Beach on this eco-day trip from Puerto Ayora.

Bike across a lovely stretch of Santa Cruz Island to the protected Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve, where you can enjoy a guided nature walk and fantastic island views from a lookout, afterward enjoy a delicious lunch (included).

At Garrapatero Beach, relax with a waterfront picnic on the pristine white sand, venture into the crystalline waters on an optional kayak ride or snorkel and soak up the serene, unspoiled landscape populated by birds like flamingos and mallards. It is a perfect site with a white sand beach, you can see the flora and fauna native and endemic to the area, has a spectacular landscape and is surrounded by mangroves

You will return to your hotel for a well-earned rest for the night!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Puerto Ayora- Santa Cruz Island.

Exploring an Uninhabited Island

Small group

After a very early breakfast, today you will enjoy an amazing day trip to an uninhabited island.

Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the National Park, you'll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour where you will follow trails to discover their richness, while in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the waters around.

Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.

Lunch is included onboard, as well as walking and a snorkeling activity to maximize your experience. In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight:  Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island

Transfer to Airport on Baltra Island for your flight back to Mainland

If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a last stroll through Puerto Ayora.

At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross on a ferry. For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal, where your program ends with your return flight to the mainland.

Connect with your flight back home (Galapagos - Departure)

Upon arrival from the Galapagos Islands to Ecuador's mainland airport, you will connect on the same day with your international flight so you can return home with some everlasting memories.

See you next time!

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight:  -