Santa Cruz Island Highlights: 5 Days Tortoises, Lava Tunnels & Tortuga Bay

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.

Targets: 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: Lunch

Overnight: Select Hotel Category

Guide: Private Naturalist Guide

Pick up from your hotel and continue to Itabaca Channel, where we will board the Yatch. After arriving in North Seymour Island, 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.

Targets: 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: Breakfast and Lunch on board

Overnight: Select Hotel Category

Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide

This island, with its iconic pinnacle, is located northwest of Santa Cruz. Upon arriving at Bartolome Pinnacle Rock, 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.

Targets: 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: Breakfast and Lunch on board

Overnight: Select Hotel Category

Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide

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: Breakfast and Lunch on board

Overnight: Select Hotel Category

Guide: Private Naturalist Guide

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Baltra Airport. Upon arrival to Quito, our driver will pick you up and transfer to our Jimenita Birding Lodge for leisure afternoon and complimentary night with breakfast included.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast transfer out to Quito Airport. End of Services.