Santa Cruz · Galápagos · Ecuador
Santa Cruz & Galápagos Tours
Discover the best Santa Cruz and Galápagos tours and things to do on the wildlife capital of the islands: take a bay tour around Puerto Ayora, meet giant tortoises and crawl through lava tunnels in the highlands, and sail on day trips to Bartolomé, North Seymour and Pinzón to snorkel with sea lions, penguins and rays. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
111 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Good for families in Santa Cruz
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
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Explore Santa Cruz by interest
Whatever brings you to Santa Cruz — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Bay tour
Snorkel Puerto Ayora.
ExploreGiant tortoises
Tortoises & lava.
ExploreBartolomé
Iconic Pinnacle Rock.
ExploreNorth Seymour
Boobies & frigatebirds.
ExplorePinzón
Top snorkelling.
ExploreTortuga Bay
White-sand beach.
ExploreHighlands
Craters & tunnels.
ExploreGalápagos highlights
Wildlife & islands.
ExploreWhat to see
Top attractions in Santa Cruz
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Puerto Ayora Bay
Snorkel the coves.
10 toursView tours
Giant Tortoises
Tortoises & lava.
10 toursView tours
Bartolomé
Iconic Pinnacle Rock.
10 toursView tours
North Seymour
Boobies & frigatebirds.
10 toursView tours
Pinzón
Top snorkelling.
10 toursView tours
Tortuga Bay
White-sand beach.
10 toursView tours
The Highlands
Craters & tunnels.
10 toursView tours
Santa Cruz
Galápagos wildlife hub.
15 toursView tours
Puerto Ayora awayBay Tour
Snorkel the coves.
from $60View trips
Highlands awayGiant Tortoises
Tortoises & lava.
from $90View trips
Day trip awayBartolomé
Pinnacle Rock.
from $199View trips
Day trip awayNorth Seymour
Boobies & birds.
from $199View trips
Day trip awayPinzón
Top snorkelling.
from $175View trips
Santa Cruz awayHighlands
Craters & tunnels.
from $60View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Santa Cruz visitor asks before booking.
Warm (Dec–May)
Sunny, calm seas and warmer water — great for snorkelling.
Cool (Jun–Nov)
Cooler and breezier, with rich marine life.
For birds
Blue-footed boobies court and nest for much of the year.
For tortoises
Giant tortoises are seen in the highlands year-round.
Peak
June to August and December to January are busiest.
Best overall
The islands reward a visit in any season.
One day
A bay tour and the giant tortoises.
Two days
Add a Bartolomé or North Seymour day trip.
Three+ days
Add Pinzón, Tortuga Bay and the highlands.
For wildlife
The highlands and North Seymour.
For snorkelling
Bay tours and Pinzón.
Island-hopping
Base on Santa Cruz for day trips.
By boat
Day-trip boats sail to the surrounding islands.
By tour
Highland and bay tours include transport.
On foot
Puerto Ayora and Tortuga Bay are walkable.
By taxi
White pickup taxis run across the island.
Where to stay
Puerto Ayora has the most hotels and tours.
US dollar
Ecuador uses the US dollar; bring cash for the islands.
Park fee
A national park entry fee is paid on arrival in cash.
Day trips
Book island day trips ahead, as boats have limited space.
Wildlife
Keep two metres from all animals, as the rules require.
Snorkelling
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a light wetsuit for cool water.
Tortuga Bay
The free beach walk is a must — go early.
Guides
Island visits require a certified naturalist guide.
Bartolomé
Day trips have limited permits — book ahead.
North Seymour
Popular birding trips sell out — reserve early.
Pinzón
Snorkel day trips fill up — book ahead.
Bay tours
Small-group boats fill up — reserve early.
Highlands
Tortoise tours fill up — book ahead.
Peak season
June to August is busiest — book far ahead.
Bay tour
From about $60 for a half-day bay tour.
Giant tortoises
Around $90 for a highlands tortoise and lava tour.
Pinzón
From $175 for a Pinzón snorkelling day trip.
Bartolomé
Around $199 for a Bartolomé day trip.
North Seymour
About $199 for a North Seymour day trip.
How to save
Base on Santa Cruz and take day trips rather than a cruise.
When to visit
Santa Cruz through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Warm (Dec–Feb)
Dec–Feb
- Best for
- Calm seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
Warm (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Warm water.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
Cool (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Rich sea life.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
Cool (Sep–Nov)
Sep–Nov
- Best for
- Quiet islands.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Calm.
People also ask
Santa Cruz travel FAQ
What are the best tours on Santa Cruz?
The highest-rated experiences are a Puerto Ayora bay tour, a giant-tortoise and lava-tunnel highlands tour, and day trips to Bartolomé and North Seymour.
What should I book in advance on Santa Cruz?
Reserve island day trips to Bartolomé, North Seymour and Pinzón ahead, as they have limited daily permits.
How many days do I need on Santa Cruz?
One day covers a bay tour and the tortoises, and three or more let you add island day trips and Tortuga Bay.
Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Yes — it is the wildlife hub of the Galápagos, home to Puerto Ayora, giant tortoises and the launch point for island day trips.
When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?
It is a year-round destination; December to May brings calm, warm seas, and June to November cooler water rich in marine life.
Where do you see giant tortoises on Santa Cruz?
In the green highlands, at reserves like El Chato where they roam free in the wild.
Can you day-trip to other islands from Santa Cruz?
Yes — Bartolomé, North Seymour and Pinzón are all popular boat day trips from Puerto Ayora.
111 Santa Cruz experiencesfrom $60 · free cancellation
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