Presentation Video
Galapagos Wildlife Tours
Santa Cruz Island Highlights: Tortoises, Lava Tunnels & Tortuga Bay
Highly Recommended in Trip Advisor
Explore Santa Cruz Island and its surroundings for incredible wildlife like Giant Tortoises, Galapagos Penguins, Darwin Finches, Blue-footed Boobies and more.
Over 32 endemics possible bird species like Galapagos Hawk, Darwin Finches, Lava Heron, Galapagos Dove, Lava Gull, Flightless Cormorant and others.
2 Full-Day Yacht Excursions aboard Galaxy Daily to visit Bartolome, North Seymour, Plazas, or Santiago with Snorkeling and Hiking Activities.
Focus in Birding, Nature, and Wildlife tours with private/shared naturalist guides
Hotel options:Tourist, First Class, or Luxury inland stays
24/7 Customer Support: We will ensure your trip goes smoothly and can be reached anytime via whatsapp at +593 99 373 2879.
Link de galaxy: https://galaxydailyonboard.com/
Contact Information
View Our Wildlife Map
5 Days Land-Base Galapagos Map
Day 1. Flight to Baltra. Giant Tortoises.
Day 2. Full Day Bartolome Pinnacle Rock or other
Day 3. Full Day North Seymour Tour or other
Day 4. Visit Tortuga Bay and Las Grietas Snorkelling.
Day 5. Flight to Quito.
FREE Night in our Birding Lodge either before or after Galapagos
Itinerary
Day
0
YOUR FREE NIGHT PROMOTION - EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER GALAPAGOS
24/7 Roundtrip Airport Transfers
1 Free Night in our Top Birding Lodge located 15 minutes from Quito Airport
Breakfast and Dinner Included per person
Wifi and Use of Birding Reserve
Day
1
FLIGHT TO BALTRA AIRPORT, GIANT TORTOISES AND PUERTO AYORA
After arriving at Baltra Airport, our guide will pick you up and transfer you to Itabaca Channel to cross by shared-ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Continue with private transportation to the highlands of Santa Cruz to observe Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. These majestic creatures roam freely across private ranches bordering the Galápagos National Park. You'll also explore fascinating lava tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic activity, offering a glimpse into the island’s geological history.
In the afternoon, continue to Puerto Ayora, where you can explore at your leisure. Visit La Ratonera Beach for a relaxing coastal experience or discover the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts in the Galápagos. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in town.
Possible Fauna: Giant Tortoises, Sea Lions, Bird Species: Smooth billed Ani, Common Gallinule, Cattle Egret, Galapagos Flycatcher, Galapagos Mockingbird, Yellow Warbler, Green-warbler Finch, Woodpecker Finch, Small Tree-finch, Small Ground-finch, Medium Ground-finch, White-cheeked Pintail, Galapagos Rail, Barn Owl, Comb Duck, Galapagos Hawk, Striated Heron, Great Blue Heron and others.
Meals Included: Lunch
Overnight: Select Hotel
Guide: Private Naturalist Guide
Giant Tortoise
La Ratonera Beach Puerto Ayora
Land Iguana
Day
2
FULL DAY NORTH SEYMOUR AND SNORKEL BACHAS BEACH
Pick up from your hotel and continue to Itabaca Channel, where we will board the Galaxy Daily. After arriving in North Seymour, we will have a dry landing and immediately start hiking on a 2.5 km trail where we can go clockwise along the coast or head inland first to visit the colony of blue-footed boobies. Get ready to spot land iguanas and marine iguanas; also, a colony of sea lions, lava lizards, frigates, and pelicans! Lunch on-board and afternoon snorkelling in Bachas Beach.
Possible Fauna: Lava Lizards, Green Sea Turtles, Rays, Galapagos Penguin, Sooty Shearwater, Magnificent Frigatebird, Great Frigatebird, Blue-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Red-footed Booby, American Flamingo, Brown Noody, Galapagos Petrel, Common Cactus Finch, Red-billed Tropicbird, Black-bellied Plover, Red-necked Phalarope, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Brujo Flycatcher, Galapagos Hawk.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch on board
Overnight: Select Hotel
Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide aboard Galaxy Daily
Galaxy Daily Yatch
Blue-footed Booby
Magnifecent Great Frigatebird
Day
3
FULL DAY BARTOLOME PINNACLE ROCK AND SNORKEL SULLIVAN BAY PENGUINS
This island, with its iconic pinnacle, is located northwest of Santa Cruz. Upon arriving at Bartolome, we will have a dry landing. Then, we will begin the walk along a path that will take us to the top of the island, through its 395 steps that will end with a spectacular panoramic view of the island and its pinnacle. During the walk, we will observe small lava tunnels that are the product of the last eruption and where endemic vegetation grow, such as lava cacti and tiquilla plants, generally surrounded by Darwin’s finches. Afternoon snorkelling near Bartolome Island for possible Sea Turtles and Galapagos Penguins.
Possible Fauna: Galapagos Penguin, Blue-footed Booby, Galapagos Hawk, American Oystercatcher, Lava Gull, Magnificent Frigatebird, Great Blue Heron, Striated Heron, Laughing Gull, Galapagos Dove, Swallow-tailed Gull, Galapagos Petrel, Franklins Gull, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Red Phalarope, Large-Tree Finch and White-tipped Shark, Rays, Sea Turtles.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch on board
Overnight: Select Hotel
Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide aboard Galaxy Daily
Galapagos Penguin
Meal aboard Galaxy Daily
South Plazas Islands
Day
4
TORTUGA BAY AND LAS GRIETAS
Tortuga Bay is one of the most breathtaking beaches in the Galápagos, located on Santa Cruz Island. This pristine, white-sand paradise is not only a spectacular place to relax but also an important nesting site for sea turtles, offering a rare opportunity to witness their nesting and hatching cycles.
The hike to Tortuga Bay from Puerto Ayora takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, winding through a scenic dry forest filled with opuntia cacti, palo santo trees, and possible sightings of giant tortoises along the way. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the stunning contrast of turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and vibrant marine life.
Once at the bay, you can enjoy a variety of activities: Swimming in the calm waters of the mangrove-fringed cove. Snorkeling, where you may spot reef sharks, colorful fish, and marine iguanas gliding through the water. Kayaking (rental required), offering a chance to explore hidden corners and encounter sea turtles and rays up close.
After a refreshing time at Tortuga Bay, return to Puerto Ayora for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood and Ecuadorian flavors.
In the afternoon, embark on a short hike to Las Grietas, a striking lava fissure filled with crystal-clear brackish water. This natural wonder, formed by volcanic activity, offers a unique snorkeling experience in a narrow canyon where you can swim among schools of fish and admire the dramatic rock formations. The cool, transparent water provides a perfect escape from the heat, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch on board
Overnight: Select Hotel
Guide: Private Naturalist Guide
Day
5
TRANFER OUT TO BALTRA AIRPORT. FLIGHT TO QUITO. END OFSERVICES.
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. End of services.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Type of Accommodations
You can choose between Tourist, First Class or Luxury Lodges in Santa Cruz Island.
Tourist Class Category
Fiesta Hotel
First Class Category
Ikala Lodge
Luxury Class Category
Finch Bay Hotel
Free Night in Quito
Jimenita Birding Lodge
Testimonials
BRILLIANT BIRDING!
2025
Australia
“We enjoyed a wonderful three week trip to Ecuador, experiencing over 500 species as we travelled from Quito to the Mindo area and then east through a variety of elevations and forests until seeing the Napo river region of the Amazon. Fantastic birds and Harpy Eagle! An awesome enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, Miguel, Carlos, and Marcelo. Looking forward already to return to enjoy great birding. The lodges were all excellent and great food.” Ken.
An extraordinary memorable experience
2025
Australia
“I participated in a 3 week experience organized with Diego and Ecuador Birding Tours. The trip was well planned and I loved the Condor lookout where there have identified 48 perching sites and we counted six birds flying. I liked how they partnered with other local residents to see their hummingbirds and ant wrens, toucons etc and the choice of hotels was first class. Diego is committed to reforestation and protecting the environment. It was a memorable trip thanks to Diego and Birding Ecuador” Diane.
Andean Cock of the Rock Tour
2025
EEUU
“Fantastic day trip on the Cock-of-the-Rock tour. Saw lots of birds, including the cock-of-the-rock lek, multiple antpitta species, and quetzals. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and the included meals were delicious.” Stuart Masson.
Wonderful birding trip! 204 bird species photographed in 7 days!!
2025
EEUU
“Such a great experience. Our personal guide loves his work and was very resourceful at getting us and the birds together. He has 20+ years experience. Plus – he’s a knowledgeable photographer and knows about lighting, angles, and other necessary details! Diego went above and beyond what was required. Thank you Diego and Ecuadorbirdstours.com!” Bobby and family.
Amazing Hummingbird Tour
2025
EEUU
“Amazing trip set up by Diego, I did four days of “Hummingbirding” and saw 38 species of hummers. The food was delicious with good sized portions at the lodges and at the restaurants we stopped at for lunch along the way. Overall a great experience with Ecuador Birds tours and I’m already booking my next trip to return only 7 weeks after I left Ecuador on the first trip. I highly recommend Ecuador Birds Tours! Thank you Diego and Miguel!! Chris Drakis.
Tour Inclusions
1 Free Night in Hacienda Jimenita with Roundtrip Airport Transfers and Breakfast Included!!
Ingala Card Pre-registration*
Lobito Bus Balta-Itabaca Channel
Ferry to Santa Cruz
Private and Shared Naturalist Guide
Transportation
2 Full Days aboard Galaxy Daily or similar
Meals as described in itinerary
Selected Lodging (Tourist, First Class or Luxury)
Activities described in itinerary
Mask and Fins
Personalized Services
Airport Assitance
Ingala Card $20 per person
Local Flights $450.00 per person
Other meals not listed in itinerary
Personal Expenses
Other activities
Laundry
Soft and Alcoholic Drinks
Travel Insurance
Tips
Hiking Trails
Snorkelling
Dry and Wet Landing
Birding and Photography
Wildlife Observation
Leisure time in Puerto Ayora
Contact
Request more information
Diego Cruz
Sales & Operation Manager
Request your Tour
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