Unforgettable day trips from Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal & Isabela


Discover the magic of the Galápagos Islands in just one day with Nature Galápagos’ expertly crafted day trips. Whether you’re staying in Santa Cruz, Isabela, or San Cristóbal, our tours take you to breathtaking islands, secluded beaches, and vibrant marine ecosystems, offering an immersive experience without the need to change hotels.

Picture yourself snorkeling alongside sea turtles, trekking through volcanic landscapes, and spotting blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions—all in a single adventure-packed day. With Nature Galápagos, you’ll explore the best of the archipelago by day and return to the comfort of your hotel by evening, making every moment of your trip unforgettable.

Galapagos Day Trips

Day trips from Puerto Ayora – Explore Santa Cruz & Beyond

As the main hub of the Galápagos Islands, Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is the starting point for some of the most popular Galápagos day trips from Puerto Ayora. From here, you can:

  • Take a Bartolomé Island day tour, home to the famous Pinnacle Rock and some of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.
  • Embark on a Santa Fe Galápagos day trip, where you’ll swim with sea lions, reef sharks, and rays in crystal-clear waters.
  • Visit North Seymour Island, a paradise for blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
  • Choose from various day trips from Santa Cruz Island Galápagos, including excursions to Plazas, Floreana, and Pinzón Islands.

For travelers staying in Puerto Ayora, these Galápagos day trips provide an easy way to explore multiple islands while enjoying hotel-based comfort.

Galapagos Day Tour Plazas
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Galapagos day tour Plazas | Full-day Tour

Galapagos Day Tour Plazas, is a Full day tour from Puerto Ayora in a natural beauties, include walks, snorkeling, navigation.
Hiking – Snorkeling
7 – 8 Hours
wife and husband in North Seymour
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North Seymour Galapagos | Full-day Tour

Our North Seymour Galapagos Day Trip focus in the natural beauties of Seymour Island. The day tour includes, beach walks,
Hiking – Snorkeling
7 – 8 Hours
Ecuador & Galapagos blog: Snorkeling
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Floreana Tour with Enderby

Enjoy the Floreana tour with Enderby, snorkeling with turtles, sharks and sea lions. Includes guide, lunch, equipment and transfers.
Snorkeling
8 – 9 Hours
Ecuador Ecotourism Destinations: Bartolome
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Bartolome Galapagos + Sullivan Bay | Full-day Tour

Our Bartolome Galapagos + Sullivan Bay Day Tours are specialized in the natural beauties of Bartholome Island. Including beach walks,
Hiking – Snorkeling
7 – 8 Hours
Santa Fe Galapagos Full Day Tour
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Santa Fe Galapagos | Hike and Snorkel Day Tour

  Is a small island of 24 square kilometres in the centre of Galapagos. Geologically it is one of the oldest.
Hiking – Snorkeling
7 – 8 Hours
santa fe galapagos snorkeling day trip

Santa Fe Galapagos Snorkeling Day Trip + Playa Escondida

Santa Fe Galapagos Snorkeling Day Trip and Playa Escondida | Day-Tour from Santa Cruz Embark on the Santa Fe Galapagos
Snorkeling
7 – 8 Hours
Galapagos Boat Tour
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Galapagos Boat Tour | Santa Fe + South Plazas Island

Our Galapagos Boat Tour is focused in Santa Fe and Plazas Islands. This Galapagos boat tour departs from Puerto Ayora
10:00 aprox.
Santa Fe Island, South Plazas island

Day trips from Puerto Villamil – Discover Isabela’s Hidden Gems

Isabela Island, known for its volcanic landscapes, lagoons, and diverse marine life, offers breathtaking day trips from Puerto Villamil. These tours allow you to discover some of the most untouched natural wonders in the Galápagos, including:

  • Los Túneles snorkeling tour, where you can swim through lava formations and spot seahorses, white-tip reef sharks, and tropical fish.
  • Sierra Negra Volcano hike, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters, offering panoramic views of Isabela’s rugged terrain.
  • Tintoreras Islet tour, a great option for spotting Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, and reef sharks.
  • Day trips from Isabela Galápagos that connect you to Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal, offering even more exploration opportunities.

For those seeking an authentic nature experience, Isabela’s day trips in Galápagos provide an incredible mix of adventure and relaxation.

Tintoreras Galapagos
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Tintoreras Galapagos Snorkeling Tour | Half-day Tour

Tintoreras Galapagos Snorkeling Tour in Isabela Island!   Discover the wonders of Isabela Island with the Tintoreras Galapagos Snorkeling Tour! This
Hiking – Snorkeling
4 – 5 Hours
tourist in mines sulfur sierra negra
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Sulfur Mines Tour

Trekking tour to the Sulphur Mines - Sierra Negra Volcano The Sulfur Mines Tour will take you on a unique
Trekking tour
4 – 5 Hours
people in cabo rosa tuneles
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Cabo Rosa Galapagos aka Los Tuneles | Half-day Tour

Cabo Rosa Galapagos aka Los Tuneles in Isabela Island, Natural Lava Rock formations! HIGHLIGHTS: Embark on a must-do day trip
Hiking – Snorkeling
4 – 5 Hours
Sierra Negra Galapagos
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Sierra Negra Galapagos | Full Day Trekking Tour

    Sierra Negra Galapagos Trekking Tour in Isabela Island! HIGHLIGHTS: Sierra Negra Volcano is 1124 mt. above sea level.
Hiking
7 Hours

Day trips from Puerto Baquerizo – Adventures in San Cristóbal

As the capital of the Galápagos Islands, San Cristóbal is a gateway to some of the best Galápagos day trips, ideal for snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife watching. From Puerto Baquerizo, you can:

  • Take a Kicker Rock tour, one of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the Galápagos, where you can swim with hammerhead sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
  • Visit Española Island, home to the waved albatross, marine iguanas, and stunning white-sand beaches.
  • Explore Puerto Chino Beach and the highlands, where giant tortoises roam freely.
  • Choose among day trips from San Cristóbal Galápagos, including excursions to Lobos Island, Punta Pitt, and León Dormido.

These San Cristóbal Galápagos day tours are perfect for travelers looking to experience the island’s rich biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

things to do in Isabela galapagos tuneles
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Pinzon Daily Tour

Take a Espanola Galapagos Diving Day Tou from San Cristobal Island. Hike and Dive and sport Nazca Boobies, Galapagos Albatross,
Diving & Hiking
Dive Gear
kicker rock day tour from san-cristobal yacht
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San Cristobal 360 Tour

Experience the San Cristobal 360 Tour with snorkeling, scenic trails, and wildlife. Explore the best of San Cristobal in one
Hiking – Snorkeling
8 – 9 Hours
kicker rock day tour from san cristobal feat
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Kicker Rock Day Tour From San Cristobal

  Kicker Rock Day Tour From San Cristobal Island Galapagos HIGHLIGHTS: Submerge in one of the most bio-diverse hot spots
Snorkeling
7-8 Hours
espanola galapagos day trip gardner bay
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Espanola Galapagos Day Trip from San Cristobal Island

Take a Espanola Galapagos Day Trip from San Cristobal Island. Hike on volcanic terrain and spot Nazca Boobies, Galapagos Albatross,
Hiking – Snorkeling
7 Hours

Galápagos Ferry Tickets – Book Your Interisland Travel Online!

Traveling between islands in the Galápagos Archipelago has never been easier. With our Galápagos ferry tickets, you can conveniently book interisland journeys and explore multiple islands during your stay. From the main dock of Santa Cruz Island, daily departures aboard small boats (up to 20 passengers) offer quick and reliable transportation.

  • Travel comfortably between islands with ferry rides lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on sea conditions.
  • Plan accordingly: From January to June, enjoy calmer seas ideal for smoother trips. Between July and December, waves tend to be stronger, so preparation is key.
  • Choose your ideal departure time: Ferry routes have fixed public schedules, with morning and midday departures available for every route:
    • From Santa Cruz Island to Isabela Island: 7 AM and 2 PM (GMT-6).
    • From Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal Island: 7 AM and 2 PM (GMT-6).
    • From Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island: 6 AM and 3 PM (GMT-6).
    • From San Cristobal Island to Santa Cruz Island: 7 AM and 3 PM (GMT-6).

Each ferry ticket includes your seat reservation, mandatory life jacket, and direct transfer by public speedboat between Puerto Ayora and Isabela Island (or vice versa).

Galapagos Ferry Tickets
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Galapagos Ferry Tickets

Galapagos Ferry Tickets from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island Tickets. Get to your final destination here, BEST price guaranteed
Every Day
Midday, Morning
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San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Ferry Tickets

San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Ferry Tickets Here you will find our interisland San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Ferry Tickets.
Every Day
Midday, Morning
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Isabela to Santa Cruz Ferry Tickets

Buy here our Isabela to Santa Cruz Ferry Tickets. Get to your final destination here, BEST price guaranteed
Every Day
Midday, Morning
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Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Ferry Tickets

Buy here our Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Ferry Tickets. Get to your final destination here, BEST price guaranteed
Every Day
Midday, Morning

Why choose a day trip to explore the Galápagos Islands?


Exploring the Galápagos Islands on a day trip is the perfect way to experience multiple destinations while enjoying the comfort of a hotel-based stay. Whether departing from Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, or Isabela, these excursions allow you to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, hike volcanic landscapes, and encounter incredible wildlife, all without the hassle of changing accommodations.

Experience multiple islands while staying in one comfortable hotel

One of the biggest advantages of Galápagos day trips is that you can explore different islands and ecosystems while staying in a single hotel. Instead of packing and moving between locations, you can enjoy:

  • Easy access to daily excursions from Puerto Ayora, Puerto Villamil, or Puerto Baquerizo.
  • A variety of activities—from snorkeling at Kicker Rock to hiking Sierra Negra Volcano.
  • Comfortable accommodations in handpicked hotels after a full day of adventure.

This flexibility makes day trips from Santa Cruz Island Galápagos or any other starting point an ideal option for travelers who want to maximize their experience while enjoying a relaxing stay.

Double room with ocean view at the Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge
galapagos cruise comparison catamaran

Flexible itineraries with expert-guided excursions

Unlike cruises with fixed schedules, Galápagos day trips offer a personalized and adaptable way to explore the archipelago. With our expert guides, you can:

  • Choose from navigable daily tours or land-based excursions.
  • Visit top destinations like Santa Fe, Bartolomé, North Seymour, and Española Island.
  • Join small-group tours for a more immersive experience.

Whether you prefer a wildlife-focused tour, an active adventure, or a relaxing day at the beach, there’s a Galápagos day trip for every type of traveler.

The best snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife encounters in one-day tours

The Galápagos Islands are one of the best destinations in the world for wildlife encounters. By taking a day trip, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Snorkel with sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish in spots like Los Túneles and Kicker Rock.
  • Hike volcanic craters, lava tunnels, and coastal cliffs, exploring islands like Isabela and Bartolomé.
  • Observe endemic wildlife, including giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions.

With the right Galápagos day trip, you can experience the islands’ most iconic landscapes and biodiversity in just a few hours.

galapagos sharks

Hassle-Free travel – No need to pack and move constantly

A hotel-based Galápagos experience allows you to enjoy the islands without the inconvenience of constantly moving between accommodations. With day trips from Puerto Ayora, Puerto Villamil, or Puerto Baquerizo, you can:

  • Explore different islands without the need to unpack and repack every day.
  • Have free evenings to enjoy local restaurants, relax by the beach, or explore the town.
  • Experience the best of the Galápagos with maximum comfort and flexibility.

Whether you’re staying in Santa Cruz, Isabela, or San Cristóbal, choosing Galápagos day trips ensures you see more while traveling stress-free.

Discover the wildlife & landscapes of the Galápagos on a day trip

The Galápagos Islands are one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes that can be explored in a single day. Whether you’re snorkeling with sea turtles, hiking volcanic craters, or spotting blue-footed boobies, a Galápagos day trip offers an up-close encounter with the extraordinary ecosystems that make this archipelago world-famous.

What animals can you see on a day trip in the Galápagos Islands?

Every day trip in the Galápagos provides an opportunity to observe iconic wildlife in its natural habitat. Depending on your chosen tour, you might see:

  • Galápagos sea lions – Playful and curious, often seen sunbathing on beaches or swimming near snorkelers.
  • Marine iguanas – The world’s only sea-swimming lizards, commonly found on rocky shores.
  • Blue-footed boobies – Famous for their bright blue feet and unique mating dance.
  • Frigatebirds – Known for their impressive red throat pouch during breeding season.
  • Giant tortoises – Best seen on land-based tours to El Chato Reserve or La Galapaguera.
  • Hammerhead sharks & reef sharks – Frequently spotted on snorkeling tours like Kicker Rock and Los Túneles.
  • Galápagos penguins – Found in colder waters, especially on Bartolomé Island day trips.
  • Sea turtles & manta rays – Common in shallow waters near Santa Fe, North Seymour, and Isabela.
Sea lions everywhere

Best times of the year for Galápagos Day trips

The Galápagos Islands are a year-round destination, but the best time for a day trip in Galápagos depends on what you want to experience:

  • December – May (Warm & Wet Season)
    • Warmer air and ocean temperatures (24-30°C / 75-86°F).
    • Ideal for snorkeling, as the seas are calm and visibility is excellent.
    • Lush green landscapes, perfect for photography and hiking.
    • Mating season for many species, including sea lions and marine iguanas.
  • June – November (Cool & Dry Season)
    • Cooler air and water temperatures (19-26°C / 66-79°F).
    • More active marine life, including whale and dolphin sightings.
    • Nutrient-rich waters, attracting large schools of fish and seabirds.
    • Best season for diving, with increased chances of spotting hammerhead sharks and manta rays.

No matter when you visit, Galápagos day trips guarantee unforgettable encounters with pristine nature, volcanic landscapes, and rare wildlife.

Plan & Book your Galápagos day trip

Make the most of your Galápagos adventure!

Book your day trips easily online and explore the islands hassle-free.

Discover breathtaking wildlife, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable landscapes. Secure your spot today!

Speak with our local travel experts for a customized experience

Planning the perfect Galápagos day trip can be overwhelming with so many incredible islands, snorkeling sites, and wildlife encounters to choose from. At Nature Galápagos, our local travel experts are here to help you design the ideal itinerary based on your interests, schedule, and budget.

Whether you’re looking for a Bartolomé Island day tour, a Santa Fe snorkeling adventure, or a Kicker Rock excursion, we’ll guide you to the best options and ensure a seamless experience. We specialize in small-group, hotel-based day trips, providing personalized service and expert knowledge so you can make the most of your time in the Galápagos Islands.

Contact us today to start planning your adventure and let our team craft a customized Galápagos experience just for you!

Galápagos Day Trips – Frequently asked questions

What is the best day trip from Santa Cruz Island?

Santa Cruz Island is the main hub for Galápagos day trips, offering easy access to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the archipelago. The best day trip depends on your interests:

  • For snorkeling & marine life: A Santa Fe Galápagos day trip lets you swim with sea lions, reef sharks, and turtles in crystal-clear waters.
  • For stunning landscapes & iconic views: The Bartolomé Island day tour takes you to the famous Pinnacle Rock, with opportunities to snorkel alongside Galápagos penguins.
  • For birdwatching & coastal hikes: A North Seymour tour offers close encounters with blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and land iguanas.
  • For diverse wildlife & history: A Floreana Island excursion includes snorkeling at Black Beach and a visit to the famous Post Office Bay.

Each of these day trips from Santa Cruz Island Galápagos provides a unique experience, making it easy to explore different aspects of the archipelago without needing to stay overnight on another island.

Can I visit Bartolomé Island on a day trip from Puerto Ayora?

Yes! The Bartolomé Island day tour from Puerto Ayora is one of the most popular Galápagos excursions and is easily accessible as a navigable day trip from Santa Cruz.

On this tour, you will:

  • Hike to the iconic viewpoint of Pinnacle Rock, offering one of the most famous panoramas in the Galápagos.
  • Snorkel with penguins, sea turtles, and reef sharks in the pristine waters surrounding the island.
  • Explore volcanic landscapes, featuring lava formations and golden sand beaches.

This Bartolomé Galápagos day trip is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, marine life, and breathtaking scenery, all within a single-day excursion from Puerto Ayora.

What are the best day trips from San Cristóbal and Isabela?

Both San Cristóbal and Isabela Island serve as excellent departure points for unique Galápagos day trips that showcase the best of each island’s landscapes and wildlife.

  • Best day trips from San Cristóbal:
    • Kicker Rock tour – Snorkel with hammerhead sharks and manta rays at one of the best diving sites in the Galápagos.
    • Española Island tour – A must for bird lovers, featuring waved albatrosses, marine iguanas, and stunning coastal views.
    • Puerto Chino & Highlands tour – Visit a giant tortoise reserve, hike to scenic viewpoints, and relax on pristine beaches.
  • Best day trips from Isabela Island:
    • Los Túneles snorkeling tour – Explore lava tunnels teeming with seahorses, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
    • Sierra Negra Volcano hike – Trek along the rim of one of the world’s largest volcanic craters.
    • Tintoreras Islet tour – Spot Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, and white-tip reef sharks.

Whether you’re departing from Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, or Isabela, our Galápagos day trips ensure an unforgettable adventure, packed with wildlife encounters, crystal-clear snorkeling spots, and breathtaking landscapes.