Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands

Bus & minivan tours

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Isabela Island, one of the most impressive destinations in the Galapagos Islands. This full-day tour includes a ferry ride from Puerto Ayora and takes you to explore Tintoreras Islet, famous for its abundant wildlife and unique landscapes. The tour begins at 7:00 am from the Puerto Ayora dock on Santa Cruz Island, with a ferry ride of approximately 2 hours to Puerto Villamil on Isabela. During the navigation, enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Upon arrival, you will visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where you will learn about the Galapagos National Park's conservation efforts to protect giant tortoises and see both juvenile and adult tortoises. Next, you will explore the Isabela wetlands, home to one of the most extensive mangrove areas in the Galapagos, where you can observe pink flamingos, ducks and other birds while enjoying the beautiful scenery. The highlight of the tour is a visit to Tintoreras Islet, known for the white tip sharks, also called blue sharks, resting in a crevice of crystal clear water. In addition, you will see marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and blue-footed boobies. The visit includes a snorkeling session on a small beach, where you can discover the rich marine life. The ferry back to Santa Cruz departs at 3:00 pm, arriving in Puerto Ayora around 5:00 pm. The tour includes round trip ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabela, entrance fee to Isabela and water taxi, certified tour guide (English-Spanish), dock use tax, lunch, boat for the visit to Tintoreras Islet, long wetsuit and snorkeling gear. Soft drinks, towels and tips are not included. It is recommended to bring comfortable walking clothes, swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, and a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery, and take motion sickness pills 30 minutes before boarding, as the ferry ride can be bumpy. Enjoy a unique experience exploring the natural diversity of Isabela and Tintoreras Islet with Enchanted Islands. Reserve your place today and live an unforgettable adventure in the Galapagos Islands!

Embark on a very active, captivating day tour to Isabela Island, a gem of the Galapagos. This early day starts with a speedboat ride (public speedboat, the only way to get to Isabela by water, navigation time approx. 2 hours) to the seahorse shaped island of Isabela, in the western part of the archipelago. As soon as you arrive, you will notice immediately that the boat ride was definitely worth it: The endemic Galapagos Penguins usually already await you on the rocks when entering the bay of Puerto Villamil. After some free time on the little beach right next to the pier where you can observe sea lions and marine iguanas, a little boat (very short navigation time, the National Park doesn't allow bigger boats within the bay) to Tintorera Islet, an ecological heaven where you'll encounter tons of marine iguanas, sharks resting in the islet's little Channel, blue-footed boobies and the iconic Galapagos penguins. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you'll learn about the diverse ecosystems and the different types of lava that formed this islet. After that you will get a short but great snorkel activity offering lots of variety as here we can usually find some sea turtles, sea lions, sharks, rays, and possibly penguins. When getting back to the pier, you will get a ride to one of the best oceanfront restaurants for a nice lunch menu, before our land tour will start: A naturalist guide will try to spot the flamingos for you (not easy as they like to move around a lot and there are many different lagoons on Isabela), before taking you on a visit of the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you cannot only see the baby and juvenile giant tortoises, but also very old ones up to 200 years. As last part of this tour, you will walk the short trail towards the beach, along another lagoon with mangroves where you might get lucky and see some more flamingos as well as big marine iguanas and different species of birds. Right after this visit you will be accompanied back to the pier again, from where (after the check-in process & luggage control, which is obligatory for any speedboat ride between inhabited islands), a speeboat will take you back to Puerto Ayora. and The wetlands trail promises sightings of flamingos amidst mangroves, leading to a serene coconut palm beach. Further enriching the experience, the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre introduces you to these gentle giants, providing insight into conservation efforts.

Embark on an unforgettable boat trip to the enchanting Santa Fe Island, a heaven for snorkeling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. After a brief 45-55 minute navigation from Puerto Ayora (it is the island that is closes to Santa Cruz), you'll be greeted by the island's stunningly beautiful landscape, with crystal-clear, turquoise waters in contrast to the nearby white sand beach and the ancient cactus on the dark lava rocks - also the perfect place to spot some blue-footed boobies, pelicans and if very lucky, maybe even the Galapagos hawk - a real photographer's paradise! This bay offers a unique and abundant marine ecosystem, and even before jumping into the water, you might spot schools of tropical fish, sea lions, sea turtles, schools of rays and sharks swimming around the boat as this is one of the places with the clearest water in all of Galapagos. At the same time, this tour is perfect for snorkel beginners, children or insecure swimmers, as the first snorkel part takes place in this proteced, shallow and very calm bay. Post-snorkeling, a freshly prepared lunch (either grilled fish/chicken or ceviche) awaits you, followed by another short navigation and a visit to the remote Hidden Beach. Here, you can unwind, swim, or join the exploration walk together with your naturalist guide to spot some of the biggest marine iguanas, different species of mangroves as well as pelicans, finches and if lucky, some sea turtles in the second bay. On the way back to Puerto Ayora (or in between, the order of the activities might change depending on the conditions), you can give it a try with some fishing, as all our boats have a special fishing license. The most common catch is the yellowfin tuna or the wahoo - if fishing takes place before lunch, you might even get fresh sashimi or the freshest ceviche you ever had! ;-) Please note that this is not a fishing trip though, the fishing activity only takes place if there is someone interested in it and it will not be more than 15-30 minutes.

Embark on an exciting adventure on Santa Cruz Island, exploring the highlights of Puerto Ayora Bay with Enchanted Islands. This tour starts at the pier in Puerto Ayora and will take you first to the Shark Channel, where you will be able to observe white tip sharks from a lookout point, conditions permitting, and on the way, you will see lava herons. You will continue to the beautiful Love Channel, known for its turquoise water and the presence of zayapa crabs, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. The next stop is Playa de los Perros, where you can see the largest marine iguanas on the island and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Finally, you will visit Las Grietas, a formation of lava fissures that creates two huge walls between which the fresh water of the island mixes with the salt water of the sea, where you can snorkel in crystal clear waters and observe colorful fish. The tour includes transfer to the meeting point from the Grupo Galapagos office, certified bilingual tour guide (English-Spanish), snacks, wetsuit and snorkeling equipment. Soft drinks, towels and gratuities are not included. The tour has a duration of 4 hours and is offered in two schedules: 08:00 am and 14:00 pm, with a boat capacity for 16 people. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore the natural beauty of Puerto Ayora Bay while enjoying water activities and hiking.

Discover the Magic of Bartolome Island: Day Trip with Hiking and Snorkeling Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Bartolome Island, starting with a scenic boat ride from Puerto Ayora. Upon arrival, you will ascend a trail to the top of the island, where you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the iconic Pinnacle Rock and volcanic landscapes. After the hike, dive into the crystal clear waters of Sullivan Bay for a unique snorkeling experience, swimming alongside colorful fish, sea turtles and playful sea lions. This tour combines the best of hiking and snorkeling in the incomparable natural environment of the Galapagos Islands. Includes: Round-trip boat transportation from Puerto Ayora. Certified naturalist tour guide Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) Lunch and snacks on board Entrance fees to the national parks What to bring: Comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for hiking Bathing suit and towel Sunscreen and hat Camera Duration: Approximately 8 hours Book your adventure today and discover the unparalleled beauty of Bartolome Island with Enchanted Islands - explore, enjoy and create unforgettable memories!

VISITING SITES: Dogs Beach The Bahia tour offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore Academy Bay. You may be wondering what makes it so special. Well, one of the most impressive stops on the tour is the magnificent Playa de Los Perros. The scenery is beautiful and you will want to capture the moment with your camera. Imagine Opuntia cactus paths surrounding found only in the Galapagos Islands. LAS GRIETAS Imagine swimming in Las Grietas on Santa Cruz Island, one of the most impressive attractions waiting to be discovered. Our journey begins with a delightful 5-minute walk from the Franklin dock, where we will feast our eyes on an impressive volcanic rock formation, a true wonder of nature. At the end of the trail, a natural pool of incomparable beauty will welcome us, inviting us to take a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters. Prepare to be transported to a world of wonders as we explore this magical place and get up close to the multicolored fish during our incredible snorkeling adventure. It is an opportunity to capture breathtaking photos that will last a lifetime and create unforgettable memories together. Don't miss the chance to discover the hidden treasures of Santa Cruz Island and let's make this adventure an unforgettable experience! Love Canal The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the world's most impressive natural wonders, and the Love Canal on Santa Cruz Island is a perfect example. With its crystal clear turquoise waters and breathtaking surroundings, visitors can't help but feel like they've been transported to paradise. However, it's not just the spectacular views that make the Love Canal so special. This area also teems with magnificent wildlife, including birds such as boobies and frigate birds, which soar effortlessly through the crisp blue skies. SHARK CHANNEL You will see big and small sharks in a crystal clear water channel. Many of these sharks can only be seen in Galapagos. PUNTA ESTRADA SNORKELING Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? During our amazing snorkeling adventure in Punta Estrada Bay you will have the opportunity to dive into the calm turquoise waters and experience first hand the amazing marine life. See magnificent tropical fish swimming right before your eyes, majestic sea turtles lazily gliding through the water and even reef sharks gliding by. Marvel at the beauty of these amazing creatures and let their movements inspire your soul.

Discover the Magic of Bartolome Island: Day Trip with Hiking and Snorkeling Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Bartolome Island, starting with a scenic boat ride from Puerto Ayora. Upon arrival, you will ascend a trail to the top of the island, where you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the iconic Pinnacle Rock and volcanic landscapes. After the hike, dive into the crystal clear waters of Sullivan Bay for a unique snorkeling experience, swimming alongside colorful fish, sea turtles and playful sea lions. This tour combines the best of hiking and snorkeling in the incomparable natural environment of the Galapagos Islands. Includes: Round-trip boat transportation from Puerto Ayora. Certified naturalist tour guide Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) Lunch and snacks on board Entrance fees to the national parks What to bring: Comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for hiking Bathing suit and towel Sunscreen and hat Camera Duration: Approximately 8 hours Book your adventure today and discover the unparalleled beauty of Bartolome Island with Enchanted Islands - explore, enjoy and create unforgettable memories!

Get to the all the variety that Galapagos' underwater world has to offer with this great day tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé (or Palmitas Bay). After about 70 minutes of navigatoin, you are promised an unforgettable encounter with the archipelago's diverse marine life during two or three snorkeling sessions in calm, shallow and later also in deeper waters, which has the big advantage that often we can find some bigger surprise species if you are lucky (manta rays or other sharks species, as well as dolphins if you get very lucky). The first snorkeling takes place in a calm, very beautiful bay - a site that is not authorized for any cruise ships; another big advantage of this site. Pinzon is one of the few places where you can observe the endemic marine iguanas swimming and feeding in the water while you snorkel right next to them, together with the many reef sharks that like to rest in this shallow bay. You will also be able to swim with sea turtles, rays, and playful sea lions in their natural habitat, and we usually also find some octopus and lobster, besides the many different tropical fish. You will get freshly prepared lunch on board, either grilled fish/chicken or ceviche (we can accommodate dietary restrictions too), before the navigation continues to La Fe Bay (or Las Palmitas Bay in rare cases). Depending on the guide and the group's physical shape, you will either get another snorkel activity or do a short exploration walk - however, as there isn't a real trail, only lava rocks, and as you get to see the exact same species as from the water, most of the time there will be no walk but another great snorkel activity instead. Here almost always you can also get to see the famous blue-footed boobies, Darwin Finches and mockingbirds. On the way back you can also get the chance to do some fishing - the most common catch is the yellowfin tuna and Wahoo - if the fishing takes place before lunch and if something will be caught, you might even get the freshest sashimi you have ever eaten! :) You will be back in Puerto Ayora around 4pm, always depending on the conditions of the sea and how the different snorkel activities go.

Description San Cristobal island gives another magic trip, 360º San Cristobal which is the most complete excursion surrounding the island by comfortable speed boat. The first spot will be at the Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido). This highlight of Galápagos is offering excursionist unique wildlife in the whole world. Around the rock you can swim next to the hammerhead sharks and with the colorful reef fishes. Then, our guests will go to the Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo), on this place they are going to have walking under the lava tunnel where travelers can watch many other exotic species. Later, travelers will visit Sardine Bay (Bahía Sardina) in order to enjoy the shadowed areas and they can swim and snorkel next the wildlife richness. Your excursion keeps to enjoy Punta Pitt where they will fish, and over their heads red-footed boobies are going to fly. The last spot will be the White Rose Bay (Bahía Rosa Blanca) which is so unique place where travelers going to have a privilege to snorkeling on the crystalline water, they can see colorful fishes, rays, sharks, seahorses, and many other species. With this tour you are going to see an enjoy the all jewels that San Cristobal island has, just in one single day. It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature because it falls under 20ºC from September to December and it is up of 27ºC from January to August. Clarification: Each day Galapagos National Park gives different authorization, so the tour could star from the north side or south side of the Santa Cruz Island. Departure: pick up at 6:50 am at the hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Returning time: approximately at 5 pm Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 5 hours (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey. Difficulty Level: intermediate Highlight activity: snorkeling, walking and short beach hike Transportation: speed boat Important: a day before of the tour all passengers must be at 5:00 pm in the boat office for equipment fitting.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Enchanted Islands on the full-day tour to North Seymour Island. This tour takes you to one of the most biodiverse destinations in the Galapagos Islands, where you can explore the unique flora and fauna of the region. North Seymour Island, with an area of 1.9 km², is formed by elevated submarine lava and covered by low vegetation. The tour starts at 8:00 am with pick up at your hotel in Puerto Ayora. You will be transferred to the Itabaca Channel, where you will board a yacht for an approximately 45-minute trip to North Seymour Island. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a 1 hour and 30 minute guided walk, during which you will observe a large population of red-breasted frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions and land iguanas. The certified naturalist tour guide will provide you with detailed information about the island's fauna and flora while you take pictures and enjoy the natural surroundings. After the hike, depending on the itinerary, you will head to Mosquera Islet or Las Bachas Beach. At Mosquera Islet, you will have the opportunity to snorkel in turquoise waters and see sea turtles and baby sharks. At Las Bachas Beach, you will take a short walk along the shore to a lagoon where you will see Galapagos flamingos, marine iguanas and various birds. You will also snorkel in this area, giving you a complete experience both on land and in the water. The tour includes transportation by yacht, bilingual (English and Spanish) certified naturalist tour guide, lunch on board and snacks, use of snorkeling equipment (mask and fins), long wetsuit and towels. Breakfast, soft drinks and gratuities are not included. We recommend bringing camera and waterproof camera, bathing suit, biodegradable sunscreen and hat. Alcohol, drugs and pets are not allowed on the tour.