Santa Cruz (island) tours, things to do and tickets

You will be equipped with high-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (brands Cressi/Scubapro and O'Neill) from us and this tour is operated on a very well maintained, comfortable boat, with an excellent guide and freshly prepared, very good food.

This tour allows you to get to know the beautiful island of Isabela with all the species it is famous for in only one day; you will see the Galapagos penguins, the blue-footed boobies, the flamingos, the whitetip reef sharks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions and much more as well as Galapagos' most beautiful coconut palm beach along which the cute little town of Puerto Villamil is built.
This tour is the perfect combination of land & water, as during the (short) snorkel activity you will get to know the abundant wildlife underwater, while the disembarkation on Tinterera Islet plus the tour to the flamingos and tortoises allows you to observe all the land species from as close as possible.
The tour includes lunch in one of the best ocean front restaurants.
You will be provided with high quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits.

Please note that the only way to get to Isabela for the day is by PUBLIC SPEEDBOAT - we work with the best one but if the sea is rough it can get choppy!

You will be equipped with high-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (brands Cressi/Scubapro and O'Neill) from us and this tour is operated on a very well maintained, comfortable boat, with an excellent guide and freshly prepared, very good food.

Are you ready to live an unforgettable adventure in the wonderful Galapagos Islands? We invite you to discover the Galapagos Frontier reserve, a natural paradise where you can meet face to face with the legendary giant tortoises and explore the mysterious lava tunnels in their natural state.

Our naturalist guide, with more than 30 years of experience, will take you on a fascinating journey through the endemic forest of the Galapagos. Breathe the fresh air and let yourself be enveloped by the exuberant flora and fauna that surrounds you. At each step, you will witness the unique beauty of endemic species such as owls, canaries and the famous Darwin's finches.

But that is not all. Immerse yourself in an amazing underground world as you enter the lava tunnels. Marvel at the impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites that have been forged over thousands of years. Discover the geological secrets of the Galapagos Islands as you come across the graceful Tito Alva owl.

You will be equipped with high-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (brands Cressi/Scubapro and O'Neill) from us and this tour is operated on a very well maintained, comfortable boat, with an excellent guide and freshly prepared, very good food.

Explore the smallest island. The Pinnacle Rock is the icon, on the eroded cone foot, a colony of penguins cohabit with sea lions and marine birds. Snorkelers will enjoy at Sullivan Bay swimming and relax next to exotic animals.

La Fe Hike in a candelabra cactus forest, it is crossed by marine iguana colony, reaching the end sea lions, blue footed boobies and frigates.
snorkeling sea lions and manta rays, sea turtles
Start at Pinzon Island where you have two areas to snorkel to see sharks, sea lions, turtles and hundreds of colorful fish.

"Bicycle, giant turtles and lava tunnels
We will meet at the San Francisco Park in Puerto Ayora to pick up the bicycles, we will take the bus to Los Guayabillos and descend to the reserve. At Galapagos Frontier you will be greeted by a naturalist guide with more than 30 years of experience who will take you to discover the endemic forest of Galapagos, the area with the highest endemism of plants on all the islands.
On the way we will pass through the forest of the transition zone, where we will be able to observe the giant tortoises along the way. We will be able to see several endemic bird species, such as the canary or Darwin's finch, among many others.
Later we will have the opportunity to see two lava tunnels, with recent formations of stalactites and stalagmites, where we will learn about the formation of the Galapagos Islands and, with luck, we will be able to see the barn owl that lives in this cave. We will finish the tour with delicious juice from the fruit trees of the reserve.

We start this experience in Puerto Ayora, then we take a speed boat to go to Isabela Island to see native animals such as land turtles, flamingos and zarapitos, along with much flora and fauna.

One of the best places for snorkeling in Galapagos. Amazing snorkeling with very big chances of seeing marine turtles, sea lions, rays, white tip sharks, penguins (sometimes), reef fish and beautiful cristaline water.

Although snorkeling is the main activity, you’ll also be able to do some fishing during this trip if conditions allow it and if everyone on board wants to participate in this activity. If any fish are caught, the cook on board is able to cook it for you if you wish! And of course, you can release it too if that’s what you prefer.

We are Ninfa Tour, a Galápagos local operator able to offer you local prices (the same as if you buy it in town). Our company has been more than 30 years in the market and have delivered over 100.000 happy customers!

We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. This itinerary will take us to the true origins of the archipelago, to a world only recently created by the titanic tectonic upheavals of our Earth’s crust, whose volcanic hot spot formed the islands in a blink of an eye in geological time. Fernandina Island is regarded as one of the most pristine island environments anywhere in the world, where life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of man. On Santa Cruz, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and get up close to giant tortoises in their natural environment. In the south, we learn about the Galapagos very own “murder mystery”, spot flamingos and snorkel at one of the best sites in the archipelago: Champion Islet. Back in the Central Islands, we head back to Baltra Island for the flight back to the mainland.

The Giant Tortoise Experience is the most iconic tour in Santa Cruz. This must-do experience offers a unique blend of natural wonders, educational insights and personal encounters with iconic species.

Guided by the experience of our certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide, you will:

Visit the stunning Los Gemelos sink holes and hike the magical Scalesia Cloud forest.

Meet the most iconic Galapagos species at the Giant Tortoise Reserve.

Travel through thousands of years of intense volcanic activity in an impressive Lava Tube

The Giant Tortoise Experience is available in English or Spanish, and has two departures available every day:

In the morning 8 AM
In the afternoon 2 PM

Through our commitment to personalized service and attention to detail, Monserrat Galapagos Expeditions aims to create the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience on the enchanted islands.

We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. Our itinerary together begins on Baltra Island, a former military base during World War II, and now an Ecuadorian naval and air force station. Once all formalities are completed, we venture east along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands, until we reach the Plazas Islands. Our adventures start with a dry landing at a manmade jetty on South Plaza Island. During the next day, we will explore Santa Fe Island and San Cristobal Island, home to the provincial capital of the Galapagos province. Then, we sail south to Española Island, with its remarkable visitor site (a favourite of many visitors): Punta Suarez. Here, we’ll wander along the rugged coastline, home to hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and even albatross (during much of the year).

Explore the upper part of Santa Cruz - Galapagos

We will visit exotic places of the Bay of the Gulf of Santa Cruz, our boat will arrive at the small islet called “LA LOBERIA” named for the great colony of sea lions, we will also visit Punta Estrada, the shark channel and the beach of the dog.

We will do snorkeling on this tour.

Santa Cruz Island is the first most inhabited island in Galapagos. If you are a nature lover this will be your favorite place. Whatever activity you are going to do, you will be surrounded by an immense and rich flora and fauna.

The best moments full of adrenaline are under the sea. And, in the Galapagos Islands you will find different scenarios to swim with sharks, rays and sea turtles.

Our journey begins in Santa Cruz Island, where we’ll get to meet one of the most fascinating inhabitants of the Galapagos archipelago: Giant Tortoises. After landing at Baltra airport, we will soon be face to face with these creatures in their natural habitat. The next day takes us to Santiago Island, where we’ll get the chance to snorkel alongside marine iguanas. During the afternoon, we’ll visit the sandy beach of Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat Islet). The next day, we head off to Genovesa Island, a fascinating bird hub! Here, we’ll spend the entire day enjoying its colonies of nesting birds and explore its cliffs, shoreline, and beaches. Returning to the central islands, Santa Fe offers you the chance to meet its endemic Land Iguana. During the afternoon, we can hope to observe sea lions, rays, and sharks in South Plaza’s turquoise waters.

Your certified Galapagos guide will meet you on a zoom chat room to start your online tour. This experience will lead you through natural history details regarding Giant Tortoises in their Natural habitat.

Learn about species, distribution, and many more interesting facts about this unique iconic animal in the islands.

While attending our conference, Andres our experienced guide will show you some pictures from our Archelosauria Reserve, a place where education and wildlife encounters go along together.

You need for this experience
Fast internet connection
PC / tablet / phone with internet access and Zoom app
Your zoom address will be shared by internal message after your booking
All your tortoises and Galápagos questions

Our virtual tour starts from
10 AM Ecuador Mainland Time / GMT - 5
Last virtual tour at
5 PM Ecuador Mainland Time / GMT - 5

Please contact us for more detailed time zones.

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 landscapes of the island.