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A Galápagos giant tortoise grazing in the green highlands on a Santa Cruz Galapagos tour

3-Day Santa Cruz Galápagos Tour: Snorkeling at Santa Fe Island

Days Icon 3 Days
Location icon Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 1,034 p.p.
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Santa Cruz Galápagos Tour Summary

This Santa Cruz Galápagos tour thrills visitors with exotic wildlife and ruggedly beautiful volcanic landscapes. Home to the colorful seaside town of Puerto Ayora, it serves as the gateway to many of the Galápagos Islands while still delivering unforgettable encounters with nature. Visitors can observe giant tortoises roaming the verdant highlands, watch marine iguanas bask along the shore, and visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station to witness baby turtle hatchlings greet the world.

Beyond its remarkable wildlife, Santa Cruz is packed with opportunities for adventure tours. Relax on the soft white sands of Tortuga Bay, snorkel alongside sea turtles and tropical fish, hike through giant lava tunnels, or visit the twin volcanic sinkholes known as Los Gemelos. With its combination of accessible wildlife, spectacular scenery, and diverse outdoor activities, Santa Cruz is the perfect destination for a short island-hopping tour.

Highlights

  • check Twin Craters (Los Gemelos)

    Visit two enormous volcanic sinkholes surrounded by lush Scalesia forest, home to Darwin’s finches and endemic highland birdlife.

  • check Giant tortoises

    Observe iconic Galápagos giant tortoises roaming freely across the grassy highlands in one of their most vital natural habitats.

  • check Santa Fe or Pinzón boat day

    Cruise to an unspoiled offshore island for snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, reef fish, and spectacular volcanic coastal scenery.

  • check Charles Darwin Research Station

    Discover the conservation programs protecting the Galápagos while learning about giant tortoise breeding and the islands’ unique wildlife.

Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Geoff V 
 
15/08/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Galapagos trip
Every detail and excursion was perfect. The guides were outstanding, hotel was first class. I would highly recommend Rebecca
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Daniel R 
 
06/02/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Intimate luxury Galapagos immersion
Highly recommend. The guide, nature hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and food were outstanding. Rebecca Adventures is responsive and friendly.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 588 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 1,350 p.p.
2 - 3 guestsUSD 1,119 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 1,034 p.p.

Santa Cruz Galápagos Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download itinerary

  • DAY 1: Baltra arrival, Los Gemelos and the Santa Cruz highlands

    Traveler overlooking the lush volcanic crater walls at Twin Craters, Santa Cruz Island

    Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your guide will meet you and transfer you to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Along the way, stop at Los Gemelos (the Twin Craters), two enormous volcanic sinkholes surrounded by native Scalesia forest, where you may spot Darwin’s finches and other endemic birds.

    If you arrive before 2:00 p.m., you’ll enjoy lunch in the highlands before exploring Santa Cruz’s famous lava tunnels. Continue to Rancho Primicias, where giant tortoises roam freely through the forest for much of the year, before transferring to Puerto Ayora.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Lunch
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.

  • DAY 2: Santa Fe or Pinzón day trip and Tortuga Bay (Optional activity)

    A scenic viewpoint of Santa Fe island in the Galapagos, featuring crystal clear blue water and rocky shores with opuntia cactus

    Today’s Santa Cruz Galápagos tour depends on Galápagos National Park regulations and will visit either Santa Fe Island or Pinzón Island. Both offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and exploring some of the archipelago’s most pristine coastal environments.

    At Santa Fe, snorkel in calm, turquoise waters frequented by sea lions, tropical fish, and sea turtles before relaxing on a secluded beach such as Playa Escondida or Garrapatero. Alternatively, a visit to Pinzón showcases marine iguanas, sea lions, mangroves, and abundant marine life, including rays and reef sharks. The excursion also includes a traditional “experiential fishing” activity, offering insight into local fishing practices. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the white sands of Tortuga Bay on your own.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Sightseeing. Snorkeling.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.

  • DAY 3: Charles Darwin Research Station and departure

    Two happy travelers with backpacks waving in front of the departures sign at Baltra Airport in the Galápagos Islands

    If your return flight departs after 2:00 p.m., you’ll have time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before leaving the island. Learn about the conservation programs protecting the Galápagos, observe giant tortoises at different stages of development, and, depending on the season, you may even see newly hatched tortoises beginning life in the breeding center.

    After your visit, you’ll be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Santa Cruz Galápagos Tour Map

3-Day Complete Santa Cruz Tour Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a single, double or triple room, with private bathroom.
  • Airport pickup and drop off at Baltra Airport at your arrival/departure time.
  • Transportation on the Island as described in the itinerary.
  • Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel.
  • Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking).
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Round trip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galápagos National Park: $ 200 p.p. (cash only).
  • Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card: $ 20 p.p. (cash only).
  • Water Taxi (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
  • For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November).
  • Personal travel & health insurance.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

The front entrance and wooden sign of Hotel Fiesta surrounded by red tile roofs and tropical foliage
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Santa Cruz

Hotel Fiesta

Laid-back hotel in Puerto Ayora with comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.

  • Outdoor pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Onsite restaurant

3 Days in Santa Cruz Galápagos: FAQs

  • Is 3 days enough for Santa Cruz in the Galápagos?

    Yes. Three days cover Los Gemelos, the highland tortoise reserve and the Charles Darwin Station, plus one boat day to an uninhabited island (Santa Fe or Pizon island). Add a fourth day for Isabela or San Cristóbal.

  • How does this 3-day Santa Cruz tour compare with a Galápagos cruise?

    A 3-day Galápagos cruise is two nights, with a half day at each end for embarkation and the return flight. This land-based tour gives three full days, evenings in Puerto Ayora and a lower price.

  • Where do you see giant tortoises on Santa Cruz?

    In the highland ranches near Santa Rosa, where wild tortoises graze free-range, and at the Charles Darwin Research Station breeding centre in Puerto Ayora.

  • How much does a 3-day Santa Cruz Galápagos tour cost?

    Rates depend on group size and hotel category. Galápagos National Park entry costs USD 200 per person and the INGALA transit card USD 20, both paid in cash on arrival.

  • Which airport do I fly into for Santa Cruz?

    Baltra Airport (GPS). Transfer is a bus, the Itabaca Channel ferry and a road crossing to Puerto Ayora, about 45 minutes in total. Your guide meets you at arrivals.

  • Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal for a first Galápagos trip?

    Santa Cruz suits travelers who want giant tortoises, the Darwin Station and the widest choice of day trips. San Cristóbal suits sea lions, Kicker Rock and quieter beaches.

  • Will I visit Santa Fe or Pinzón Island?

    The Galápagos National Park rotates access between the two, and the island is confirmed the day before. Both offer snorkelling with sea lions, rays and reef sharks off an uninhabited coast.

Additional Information

  • Prices for the upcoming travel season are subject to change.
  • Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
  • To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week.
  • For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
  • Activity schedules are subject to change based on departure/arrival times and availability. All inclusions are guaranteed until the afternoon of the final day of the itinerary.
  • Maximize your time in the Galápagos by choosing early arrival and late departure flights. Late arrivals or early departures may cause you to miss some of the included tours.
  • Bring smaller baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galápagos Islands is quite limited.
  • ​​There are no guides on the public speedboat transportation between islands.
  • It is suggested to have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance and COVID-19 coverage. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
  • Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
  • Tap water in the Galápagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
  • Rebecca Adventure Travel and the respective cruise operator reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions,  availability, National Park regulations or notifications, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • When flying to the Galápagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid inconveniences.

Advantages of Booking with Us

  • Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
  • Empowering Locals: Support family-owned businesses, immerse yourself in local culture, and contribute to local economies.
  • Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva, a sustainable and regenerative tourism model.
  • Peace of Mind: We’re here for you every step of the way, offering requisite insurance, certifications, and rebooking options.
  • Customized Service: Our personalized Travel Curator ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

When you book a tour with us you agree to our terms and conditions.

Exact Code: 59GPH3CL

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