Santa Cruz Island Galapagos – Best Tours & Activities

Magic of Isabela – Up to 3 islands

Discover the wonders of Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos, with this multi-island adventure. This tour includes:

• Isabela Island – Visit Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the world’s largest craters, and explore the charming town of Puerto Villamil.
• Tintoreras Islet – Snorkel alongside white-tip reef sharks, sea lions, and marine iguanas.
• Flamingo Lagoon – Observe these elegant birds in their natural habitat.

With the Magic of Isabela tour, you’ll experience a mix of volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and incredible marine life, all while enjoying a comfortable stay in Santa Cruz Galapagos hotels.

Oceano programs – Up to 4 islands

This Galapagos day tour from Santa Cruz is perfect for travelers wanting to explore a variety of islands in one trip. The Oceano Program typically includes:

• North Seymour Island – A haven for birdwatchers, featuring blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
• Bartolomé Island – Home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock, with some of the best panoramic views in the archipelago.
• Santa Fe Island – A great snorkeling destination with crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life.
• Floreana Island – Rich in history and wildlife, this island offers unique encounters with sea turtles and marine iguanas.

This tour is ideal for those looking for a well-rounded Santa Cruz Galapagos tour that combines diverse ecosystems and adventure.

Adventure tours – Up to 3 islands

Designed for thrill-seekers, this tour combines hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking in some of the most exciting locations around Isla Santa Cruz Galapagos:

• Highlands of Santa Cruz – Trek through lush landscapes and visit giant tortoises at El Chato Reserve.
• Los Gemelos (Twin Craters) – Explore these stunning volcanic formations.
• Bay Tour & Kayaking – Paddle along the coastline of Santa Cruz Galapagos, spotting rays, sharks, and sea lions.

The Adventure Tour is perfect for those who want an active and immersive experience in the Galapagos Islands.

Navigable tours – Up to 4 islands

For those who love being on the water, navigable tours offer the chance to explore remote islands with ease. Depending on the itinerary, you can visit:

• Plazas Islands – A small but spectacular island known for its vibrant land iguanas and dramatic cliffs.
• San Cristóbal Island – Discover Kicker Rock, one of the top snorkeling and diving spots in the Galapagos.
• Española Island – A paradise for bird lovers, featuring the waved albatross and stunning beaches.
• Daphne Major – A volcanic islet known for its significant role in Darwin’s finch studies.

These Santa Cruz Galapagos day tours provide a unique blend of navigation, exploration, and wildlife encounters.

Los Túneles tours – Up to 3 islands

One of the most sought-after day tours Santa Cruz Galapagos has to offer, Los Túneles is an incredible snorkeling destination near Isabela Island. Highlights include:

• Snorkeling in lava tunnels, home to sharks, sea turtles, and seahorses.
• Swimming through natural arches and caves, formed by ancient lava flows.
• Close encounters with penguins and blue-footed boobies.

The Los Túneles tour is an absolute must for snorkeling enthusiasts looking to explore one of the most unique underwater landscapes in the Galapagos Islands.

Stay in comfortable accommodations & explore multiple islands

A hotel-based tour offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. You’ll stay in a well-equipped hotel in Santa Cruz Galapagos, providing a stable and comfortable base, while setting out on daily excursions to places like Isabela, North Seymour, Bartolomé, and Floreana Islands.

Benefits of staying in hotels in Santa Cruz Galapagos:
✔ More spacious and comfortable rooms compared to cruise cabins.
✔ Easier access to restaurants, shops, and cultural spots in Puerto Ayora.
✔ A variety of excursions – choose between snorkeling, hiking, or wildlife tours each day.
✔ Perfect for all types of travelers, including families, couples, and solo adventurers.

With a Santa Cruz Galapagos hotel-based tour, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds: adventure-filled Galapagos day tours from Santa Cruz and the convenience of a well-located hotel.

Hotel options for every traveler: Economy to First Class

One of the main advantages of a hotel-based stay in Santa Cruz Galapagos is that you can choose the accommodation that best suits your budget and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or a luxurious oceanfront retreat, there are options for everyone:

• Economy Hotels – Simple yet comfortable accommodations for budget-conscious travelers.
• Tourist-Class Hotels – Great value with added amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
• Tourist Superior Hotels – Spacious rooms, stunning views, and excellent services.
• First-Class Hotels – Luxury accommodations with pools, oceanfront locations, and high-end services.

Choosing the right Santa Cruz Galapagos hotel ensures that your trip is both enjoyable and aligned with your travel style.

Enjoy flexible itineraries without moving hotels

Unlike cruises that follow a fixed schedule, a Santa Cruz Island hotel-based tour allows you to create a more personalized itinerary. Each day, you can choose from a variety of Santa Cruz Galapagos day tours, such as:

• Hiking in the Santa Cruz Highlands to see giant tortoises.
• Snorkeling at Los Túneles or diving in Gordon Rocks.
• Exploring remote islands like Bartolomé, North Seymour, and Española.

This flexibility is ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace, have free evenings in Puerto Ayora, and mix adventure with relaxation.

Combine adventure, wildlife, and relaxation in one trip

A hotel-based tour in Santa Cruz Island Galapagos offers the perfect mix of excitement and downtime:

• Adventurous activities like snorkeling with sea lions, kayaking in Tortuga Bay, or hiking volcanic craters.
• Incredible wildlife encounters with blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises.
• Relaxing evenings where you can enjoy a meal at a beachfront restaurant, take a sunset walk, or simply unwind at your hotel.

By staying in hotels in Santa Cruz Galapagos, you ensure that your trip is comfortable, memorable, and tailored to your interests.

Explore the best hotel-based tours from Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is the perfect base for exploring the Galapagos, offering a mix of adventure, wildlife, and comfort. With hotel-based tours, you can stay in Puerto Ayora and embark on incredible day tours from Santa Cruz Galapagos to nearby islands, experiencing the region’s unique biodiversity without having to change accommodations. Whether you’re snorkeling with sea lions, hiking through volcanic landscapes, or spotting giant tortoises, these tours provide an unforgettable way to discover the Galapagos Islands while enjoying the best hotels in Santa Cruz Galapagos.