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Santa Cruz Day Tours

The best Santa Cruz tours in Galapagos. Visit uninhabited islands like Bartolomé, have lunch with giant tortoises and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station during your time in Santa Cruz.

Bartolomé & Sullivan Bay From $410

Main activities: Snorkeling & hiking

Intensity: Easy – medium

Group size: 16 person max

Departing from Itabaca Canal onboard a luxury vessel, the tour starts with a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise out to the island of Bartolomé, hopefully spotting some dolphins or sea lions who come to play around the boat. The first stop is a hike along a path through volcanic rock and cacti to the top of the island for a spectacular view of Sullivan Bay. The tour then takes to the water to snorkel with Galapagos sea life such as white tip reef sharks, sea turtles and more. After snorkeling a hot lunch is provided onboard before returning to Santa Cruz.

North Seymour & Las Bachas From $410

Main activities: Snorkeling, swimming & walking

Intensity: Easy

Departing from Itabaca Canal onboard a luxury vessel, the tour follows the coast of Baltra Island to North Seymour. After landing on a sandy inlet, walk the path past marine iguana nesting areas. Then continue inward to the center of the island, observing sea lions, blue footed boobies and land iguanas. After a delicious lunch onboard, the tour then visits Bachas Beach, a beautiful white sandy shoreline to swim, snorkel or simply soak up the sun. A short distance inland are several lagoons where wading birds such as flamingos can be found. The tour then heads back to Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Highlands From $230

Main activities: Walking

Group size: Private tour

Begin either upon your arrival to Baltra Airport, or from downtown Puerto Ayora. After meeting your private Naturalist Guide, travel up to the Santa Cruz highlands and visit a giant tortoise ranch. Observe these incredible creatures up close, explore the underground lava tunnels and enjoy a restaurant lunch. Then head out to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Explore the visitor center, take the tortoise path, and learn about the conservation work being undertaken by Charles Darwin Foundation scientists.

South Plazas & Sombrero Chino From $410

Main activities: Snorkeling & walking

Departing Puerto Ayora onboard a luxury vessel, the tour takes the direct path to the island of Santa Fé. After anchoring in a beautiful bay, land on a small sandy beach that is home to a colony of sea lions. Following a short trail across the island, you will see land iguanas resting amongst Opuntia Cactus, as well as possibly spotting a Galapagos Hawk. Following the walk the tour dives into the water, snorkeling in the beautiful clear bay. Here is a chance to see sea turtles, sea lions and an abundance of fish. After snorkeling, enjoy a delicious hot lunch onboard before heading back to Puerto Ayora.

Tortuga Bay

Main activities: Swimming & walking

Intensity: Easy – medium

Tortuga Bay is a 2.5km walk along a paved walkway. Your private Naturalist Guide will point out animals seen along the walk such as mockingbirds, Galapagos finches and lava lizards. Upon arrival to Tortuga Bay you will first visit Playa Brava. This large white sandy beach is perfect for swimming or surfing, as well as observing animals such as marine iguanas, pelicans and perhaps a shark or ray in the shallows. Then walk along the beach and through the mangroves to Playa Manza, a protected inlet where you can swim and snorkel. For your return you can either choose to walk, or take a water taxi.

Fishing Charter

Main activities: Sea fishing, trolling & snorkeling

Group size: Private charter

This private charter can depart from either Puerto Ayora or Itabaca Canal. Departing from Puerto Ayora, the charter visits San Luis, Banco Ruso, Floreana and the Santa Fé eastern drop off. Departing from Itabaca Channel, the tour practices game fishing at the shore lines and underwater sea mounts of Bainbridge, Rabida, Tiburon Arrecho and La Draga.

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Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Home to the largest town in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora, the Island has a large variety of vegetation. Pit craters, Scalesia Forest, cacti and ferns are found in its vegetation zones. The island is comprised of a younger part formed by volcanic cones and lava and an older narrow strip of land formed by uplifted lava flows and tuffs.

Santa Cruz Fast Facts

• Santa Cruz is the only island with six different vegetation zones.
• Animals: Giant tortoises , land and marine iguanas , variety of birds
• Area: 380 sq. mi
• Highest Point: 2,834 ft

Santa Cruz Visitor sites:

Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of Galapagos with many restaurants, souvenir shops, discotheques, bars, internet coffee shops and other stores. The bay is a good location to spot brown pelicans, golden rays, marine iguanas, herons, lava gulls, frigate birds, Galapagos sea lions, and large numbers of blue-footed boobies.

• Highlights: Hammerhead shark babies, rays, sea turtles, sea birds
• Possible Activities: Dinghy ride
• Type of Landing: No Landing
• Difficulty: Easy

*Activities will be operated according to each boat itinerary.

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Carrion Point

Carrion Point creates a sheltered lagoon with beautiful, turquoise water. During this visit you can snorkel and see a variety of fish, rays and perhaps the harmless white-tip reef sharks. The point is on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island at the entrance of Channel of Itabaca.

• Highlights: Fish, rays, white-tip reef sharks
• Possible Activities: Panga ride

Charles Darwin Station / Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own. More about the Charles Darwin Research Station

• Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity
• Possible Activities: Walking
• Type of Landing: Dry landing

Garrapatero Beach

Situated on the northern side of Santa Cruz, El Garrapatero is a gorgeous sandy beach surrounded by mangroves. A fresh water lake behind the beach is home to flamingos, herons, stilts and other shore birds. The beautiful turquoise waters provide a good opportunity for swimming and snorkeling.

• Highlights: Gorgeous white sand beach, flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts
• Possible Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking

Lava Tunnels

The lava tunnels on Santa Cruz were formed as the outer skin of molten lava solidified but the liquid magma inside continued flowing, leaving behind a series of empty tubes. Visitors can walk through these underground channels, often more than a kilometer in length, and may have the opportunity to glimpse barn owls here.

• Highlights: Barn owls, finches

Tortuga Bay

The white-sand beach of Tortuga Bay gets its name from the black sea turtles that lay their eggs here. Other species to be seen include white-tip sharks and marine iguanas and the salt lagoon behind the mangroves is often frequented by flamingos. The site is excellent for bird watching and for enjoying a relaxing swim.

• Highlights: Beautiful white sandy beach, Galapagos green turtles, white-tip sharks, pelicans, ground finch
• Possible Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, bird watching
• Difficulty: Moderate (long)

Whale Bay is the site of one of the oldest whaling camps on Santa Cruz Island. It was to here and the other similar camps that the giant tortoises were brought before being loaded onboard the whalers and pirate ships. The semicircle beach is green in color, due to a high volume of olivine crystals. The curious Galapagos hawk can also found here.

• Highlights: Green beach
• Possible Activities: Galápagos hawks, Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas, Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies
• Type of Landing: Wet landing
• Difficulty: Difficult walking

Gordon's Rock

Located within a volcanic crater, this dive site is definitely not for beginners. With several pinnacles of rock, and often super strong currents blowing between these, the various currents can make this dive a tricky one. Famous for its hammerhead sightings, other amazing life is found here, like sting rays, manta rays, turtles and moray eels.

This partially submerged volcanic tuff cone has been referred to as "The Washing Machine" because of its strong currents. Oftentimes divers must grab hold of the rocky bottom or slope, and hold on, or crawl "front crawl style" in the direction of the dive plan.

• Highlights: Schools of hammerhead sharks
• Experience: Minimum advanced open water and 30 dives recommended. Experience in currents and surges.
• Depth: 7 m to 40 m (23 ft-131 ft). Average: 15 m to 30 m (49 -98 ft)
• Currents: Strong
• Average Water Temp: 17C-23C / 63F-73F
• Thermoclines: Moderate possibility
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Visibility: 7-20 meter average

Bachas Beach

Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, Las Bachas is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.

• Highlights: World War II remnants
• Possible Activities: Walking, swimming
• Type of Landing: Wet Landing

Black Turtle Cove

Black Turtle Cove is situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.

At 490m above sea level, Cerro Mesa provides an impressive view of the archipelago. It is an excellent location to observe numerous endemic plants as well as up to 7 species of finch and the vermillion flycatcher. The area is characterized by a persistent drizzle ('la garúa') that falls horizontally throughout 8 months of the year. The west side features the largest crater on Santa Cruz.

• Highlights: Spectacular views, finches, vermillion flycatcher, crater
• Possible Activities: Walking, bird watching

Dragon Hill

Situated on Santa Cruz Island, Dragon Hill is one of the newest visitor sites accessible to tourists in the Galapagos Islands. One of the lengthier Galapagos walking trails will lead visitors along a beach and up a trail to the lagoon lookout where bright flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas can be spotted. More about Dragon Hill

• Highlights: Land iguana nesting spot, Galapagos flamingos, common stilts, palo santo trees and cacti forest
• Possible Activities: Walking and hiking
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate: the trail may get muddy at times, and there is uneven rocky terrain.

Off the western coast of Santa Cruz Island, Eden Islet offers visitors a great chance to see a variety of Galapagos wildlife from the dinghy ride both on shore and under the water.

• Highlights: Endemic salemas , reef sharks, Nazca and blue footed boobies
• Possible Activities: Dinghy ride and snorkeling
• Type of Landing: No landing

Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the forest of Scalesia trees creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.

• Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild turtles, tortoises breeding center.
• Possible Activities: Hike (1.5 miles/ 2 ½ km)

Twin Craters

Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra . The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

• Highlights: Pit craters, Scalesia forest
• Possible Activities: Short hiking
• Difficulty: Moderate

Santa Cruz Pictures

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Galapagos Wildlife in Santa Cruz Island

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HIGHLANDS TOUR

Santa cruz island, highlands santa cruz tour.

Duration : 3 hours (aprox.)

Track: El Chato/Primicias, Lava Tunnels and Los Gemelos

Certified bilingual National Park Guide

This tour requires a minimum of 2 people

The Tour covers the main spotlights of the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island: El Chato Reserve or Primicias, the Lava Tunnels and Los Gemelos.

The best option to do this tour, is from the airport right after your arrival. To make the most of your time, we can schedule Highlands Tour right after leaving the airport, since the places we are going to visit are halfway from the Itabaca Canal to Puerto Ayora, where the Santa Cruz Island activity is concentrated. Highlands of Santa Cruz is a bit far away from the city so by doing the tour this way you take advantage of the 45 minute trip and stop to see the giant turltes, the lava tunnels and the Gemelos craters which are a very different and must see part of Galapagos.

In our instagram page video we have many videos like this one where you can see a quick summary of the tour.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de Galapagos Low Cost (@galapagoslowcost)

We will be waiting for you outside the airport with a sign with your name. From there, we will join you in the airport bus(Lobito) to Canal the Itabaca and in the boat that cross the Itabaca channel. The bus from the airport to Itabaca Channel has a price of $5 and the boat to cross Itabaca Channel has a cost of $1. This fees are directly paid to the airport and Itabaca channel personnel.

These is the itinerary of the Highlands Tour in Santa Cruz:

El Chato Reserve and Rancho Primicias

Both Rancho Primicias and El Chato are a private reserve on Santa Cruz Island where there is a large population of Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural and state. Within the reserve, there are natural trails full of vegetation where you can walk and and find along the way the giant tortoises . Inside the reserve you can also enjoy a delicious lunch of typical Ecuadorian food and take pictures with the shell of a giant tortoise .

The entrance fee to El Chato reserve and Rancho Primicias is $5.

Lava Tunnels

Santa Cruz lava tunnels are also part of the attraction of the Reserva el Chato. These tunnels are natural formations of past volcanic eruptions. It is an impressive path created by nature of approximately 2000 meters, but it can only be accessed until a height of 250 meters due to security measures.

Lava Tunnels visit is one of the reasons why Highlands tour is totally worth it. The natural cavern is impressive on the inside. It is humid, so it is recommended to wear sports shoes and walk with care since it can be a bit dark despite the lighting that has been placed.

Los Gemelos Santa Cruz

Los Gemelos in Santa Cruz are two craters that were formed when the islands were active and had a lot of volcanic activity that generated several eruptions. Los Gemelos are two large subsidence with very green areas. It is not allowed to eat in this area since the seeds can fall in the crater and germinate, as well as it is not recommended to get close to the edges of the crater.

The view from this point is impressive and you can admire the great dimension of these craters where at some point millions of years ago there was lava.

Here you can see endemic birds flying freely and observe the forest and vegetation as well.

After this tour we will take you to your hotel in Puerto Ayora so you can continue enjoying Santa Cruz Island.

Payment methods

Credit Card (6% extra charge)

Bank Transfer to local bank in Ecuador or Spain

Cash in our offices

TransferWise  ($10 charge)

Highlands Santa Cruz Tour Track

Do you have any questions?

Contact us! [email protected]

Tour details & recommendations

• It is recommended to take this tour just after leaving airport as it is on the road to Puerto Ayora. The upper part of the island is far from Puerto Ayora and  takes time to get there.
• Important to wear sports shoes, sun cap, water and sunscreen.
• It is not allowed to touch the turtles and you have to maintain the required distance. Do not alter your ecosystem!
• Tour availability : all year, every day.

WHAT IT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?

Naturist Guide bilingual

Car transportation, airport pick up and hotel drop off, book highlands tour.

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12 Best Tours from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands: Day Trips+

Find the best side trips from Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, ranging from 1 – 7 days each.

Santa Cruz Island is one of the most notable islands in the Galapagos archipelago. It’s the most populous island and also home to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. While Santa Cruz itself offers many fascinating attractions, it’s also a launchpad for numerous day trips to neighboring islands and sites.

These day trips from Santa Cruz promise unforgettable encounters with the archipelago’s unique flora and fauna, making Santa Cruz the ideal base for exploring the Galapagos Islands.

Let’s dive into some of the incredible day trips from Santa Cruz Island that might just make it onto your Galapagos itinerary.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from Santa Cruz

Besides spending time on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll want to use the island as a hub to explore nearby islands. Many of these side adventures can only be visited by day tours from Puerto Ayora or on a multi-day Galapagos cruise.

1. Santa Cruz Island Day Trip: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tubes, & Los Gemelos

Simplify your trip to Santa Cruz Island by joining a hassle-free 3-hour afternoon tour to three of the island’s top attractions . Together with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the impressive Los Gemelos volcanic formations, visit the local wildlife at the Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve, and capture memories as you journey through a lava tube.

Secure your spot in advance for this Santa Cruz Island tour. You’ll travel comfortably in air-conditioned transportation with a small group. Additionally, this trip includes complimentary entree to the Giant Tortoise Reserve.

2. Isabela Island Day Trip: Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos

Head to Isabela Island on a guided tour from Santa Cruz . On this tour, you’ll cruise the bay to spot Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies up close.

Then you’ll disembark on “Las Tintoreras,” an islet teeming with marine iguanas. You’ll head out on a nature walk to the shark channel, one of the favorite resting spots for whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.

Next, you’ll visit a remote white sand beach inhabited by sea lions, and enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, sharks, rays, and possibly penguins. Then, stroll through Isabela Island’s wetlands, spotting Galapagos flamingos, birds, and marine iguanas.

Explore the coconut palm beaches and observe marine iguanas, crabs, and birds at Playa Puerto Villamil. Lastly, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Arnaldo Tupiza to witness various tortoise life stages. The tour includes admission fees, providing the ultimate Isabela Island experience.

3. Santa Fe Island Day Trip: Snorkeling and Fishing

Take a look at this unforgettable tour to Santa Fe Island . It’s a prime snorkeling destination in the Galapagos. A short 45-55 minutes boat ride brings you to this tranquil bay with beautiful turquoise waters that resemble a natural swimming pool.

Dive into the water to encounter sea lions, as the lively and playful younger ones join snorkelers, creating a one-of-a-kind interaction. Beyond the sea lions, the underwater world in the Galapagos is filled with sea turtles, sharks, tropical fish, and eagle rays.

The birdlife is abundant too, with sightings of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, mockingbirds, and possibly even the Galapagos hawk. The island’s unique landscape contrasts the turquoise waters with dark lava rocks, cacti, and a white sand beach filled with sea lions.

After a delicious lunch, you’ll disembark at Hidden Beach, a quite stretch of white sand. Here, you can unwind, swim, or take a guided discovery walk to spot marine iguanas, pelicans, and mangroves. The return journey even offers the chance to try your hand at fishing from the boat. It’s a full day at Santa Fe!

4. Pinzon Island Day Trip: Snorkeling & Fishing

Set off on an exciting tour to Pinzon Island . Here you’ll have the chance to snorkel at one of Galapagos’ most breathtaking spots, revealing a mostly untouched underwater world.

Enjoy either two snorkeling sessions or one extended session, starting in a natural swimming pool before venturing into deeper blue waters. The water is teeming with diverse species, like sharks, sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas, and more.

As the second part of the tour, you’ll have the option for another snorkeling activity at La Fé or embark on a wet landing at La Fé Bay or Las Palmitas Bay.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll take a leisurely 45-60 minute discovery walk, encountering mangroves, cacti species, and captivating wildlife ,such as marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, and various bird species, including blue-footed boobies.

The tour to Pinzon Island from Santa Cruz also offers a chance for fishing. The goal being to catch the prized yellowfin tuna. A hot and freshly prepared lunch or ceviche will be served onboard, making for a satisfying and memorable day.

5. Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay Day Trip

Prepare for an exciting day trip to Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz! You’ll be picked up early at your hotel lobby and head to the Itabaca Channel. A comfy bus will take you to the channel, about a 40-minute ride.

Then, set sail to Bartolome Islet, a boat ride of 2-3 hours, depending on currents. Once Bartolome Islet is reached, you’ll disembark and hike around a volcanic cone to its summit. Enjoy taking in the stunning panoramic view alongside the iconic pinnacle.

After hiking, savor a delicious lunch on the boat before heading to the next stop, Sullivan Bay. Sullivan Bay is located just southeast of Santiago Island. Here you’ll disembark and explore the area which features cool geological formations.

Get ready for a 45-minute snorkeling adventure, where you might spot sea and land birds, fur seal colonies, and unique marine iguanas adapted to the terrain. As the day winds down, return to the Itabaca Channel and be transported back to Puerto Ayora.

6. Floreana Island Day Trip: Snorkeling and Fishing

Perhaps one of my favorites was discovering the remote island of Floreana Island. Tucked in the southern reaches of the archipelago, a day tour to Floreana Island from Santa Cruz is a must.

Despite being the least populated inhabited island in the Galapagos, with only around 150 residents, the day trip won’t take us to the inhabited part, but instead, to the beautiful Islet Enderby.

Here, you’ll cruise through a beautifully untouched corner of the archipelago, sharing space with sea lions and diverse bird species, including frigate birds, nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, petrels, and pelicans.

The adventure continues with a snorkeling session amid sea turtles, tropical fish, sea lions, and possibly rays and sharks. For those interested, you can try your hand at fishing with the chance to catch the ever-famous yellow-fin tuna.

Then you’ll disembark at Cormorant Point to the uninhabited part of Floreana Island. Following your naturalist guide, you’ll walk to a viewpoint offering stunning views of a lagoon inhabited by flamingos and framed by Floreana’s two tuff lava cones.

The journey continues to Flour Sand Beach, which is composed of coral. It’s the ideal spot to observe pelicans, sea lions, sea turtles, and other captivating wildlife. While en route to or from Floreana, you’ll pass the iconic Devil’s Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater resembling a crown.

7. Scuba Diving at Gordon Rocks Day Trip

If you’re a scuba diver, diving at Gordon Rocks is one of the best day trips from Santa Cruz Island. You won’t want to miss it. On this thrilling scuba tour from Santa Cruz, you’ll experience the underwater marvels of Gordon Rocks, one of the Galapagos Islands’ premier dive sites.

Depart from Puerto Ayora on a scenic boat ride to Santa Cruz’s northeast side. This is where the famous Gordon Rocks is located. With your guide by your side, you’re free to explore the subterranean world. While marine life may vary, keep your eyes open for hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays in their natural habitat. (It was my first time seeing hammerheads in the wild!)

With a small group, limited to eight participants, this dive trip offers an intimate, and safe, experience. You’ll also be served lunch onboard the boat. What are you waiting for? Get ready to experience the Galapagos Islands under the sea.

Check out the video from my scuba diving trip at Gordon Rocks!

Multi-Day Trips from Santa Cruz

While there are plenty of exciting day trips from Santa Cruz Island, there are also a number of multi-day options available. These allow you to set sail and experience some of the best of the Galapagos Islands, all from Santa Cruz. No additional planning needed! They take care of all of the logistics!

Take a look at these 5 and 7 day tours of the Galapagos Islands from Santa Cruz.

5 Day Eastern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Baltra and South Plaza Islands
• Day 2: Santa Fe and San Cristobal Island
• Day 3: San Cristobal Island
• Day 4: Española Island
• Day 5: Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands

Your 5 day Galapagos Cruise adventure begins on Baltra Island, a former military base during World War II, now serving as an Ecuadorian naval and air force station.

From here, you’ll venture eastward along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands, eventually reaching the Plazas Islands. The adventure starts with a dry landing at a manmade jetty on South Plaza Island.

On the following day, you’ll explore Santa Fe Island and San Cristobal Island, the provincial capital of the Galapagos. Then, you’ll sail south to Española Island, which is home to the remarkable site: Punta Suarez.

Here, you’ll wander along the rugged coastline, encountering hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and possibly albatross (depending on the time of year). It’s the trip of a lifetime!

5 Day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

• Day 1: Baltra and Santa Cruz Islands
• Day 2: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
• Day 3: Santa Cruz and Santiago Islands
• Day 4: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 5: Baltra Island

This 5 day cruise starts on Santa Cruz Island , where you’ll explore the highlands and then visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.

The following day you’ll have panoramic views from Bartolome Island and explore Sullivan Bay’s white coral sand beach, with a dramatic lava field to traverse.

Next, you’ll venture to Dragon Hill, the habitat of dusty-yellow land iguanas. After this adventure, Punta Vicente Roca awaits, teeming with wildlife encounters.

Later, your yacht takes you to the youngest island in the Galapagos archipelago, Fernandina. It’s celebrated as having one of the most pristine environments on Earth and can only be reached by cruise.

5 Day Northern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands
• Day 2: Santa Cruz and Sombrero Chino Island
• Day 3: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
• Day 4: Genovesa Island

Take a journey to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos on this 5 day cruise . Your adventure begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous island of the Galapagos archipelago. Here, you’ll meet giant tortoises in their natural habitat and venture to the shores of Eden Islet.

From there, you’ll hop over to the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the iconic sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolome Island. Here you’ll follow its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach, and great snorkeling spots.

Close-by, Sullivan Bay gives you a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the islands. Your cruise ends with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa. It’s far up in the northeast of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds. It’s also only accessible via Galapagos cruise boats.

7 Day Southeastern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

• Day 2: San Cristobal Island
• Day 3: Española Island
• Day 4: Floreana Island
• Day 5: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 6: Santa Cruz and North Seymour Islands
• Day 7: Baltra Island

Set out on a 7 day cruise through Galapagos’ Southeastern Islands , where magnificent landscapes and endemic wildlife await! Day one introduces you to Cerro Colorado’s giant tortoises. Then, at Punta Pitt, an exciting assortment of booby species welcomes you.

On the third day of your Galapagos tour, a visit to Española Island brings you face-to-face with magnificent wildlife, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas!

As day four dawns, you’ll find yourself on Floreana Island, with historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach awaiting you. Continuing westward, you’ll travel over young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the mangroves of southern Fernandina.

Your Galapagos adventure culminates with a morning visit to Eden Islet and an afternoon wander across the picturesque North Seymour Island.

7 Day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Baltra and North Seymour Islands
• Day 2: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 3: Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove
• Day 4: Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands
• Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
• Day 6: Floreana Island

This 7 day Galapagos cruise itinerary will transport you to the very origins of the archipelago. In the blink of an eye, the Galapagos Islands emerged from a volcanic hot spot where a monumental tectonic shift of the Earth’s crust happened. It resulted in a landscape of unparalleled beauty which you’ll be exploring over 7 days.

One of the highlights is heading to Fernandina Island, hailed as a pristine haven. This untouched island showcases life evolving without human interference.

Next, on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Venturing south, flamingos will catch your eye, and you’ll snorkel at the renowned Champion Islet.

It’s a fun filled itinerary, reaching some of the harder to reach islands in the Galapagos.

Explore More of the Galapagos Islands

Santa Cruz Island serves as a fantastic starting point for some of the most memorable tours in the Galapagos Islands. Whether you’re interested in exploring the highlands, seeing the giant tortoises, or venturing to nearby islands for snorkeling and wildlife encounters, Santa Cruz offers awesome tour options.

From day trips to multi-day adventures from Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty that the Galapagos are renowned for. So, when planning your visit to the Galapagos, don’t miss the chance to discover the best tours departing from Santa Cruz Island.

Continue planning your Galapagos trip with these helpful resources.

• How to Travel to the Galapagos Islands on a Budget
• The True Cost of Traveling the Galapagos Islands: A Budget Breakdown
• 6 Critical Things To Know Before Going to the Galapagos Islands

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The founder of The Cure for Curiosity, Julia is a North Carolina based, travel addict who has followed her curiosity to 95+ countries. Whether it’s crawling through the Pyramids of Egypt, climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, or diving the Blue Hole in Belize, she's always on the go, and she wants to help you travel more and travel better by sharing what she's learned along the way, from travel tips  and packing lists to destination specific details.

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Tour de Bahia Galapagos explora la Isla Santa Cruz. 2024

Embarcarse en El Tour de Bahía Galapagos es embarcarse en un viaje de maravillas y aventura. Atraviese cinco sitios diferentes alrededor de Bahía Academia , ubicada en la pintoresca Isla Santa Cruz , y sienta la brisa mientras navega por las aguas durante apenas 15 minutos hasta la primera parada. La mayor parte del viaje se pasa a bordo de comodas embarcaciones , con dos oportunidades para caminatas naturales que duran aproximadamente entre 15 y 20 minutos cada una. Agregando emociones, hay dos actividades de snorkeling, una en las místicas grietas y otra en una bahía prístina. El tour dura entre 3.hoars  a 4 horas, lo que le brinda un tiempo amplio para absorber la belleza de este destino.  El Tour de Bahía les lleve en un viaje que nunca olvidarán

Tour de Bahia Galapagos explora Isla Santa Cruz 2024

Caminata y fotografia

Playa de los Perros

 El tour Bahía ofrece una oportunidad única en la vida para explorar uno de los lugares más hermosos e impresionantes del mundo. Tal vez te preguntes qué lo hace tan especial. Bueno, una de las paradas más impresionantes del tour es la magnífica Playa de Los Perros. El paisaje es hermoso y querrás capturar el momento con tu cámara. Imagina tomarte un refrescante baño y luego recostarte bajo el cálido sol mientras contemplas el único cactus Opuntia que se encuentra solo en las islas Galápagos. Es un placer visual. ¡No dudes más, prepara tus maletas y vamos! Ya seas un espíritu aventurero o simplemente alguien que ama un buen viaje por carretera, el tour Bahía tiene algo para todos. Entonces, ¿qué estás esperando? ¡Comienza a planificar tu aventura hoy!

Snorkeling y Fotografia

Las Grietas

Imagina nadar en  Las Grietas en la Isla Santa Cruz , una de las atracciones más impresionantes esperando ser descubiertas. Nuestro viaje comienza con un encantador paseo de 5 minutos desde el muelle de Franklin, donde deleitaremos nuestros ojos con una impresionante formación de roca volcánica, una verdadera maravilla de la naturaleza. Al final del sendero, una piscina natural de belleza incomparable nos dará la bienvenida, invitándonos a tomar un refrescante baño en sus cristalinas aguas. Prepárate para ser transportado a un mundo de maravillas mientras exploramos este lugar mágico y nos acercamos a los peces multicolores durante nuestra increíble aventura de snorkeling. Es una oportunidad para capturar impresionantes fotos que durarán toda la vida y crear memorias inolvidables juntos. ¡No pierdas la oportunidad de descubrir los tesoros ocultos de Isla Santa Cruz y hagamos de esta aventura una experiencia inolvidable!

paisajes y fotografias

Canal del Amor

Las Islas Galápagos albergan algunas de las maravillas naturales más impresionantes del mundo, y el Canal del Amor en la Isla Santa Cruz es un ejemplo perfecto. Con sus aguas turquesas cristalinas y un entorno impresionante, los visitantes no pueden evitar sentir que han sido transportados al paraíso. Sin embargo, no son solo las vistas espectaculares las que hacen que el Canal del Amor sea tan especial. Esta área también rebosa de una fauna magnífica, que incluye aves como piqueros y fragatas, que se elevan sin esfuerzo a través de los cielos azules y nítidos. Hay pocas cosas más pacíficas que dar un paseo tranquilo por el Canal del Amor, rodeado de la belleza y la serenidad de la naturaleza. Este es el lugar perfecto para reflexionar y relajarse, y cualquiera que lo visite seguramente se irá sintiéndose inspirado y rejuvenecido. Así que no pierdas la oportunidad de presenciar uno de los tesoros más sorprendentes de la naturaleza y deja que la visión del Canal del Amor te deje sin palabras.

mirador y fotografias 

CANAL DE TIBURONES

¿Estás buscando una aventura emocionante? ¿Una donde puedas encontrarte cara a cara con algunas de las criaturas más majestuosas del océano? ¡Entonces necesitas visitar el Canal de Tiburones! Este impresionante lugar de observación es hogar de los impresionantes tiburones de arrecife de punta blanca, también conocidos como Tintoreras, quienes adoran venir aquí a descansar y relajarse. Es una oportunidad verdaderamente increíble para ver estas poderosas criaturas de cerca y personalmente, y para presenciar su belleza en su hábitat natural. Mientras observas a estos tiburones deslizarse por las cristalinas aguas, te llenarás de una sensación de maravilla y asombro ante las impresionantes criaturas que habitan en nuestro planeta. ¡Así que, si estás listo para una experiencia inolvidable, visita el Canal de Tiburones y permíteles a estas cautivadoras criaturas inspirarte a apreciar las maravillas del mundo que nos rodea!

SNORKELING PUNTA ESTRADA

¿Estás listo para una aventura inolvidable durante nuestra impresionante aventura de snorkeling en la Bahía de Punta Estrada tendrás la oportunidad de sumergirte en las tranquilas aguas turquesas y experimentar de primera mano la impresionante vida marina. Observa los magníficos peces tropicales nadando justo ante tus ojos, majestuosas tortugas marinas que se deslizan perezosamente por el agua e incluso tiburones arrecifales deslizándose . Maravíllate con la belleza de estas criaturas increíbles y deja que sus movimientos inspiren tu alma.

Prepárate para un viaje que despertará un profundo sentido de apreciación por la maravillosa diversidad de la naturaleza mientras experimentas de primera mano la maravilla del mundo submarino. Esta es una oportunidad para crear recuerdos inolvidables e sumergirte en las maravillas del mundo que nos rodea. ¡No esperes más para reservar tu aventura hoy y deja que la naturaleza capture tu corazón de maneras que nunca pensaste posible!

¡Echa un vistazo a nuestros precios 

Choose Your Suitable Plan

Barco basico.

lancha pequeña 3 barcos disponibles

• Guia en ingles y español
• capasidad 16 pasajeros
• Mascara y tubo
• por la mañana 9:00 AM
• por la tarde 2:00 PM
• DURACION 3 HORAS

Barco Regular

lancha con fondo de vidrio 1 barco pequeño disponible

• capacidad 16 pasajeros
• mascara y tubo
• DURACION 4 HORAS

Barco Deluxe

lancha grande 2 barcos grande disponible

• mascara, tubo y wetsuit
• Duracion 4 Horas

FOTOS DEL TOUR DE BAHIA 

Testimonials

Positive Reviews From Clients

Es tour perfecto para conocer lo más cercano de Pto.Ayora sin tener que salir todo el día puesto que no dura más que una mañana, así que si te ordenas podrías en la tarde salir a otro lugar. Poder nadar con lobos marinos en Playa los perros o lanzarte clavados en las grietas son opciones que puedes hacer en este recorrido que tiene un valor apox. de u$30 por persona, además podrás tener buenos avistamientos de piqueros patas azules, iguanas marinas o lobos de Mar entre otras especies, recomendado totalmente.

La pasamos genial en los tours y aprendimos mucho. El tour de bahia estuvo fantastico y conocimos el canal del amor, las grietas, la playa de los perros y otros lugares muy bellos.

Gracias a Roberto Haro quien nos atendió de maravilla!! Su equipo muy capacitado y amable !! Nos fuimos hasta las grutas en el bote con fondo de vidrio... vimos animalitos nadar por ahí durante nuestro paseo. Definitivamente la mejor opción porque te da algo diferente al resto ♡ Sobretodo se nota que AMAN lo que hacen ♡ y eso se siente!! No tuvimos que preocuparnos por el equupo para hacer snorkle, pues lo proporcionaron...Y quedamos encantados!! No hay duda que cuando regresamos a Santa Cruz vamos a volver a contar con AquaTours! Excelente en Todo!! Gracias por brindarnos una de las mejores experiencias de nuestras vidas!!

"Planifica tus vacaciones".

Let's get in, tour de bahia galapagos.

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• +593 (99) 656 6630
• +593 (95) 9010010
• AV:Charles Darwin y 12 de Octubre
• 07.00 AM - 19.00 PM

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• Pago con Targeta de Credito

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Playa de los perros

Bartolome and Sullivan Bay Tour From Santa Cruz Island

$340 per person

• Santa Cruz Island
• Bartolome Island

BARTOLOME ISLAND TOUR

Bartolome is an island, located off the east coast of Santiago. It is named after Sir Bartholomew James Sullivan, a lifelong naturalist friend of Charles Darwin. Due to its gorgeous panoramic views, Bartolome is one of the most popular visitor sites in the Galapagos archipelago. This island offers one of the most amazing landscapes in Galapagos featuring an extinct volcano and a variety of orange, green, red and black volcanic formations.

Operation days

Departure time.

5:30 - 7:00

8 - 10 hours

Type of service

Tuesdays to Sundays

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Bartolome is a volcanic tuff island, which has the most impressive natural viewpoint of the Galapagos.
• The ascent to the viewpoint is easy and quick.
• Pinnacle rock, which is the most photographed landscape in the Galapagos, is located in the east of Bartolome Island.

TOUR ITINERARY

The Bartolome Island day tour begins early in the morning to take advantage of the best hours of light. We will travel from Puerto Ayora by van or bus to the Itabaca channel, where our boat will be waiting for us to sail to Bartolome Island.

Once in Bartolome Island, we will disembark for a short walk that will allow us to reach the island’s natural viewpoint, with a height of 115 meters above sea level. From here we can enjoy a 360-degree view, which includes views of the nearby islands and the famous Pinnacle Rock. Besides spectacular views, Bartolome Island has an intriguing geological past. The island’s exact age hasn’t been able to be determined, but based on its characteristics; it is considered one of the youngest islands in this area. From the viewpoint, it is also possible to appreciate other interesting formations, such as the parasitic cones, formed by prior lava eruptions.

This Bartolome Island day tour includes, besides the viewpoint, another visit to the nearby beaches: the north beach, where we will be able to enjoy the sea; the south beach, where we will be able to go on a walk to observe rays and blue sharks; however, swimming or snorkeling is not allowed in this beach because it is nesting site for sea turtles.

To finish the day, we will visit Sullivan bay, which is located next to Bartolome Island. This bay features an interesting recently formed lava field. We will snorkel in the bay’s calm waters. After this visit, we will return to Puerto Ayora.

Activities: Walking, swimming, snorkeling (superficial diving) and wildlife observation.

Wildlife: Blue sharks, lava heron, zayapas (Galapagos crab), Galapagos Gavilan, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, among others.

Departure Location: Hotel pick up or Meeting Point (depends on provider at the moment of booking).

Return Location: Hotel pick up or Meeting Point (depends on provider at the moment of booking).

TOUR DETAILS

What to bring:.

• Hiking & water shoes
• Bathing suit
• Water bottle

Please Note:

To participate in this tour, you must be at san Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) one day prior to departure.

The itinerary might change due to regulations of the Galapagos National park or weather conditions.

Please consider that in order to protect the environment of the Galapagos Islands, the Government of Ecuador has banned the use of shopping plastic bags, plastic straws and polyethylene containers in the Archipelago. Visitors to the islands are not allowed to bring these objects with them. This measure is effective as of May 2018.

We thank you for collaboration in protecting the Galapagos pristine ecosystem.

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

• English/Spanish Naturalist Guide
• Snorkeling equipment – (fins, mask and snorkel)

NOT INCLUDED:

• Gratuities (optional)
• Alcoholic beverages

High season rates apply on the following dates:

• February 22, 23, 24 and 25
• April 10, 11, 12
• June 25 until August 31
• November 01 until November 04
• From December 26 until January 6

PASSENGER'S REVIEWS

“A wonderful walk on a fully boarded walkway to the top of the island gives you the best views of the islands. The waters were crystal clear for snorkeling, take plenty of water and sturdy shoes “– Michelle. North Carolina, USA.

RECOMMENDED TOURS IN SANTA CRUZ

NORTH SEYMOUR TOUR

SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS AND GARRAPATERO

BARTOLOME ISLAND TOUR FROM SANTA CRUZ, GALAPAGOS

Home > Galapagos > Santa Cruz > Bartolome Island Tour

• Last Updated: July 9, 2024

The Bartolome Island Tour is the most iconic tour you can do on the Galapagos islands.

You will go on a gorgeous sailing ship starting at Santa Cruz island, passing through the Daphne islands, and arrive at the beautiful Bartolomé island, almost an islet from Santiago island.

With luck, you might spot some penguins as we did and then you go snorkel on one of the paradisiac beaches in the near.

Travel Guide, Itineraries, Map, Local Tips

Get access to my curated list of all the best viewpoints,  hiking trails, secret waterfalls, diving spots, wildlife  tours, accommodations, and more, that will make your trip to Ecuador and The Galapagos unforgettable.

All of this, in an interactive guide featuring a mobile-friendly map, pre-designed itineraries, all my favorite photos, and helpful travel tips to guide your journey in this amazing unexplored country.

If you want personalized advice write me in-app and we can plan it together.

BARTOLOME ISLAND TOUR DETAILS

This tour can only be done with a tour agency:

• Highlights:  The viewpoint on top of Bartolomé island to the Playa Dorada beach, The Pinnacle Rock, Penguins spotting, and snorkeling.
• Starting time: 5:30 – 7:00 am (depends on the agency)
• Duration: Full day.
• Price:  200$ USD. 
• Agency/Guide: Galapagos Dreams.

BARTOLOME ISLAND TOUR curiosities

The name of the island comes from Charles Darwin’s friend Bartholomew James Sullivan who was the principal surveyor and second lieutenant aboard the HMS Beagle .

Bartolomé is a volcanic tuff islet on the east side of Santiago island.

It is the most photographed place in the Galapagos archipelago.

The most iconic part of the island is the Pinnacle Rock.

According to the official Galapagos Conservancy website , the Pinnacle Rock is a volcanic cone , it was formed when magma was expelled from an underwater volcano; the sea cooled the hot lava, which then exploded, only to come together and form this huge rock made up of many thin layers of basalt”

American airmen troops used the pinnacle as a target during WWII .

It is one of the younger islands in the Galapagos archipelago.

The Pinnacle Rock appeared in the movie Master and Commander , with Russel Crowe.

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HOW TO DO THE BARTOLOME ISLAND TOUR?

You have to book the tour with a travel agency. I booked with Galapagos Dreams and they picked me up at my hotel at 6 am.

Yes, 6 am. If you come to the Galapagos and don’t want to spend your entire day at the beach, expect the tours to start around that time.

Especially diving tours and tours that you need to drive a long way so they can start, like this one.

The van picks you up and some other people in the other hotels and drives all the way through the island until it reaches the Itabaca Channel, from where the ferries to Baltra island depart, the boats to the diving spots, and the one to Bartolomé.

BOOK YOUR TOUR ONLINE WITH VIATOR

Travel Insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance! With Heymondo , get coverage for medical emergencies, delays, theft, cancellations, and lost luggage. Enjoy 24/7 worldwide assistance and a handy online medical chat service. As a reader of The Portuguese Traveler, you get a special 5% discount. Get your Heymondo insurance here.

What clothing and equipment should i bring to do the Bartolome Island Tour?

Clothing & Accessories:

• Tshirt: Breathable Tshirt (Tech or Merino), or a Lycra
• Jacket: Waterproof Jacket
• Shorts: Shorts , and  Swimming Clothes  
• Shoes: Hiking Shoes , and Flip Flops
• Dry-fast Towel
• Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
• Change of Clothes

Useful Extras:

• GoPro / Camera
• First-Aid Kit – Extra Sea Sickness Medication and Mosquito Repellent
• Sunscreen 50 SPF
• Food / Snacks
• Thermos  or  Water-filtering Bottle

Check out my complete guide on What’s in My Backpack – From photography gear, and clothing for Hiking, Mountaineering, Scuba Diving, Rainforest, and City-Street Photography.

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE BARTOLOME ISLAND TOUR FROM SANTA CRUZ, GALAPAGOS

This was my fifth day on Santa Cruz island, I had already seen most of the island and I was almost fully recovered from my food poisoning from two days ago.

This is therefore the third island I visited on the Galapagos and I was based in Santa Cruz so it was a Full Day tour.

Here I leave you with the other attractions you can find on the gorgeous Santa Cruz island. You can also  (click here)  to see my other adventures in Ecuador.

THE SAILING SHIP EXPERIENCE

After picking me up at 5:30h we went to pick up some other people at their hotels and we drove off for 1 hour to Itabaca Channel. 

Once we got there we got on a  rubber boat that took us to our big sailing ship. 

Inside we were greeted by the crew and started the trip to Bartolomé Island.

As soon as we got in we left our shoes in a container, dropped our backpacks and went for breakfast inside the ship.

One hour after starting the trip we passed through Daphne Mayor and Daphne Minor islands.

Two hours later we reached Bartolomé Island. It is a 3-hour ride. There wasn’t much wind so we didn’t use the sails.

On the way, you can go to the front of the ship and observe, together with the guide, jumping manta rays, turtles, many different birds, and flying fishes.

Our guide was specially trained in spotting wildlife which was great.

Once we arrived at Bartolomé Island we went down from the ship to the same rubber boat from the start and we were dropped at a little port full of Grapsus Grapsus orange crabs.

EXPLORING BARTOLOME ISLAND

Once we arrived at the island we immediately spotted a lonely penguin swimming around and many orange crabs, what a delight. 

The main attraction on this island is the viewpoint at the top of the island but for me the entire environment is unbelievable.

You are dropped on a volcanic desertic yellow-brownish landscape surrounded by blue-turquoise water full of colorful crabs and white moss-like plants. 

Then we started climbing to the viewpoint and the guide starts explaining to us about these incredibly resistant plants and some cacti that live with almost no water.

It’s a really arid landscape so it’s impressive that there’s life at all on the island. We could spot some lava lizards too.

Along the way, you see volcanic cones, or collapsed ones, and lava tunnels. He told us when he was young and there weren’t many restrictions in Galapagos he could go inside these volcanic cones with his friends and clients.

He showed us that most of the rocks you see look quite big and heavy but are actually very light.

After climbing for let’s say half an hour with stops we arrived at the viewpoint and stood there appreciating and taking some photos.

You could see from up there how huge Santiago island is in the background and it has a much different landscape than Bartolomé.

It’s very green and it had had a quite “recent” eruption so you could see the lava flow on its shores.

Then it was time to go down and do some snorkeling.

SNORKELING AROUND THE ISLAND AND THE RETURN TO SANTA CRUZ

And to conclude our tour we went snorkeling between Bartolomé and Santiago islands.

We saw so much life, comparable to a scuba dive day really. 

There were multiple black and whitetip reef sharks, huge schools of fish, turtles, many many gorgeous starfish, and penguins.

There was a cave with four or five sleeping blacktip reef sharks, there were many king angelfish and yellow-tailed surgeon fish, some puffer fish, incredible really.

The coolest and most unexpected thing I saw while snorkeling was the lava tunnels underwater.

That I had never seen, even scuba diving. Amazing, it looked like man-made structures.

And that was it, after snorkeling, we went back to the boat and had again a 3-hour journey back to Santa Cruz. This was by far one of the coolest tours I have done on the Galapagos. Totally worth the money.

What about you, have you already done the Bartolomé Island full-day tour? Leave me a comment down here if you have and what was your opinion.

Thanks for reading through and I hope you have fun on this tour!

I’ll drop a couple of my other favorite photos from the tour down below, enjoy!

BARTOLOME ISLAND TOUR THE SAILING SHIP EXPERIENCE

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ALL THINGS GALAPAGOS

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20 Best Hotels in Santa Cruz, Galapagos

15 Best Hotels in San Cristobal, Galapagos

20 Best Beaches in Galapagos (All the Islands)

6 Best Hikes in The Galapagos Islands

22 Best Galapagos Islands Tours

39 Best Snorkeling Spots in The Galapagos

24 Best Dive Sites in The Galapagos

80 Best Things To Do in The Galapagos

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Compártelo en redes directamente con tu id y nombre de campaña

Islas Galápagos

Últimas opiniones.

Super buena la experiencia, la Lancha estaba como nueva super comoda y gente muy atenta, fueron muy cuidadosos con mi equipo de trabajo(camaras). Y sin dudas los volveria a contratar para el resto de mi viaje

Tour muy bien organizado, súper puntual y bastante disponible. El Capitan del barco al verme asustada al comenzar la actividad de nadar con los tiburones se ofreció a darme la mano (era el quien nos guiaba por el canal) y así estuvimos durante toda la travesía del snorkeling, manito con manito. De verdad que muchísimas gracias!!! Una experiencia inolvidable!! La recordaré toda la vida! Les recomiendo hacer este tour y con este operador (Isabela Insular) al 100% =D

Tour muy bien organizado y súper puntual. El guía nos explicaba cada detalle a medida que avanzábamos en el tour

Traslado entre Santa Cruz y San Cristóbal

Excursión a la reserva de tortugas gigantes El Chato

Tour por la Estación Científica de Charles Darwin

Traslado entre Isabela y Santa Cruz

Excursión a Las Grietas y playa de los Alemanes

Paseo en barco por Isla Santa Cruz

Excursión a Los Túneles

Excursión a Isla Isabela

Tour por las minas de azufre de Isla Isabela

Transporte entre el Aeropuerto de Galápagos y la Isla de Santa Cruz

Tour por la Reserva Galápagos Frontier + Túneles de lava

Excursión a la Isla Bartolomé

Excursión a Las Tintoreras

Tour por la parte alta de la Isla de San Cristóbal

Snorkel en Isla Santa Fé

Excursión a Isla Floreana

Excursión a la Isla Seymour

Tour por la parte alta de la Isla Santa Cruz

Excursión a Bahía Tortuga

Circuito de 5 días por las islas Santa Cruz e Isabela

Inicia sesión para añadir actividades a tus favoritos y acceder desde cualquier dispositivo

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Responsable del tratamiento: CIVITATIS TOURS, S.L. (CIVITATIS). Finalidad: Prestación de los servicios solicitados; Remisión de comunicaciones comerciales sobre los productos y servicios de CIVITATIS, para lo que se podrán elaborar perfiles comerciales de nuestros clientes; Remisión de encuestas con el objeto de valorar los servicios ofrecidos y su grado de satisfacción, así como la publicación de las opiniones sobre el servicio recibido; Cumplimiento de las obligaciones de índole contable, legal, fiscal y administrativa; Publicación de las imágenes de los clientes y Tratamiento de datos para fines estadísticos. Derechos: Tiene derecho a acceder, rectificar y suprimir los datos, a la limitación de su tratamiento, a oponerse al mismo y a su portabilidad. Información Adicional: Puede consultar la información adicional sobre Protección de Datos en las Condiciones Generales de Contratación .

Going to the Galápagos Islands on a Group Tour? Here's What to Know

H ere are the ins and outs of visiting the action-packed Galápagos Islands on a group-travel itinerary, according to one mom who just got back.

It was a typically warm April day at La Lobería beach in San Cristóbal, one of the 13 main Galápagos Islands . I was snorkeling behind a blue-barred parrotfish, hypnotized by the sound of it crunching on coral, when I felt a tug on my hand. I turned to find my seven-year-old son, Remy, pointing out a diamond stingray. A moment later, we both spotted a green sea turtle. Wowed but eager for more, Remy flapped his fins and we were off, chasing creatures he’d only ever seen in wildlife documentaries. The trip, I had to admit, was going swimmingly.

Remy has long been a big nature enthusiast, with an eye for animals and a heart for conservation. So my husband and I decided that, as a birthday present, we’d treat our son to a trip to the Galápagos . 

I’m usually the type-A, take-the-wheel planner of our family’s trips, which have included many #vanlife adventures in our Ford Transit. But this time I decided to hand off the logistics to someone else: we booked an eight-day group tour with Intrepid Travel , because of its kid-friendly itinerary. We also liked that Intrepid is certified as a B Corp and partners with the Galápagos Conservancy. Then there was the chance to meet other families — something we don’t often get to do when we’re traveling on our own.

When we touched down in Quito to rendezvous with our group, though, I was disappointed to learn that only one other family would be traveling with us. I had envisioned a mini United Nations of kids from around the world. Instead, we’d be traveling for a week with just one other couple, from Erie, Pennsylvania, and their eight-year-old twins.

Turns out, Intrepid had already filled one 16-person group tour and had created a second, smaller departure just for us. I’ll admit to some apprehension about being in such an intimate group. But within a couple of days, the kids were playing like old friends, bonding over Pokémon and imagined battles between prehistoric species. One evening along the malecón in Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s largest town, the children made up their own rap song as sea lions barked rhythmically on a nearby beach. I was pleased for Remy, who said he enjoyed traveling with the twins. “It’s nice having someone to talk to that understands you,” he confided.

It took me a bit longer to fall into the group-trip flow, and to warm up to our new friends from Erie. Then, while swimming one day in Tortuga Bay, off the island of Santa Cruz, our guide Lorenzo Panchana spotted a blue-footed booby standing on a rocky bluff. As we all giddily dashed out of the water to marvel at it together, the joy of our shared adventure suddenly clicked.

Soon enough, I was opening up to the group over our meals of fresh tuna poke and rounds of piña coladas at sunset. We exchanged frame-worthy photos of each other: basking with dozens of marine iguanas on the beach, walking with giant land tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, and kayaking around the harbor in San Cristóbal surrounded by playful sea lion pups. Each family gently pushed the other out of their comfort zone: we coaxed them into riding bikes, while they had convinced us to hop into those kayaks in the first place.

We bonded over the knowledge that we’d remember these wild moments because we’d shared them together. Remy still FaceTimes with the twins, usually to workshop new song lyrics. And next summer, we may join our new friends on another Intrepid tour, this one to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo, where our three budding naturalists can reunite and venture into the wild to spot orangutans and pygmy elephants.

4 More Tours for Adventurous Families

Kids are welcome on board Lindblad Expeditions ships, such as the 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer. They can learn photography from experts and kayak past icebergs alongside breaching whales.

Tween-friendly itineraries from Frontiers North Adventures incorporate mushing and museum visits in and around the town of Churchill, Manitoba, which bills itself as the polar-bear capital of the world. 

Black Tomato takes families from the legendary noodle stalls and lush gardens of Bangkok to the mountains of Chiang Rai for walks with rescued elephants.

West Virginia  

Outdoor Afro and REI have teamed up on a guided camping journey that visits New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, where kids aged eight and up can go whitewater rafting, hiking, and swinging through a canopy-​level ropes course.

A version of this story first appeared in the July 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Learning to Evolve." 

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

Tour de Bahía, isla Santa Cruz Galápagos

En Santa Cruz se realiza este tour de bahía que consiste en visitar los puntos más sobresalientes como son: Canal de Tiburones, Canal del Amor, playa de los perros, las Grietas, La isla Santa Cruz tiene una superficie de 986 km2 y es el centro turístico de Galápagos siendo habitada por aproximadamente 15.000 habitantes.

DETALLES DEL TOUR: • Hora de salida: 08:00 am. / 14:00 pm. • Desde: Puerto Ayora - Isla Santa Cruz. • Duración: 4 horas. • Capacidad del bote: 16 personas. • Actividades: 50% Caminata y 50% Snorkeling.

Paga con tarjeta de crédito.

$60 por persona.

Itinerario del Tour de Bahía

Este tour tiene 2 horarios, 09:00 am o 14:00 pm en una embarcación que parte desde el muelle de Puerto Ayora hasta el primer punto de visita el el Canal de los Tiburones , que es un mirador en donde se puede apreciar siempre y cuando las condiciones lo permitan a tiburones tintoreras , por el camino te encontrarás con garzas de lava.

Siguiendo con la ruta se visita el hermoso Canal del Amor con su peculiar color turquesa, esta lleno de zayapas , iguanas marinas , piqueros patas azules. Se practica snorkeling en Punta Estrada.

Otro de los puntos que se visita es la Playa de los Perros en donde están las iguanas marinas más grandes de la isla y apreciar su hermoso paisaje.

Para finalizar se visita Las Grietas formada por fisuras de lava que forman dos paredes gigantes y en la mitad de ellas se mezcla el agua de la parte alta de la isla con el agua del mar denominada salobre. Esta agua es cristalina y se puede realizar la actividad de snorkeling, aquí podrás apreciar varios peces de colores.

El tour de bahía incluye:

• Traslado al punto de encuentro desde la oficina de Grupo Galápagos. • Guía Certificado (inglés - español) • Snacks. • Traje de neopreno. • Equipo de snorkel.

El Tour no Incluye

• Gaseosas. • Toallas.

Tours desde la isla Santa Cruz

Tour a Bartolomé

Tour a Seymour Norte

Tour a Isabela

Tour Punta Cormorant e islote Enderby

Tour 180° Santa Cruz

Tour a Santa Fé

Tour a Pinzón

Tour a Floreana

Tour parte alta Reserva El Chato

Tour a Plaza Sur

Copyright © 2024 Grupo Galápagos Travel Agency Términos y Condiciones