Santa Cruz Island Tours & Trips

83 Santa Cruz Island trips. Tours from 46 tour companies. 806 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

83 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

7-Days Family Trip to Ecuador
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Private Guided
Why we love them
They're focused on reducing harmful impacts of tourism and they focus on creating positive experiences for you, while benefitting communities.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Exploring an Uninhabited Island: One of the highlights of our trip was venturing to an uninhabited island in the Galapagos. We had the opportunity to explore untouched landscapes, encounter unique wildlife, and truly immerse ourselves in the pristine beauty of nature.
  • Giant Tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands: The Santa Cruz Highlands provided us with an incredible experience as we came face-to-face with giant tortoises. These majestic creatures, known for their longevity and impressive size, roamed freely in their natural habitat, allowing us to observe them up close and appreciate their gentle nature.
  • Charles Darwin Station: The Charles Darwin Station offered us a deeper understanding of the Galapagos Islands' unique ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts. We had the chance to learn about the groundbreaking research conducted there and witness the dedicated work being done to protect the islands' fragile environment.
  • Thrilling Kayaking in Tortuga Bay: The exhilarating kayaking expedition in Tortuga Bay was a highlight that filled us with a sense of adventure. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters, we admired the stunning coastal scenery, encountered marine life, and appreciated the tranquility of this picturesque location.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Birding, Photography, National Parks, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Nosso sonho era conhecer as ilhas de Galápagos e foi realizado graças ao Joseph que fez um roteiro incrível de viagem para nós e nossos amigos. Nós não tivemos que nos preocupar com nada, traslados, hotéis e passeios todos bem reservados e planejados. Nós recomendamos a empresa e os serviços do Joseph de olhos fechados."

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Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They travel to places beyond the typical tourist locations and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Darwin, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Quito, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island, Sucre

Highlights

  • Spend a week cruising in style on an upgraded catamaran, accompanied by a naturalist guide
  • Snorkel and walk to find sea lions, magnificent frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, white-tip reef sharks and much more
  • Look for Galapagos penguins around Fernandina, and go in search of blue-footed boobies on North Seymour

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

Trip dates & details
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14-Days Highlights of Ecuador
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're focused on reducing harmful impacts of tourism and they focus on creating positive experiences for you, while benefitting communities.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Culture and handcragts in the andes
  • Wildlife encounters in Galapagos Islands
  • Snorkel in one of the best sites for underwater wildlife in Los Tuneles
  • Discover an Uninhabited Islands

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Culinary & Wine, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Birding, Sailing, Photography, High Adventure, Scuba Diving, Climbing & Mountaineering

What travelers are saying

"Nosso sonho era conhecer as ilhas de Galápagos e foi realizado graças ao Joseph que fez um roteiro incrível de viagem para nós e nossos amigos. Nós não tivemos que nos preocupar com nada, traslados, hotéis e passeios todos bem reservados e planejados. Nós recomendamos a empresa e os serviços do Joseph de olhos fechados."

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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $150 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Ecuador Big Five 18 Days Tour
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Start and end in Quito! With the adventure tour Ecuador Big Five 18 Days Tour, you have a 18 Day Tour Package in Ecuador taking you through Quito, Ecuador and 15 other destinations in Ecuador. Ecuador Big Five 18 Days Tour is a small group tour that includes flights, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, High Adventure, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Phenomenal! Karen was awesome. We made a potato soup with an avocado rose set on cheese in the middle of the soup. Then we made a sword fish in a cream sauce and finished with a chocolate fondue dish with a variety of passion fruit and other local fruits. It was the best cooking class I have ever taken. Thanks Karen!"

Trip dates & details
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Galapagos Islands: Wildlife Odyssey
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Search for white-reef sharks, the Galápagos iguana, and more on world famous snorkeling sites
  • Relax at the beach of Tortuga Bay, famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline
  • Search for blue-footed boobies at Kicker Rock on San Cristobal Island
  • Enjoy a meal with a local fisherman and his family in the beautiful town of Cerro Brujo
  • Journey to Otavalo for a world-class artisan textile market, Andean instrument making lessons, and lunch with the people of Peguche

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our trip started off with a lunch at Maya Gardens. We went to see the poultry in their pens while waiting for lunch, thinking it was a petting zoo. The poor birds did not have water or any indication that they ever had water. One of the turkeys was lying on it's side looking very sick. No one would give them water when I asked them to. The lunch was so awful I did not eat meat for the rest of the trip. I sent a video to Angela Bailey telling her this is not what we want to see when on a conservation trip and she acted like I was lying. Our guides were lazy and not caring about us. They took us to overpriced markets to get fleeced by the sellers there. At the anti-poaching farm tour, we had to walk over a bridge with wires on it, to keep wildlife in. One of our travelers, who was 65 years old, tripped over it and had to go to the hospital. No one warned her about the wires. Then, trying to get off the safari trucks, she was so very very sore and no guides helped her to get out of the truck. Completely appalling. The guides had very poor communication skills that worked for Discover Corps. I was forced to get vaccinated while in Kenya, because the laws changed while we were there. I asked if I could try to get out of the airport first and if I could not then get the vaccine. Discover Corps said "If you choose to do that, you are on your own". The conditions of medical in Kenya is not like the US and it was awful. The airport didn't even ask me for my vaccine card on the way out. DC could have worked with me on trying this first before forcing me to get this vaccine in a poor 3rd world country. Also, my vaccine card had the wrong date of birth and my name did not match what is on my passport. The doctor tried to get me to tip the nurse giving me the vaccine. The guides dropped us off curbside at the airport and left us there to navigate. I will NEVER use this company again. They did not have my back on anything that happened and Angela Bailey never contacted me to follow up about my experience after this trip was over."

Trip dates & details
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Outdoors 9 Days Galapagos Island Hopping Tour
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Start and end in Quito! With the adventure tour GuideGalapagos Outdoors 9 Days Tour, you have a 9 day tour package taking you through Quito, Ecuador and 5 other destinations in Ecuador. GuideGalapagos Outdoors 9 Days Tour is a small group tour that includes accommodation in a hotel as well as flights, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, High Adventure, Scuba Diving, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Phenomenal! Karen was awesome. We made a potato soup with an avocado rose set on cheese in the middle of the soup. Then we made a sword fish in a cream sauce and finished with a chocolate fondue dish with a variety of passion fruit and other local fruits. It was the best cooking class I have ever taken. Thanks Karen!"

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7-Days Budget Trip to Ecuador
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Private Guided
Why we love them
They're focused on reducing harmful impacts of tourism and they focus on creating positive experiences for you, while benefitting communities.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Exploring Quito's Historic Center: A Journey Through Time
  • Discovering the Natural Wonders of Papallacta Hot Springs
  • Hiking the Majestic Quilotoa Crater Lake
  • Cotopaxi National Park: Witnessing Ecuador's Breathtaking Landscapes

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Birding, Photography, High Adventure, Scuba Diving, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Nosso sonho era conhecer as ilhas de Galápagos e foi realizado graças ao Joseph que fez um roteiro incrível de viagem para nós e nossos amigos. Nós não tivemos que nos preocupar com nada, traslados, hotéis e passeios todos bem reservados e planejados. Nós recomendamos a empresa e os serviços do Joseph de olhos fechados."

Trip dates & details
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Galápagos Islands: Family Volunteer Vacation
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Get up close to giant tortoises while volunteering at a conservation sanctuary
  • Snorkel alongside penguins, reef sharks and sea lions
  • Kayak in search of the famed blue-footed booby
  • View creatures in their natural surroundings on uninhabited islands
  • Experience the Galapagos’ unique biodiversity up close

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Scuba Diving, Volunteering & Community Service, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Our trip started off with a lunch at Maya Gardens. We went to see the poultry in their pens while waiting for lunch, thinking it was a petting zoo. The poor birds did not have water or any indication that they ever had water. One of the turkeys was lying on it's side looking very sick. No one would give them water when I asked them to. The lunch was so awful I did not eat meat for the rest of the trip. I sent a video to Angela Bailey telling her this is not what we want to see when on a conservation trip and she acted like I was lying. Our guides were lazy and not caring about us. They took us to overpriced markets to get fleeced by the sellers there. At the anti-poaching farm tour, we had to walk over a bridge with wires on it, to keep wildlife in. One of our travelers, who was 65 years old, tripped over it and had to go to the hospital. No one warned her about the wires. Then, trying to get off the safari trucks, she was so very very sore and no guides helped her to get out of the truck. Completely appalling. The guides had very poor communication skills that worked for Discover Corps. I was forced to get vaccinated while in Kenya, because the laws changed while we were there. I asked if I could try to get out of the airport first and if I could not then get the vaccine. Discover Corps said "If you choose to do that, you are on your own". The conditions of medical in Kenya is not like the US and it was awful. The airport didn't even ask me for my vaccine card on the way out. DC could have worked with me on trying this first before forcing me to get this vaccine in a poor 3rd world country. Also, my vaccine card had the wrong date of birth and my name did not match what is on my passport. The doctor tried to get me to tip the nurse giving me the vaccine. The guides dropped us off curbside at the airport and left us there to navigate. I will NEVER use this company again. They did not have my back on anything that happened and Angela Bailey never contacted me to follow up about my experience after this trip was over."

Trip dates & details
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Santa Cruz Island Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
806  Reviews
See all Santa Cruz Island tour reviews
Excellent
13
Great
0
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
G

Gary

Jun 2024

Written on

Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure

Beware that you need a wet suite to snorkel and the charge is $65. In my opinion this is a rip off as without you would struggle to be in the water for very long. Al...

S

Sheila

Nov 2019

Written on

Fantastic Galapagos Trip!

My friend and I were on the late May 2019 Galapagos Unbound trip - fantastic! Our trip leader was amazing and all the Galapagos guides were super friendly and knowle...

M

Mogs

Oct 2019

Written on

Galapagos Unbound - Wonderful

My memories of this trip are of snorkeling with sea lion pups and giggling so hard I inhaled seawater - it was totally worth it! The guides were smart, knowledgeable...

P

Phil

Oct 2019

Written on

I had a fabulous trip

My wife and I had a fabulous trip last February with Row Adventures. Row covered everything from day one to the end. The guides (Patricia Barberan especially) were g...

M

Mark

Oct 2019

Written on

Galapagos Unbound - Outstanding

This is a perfect way (much better than living on a boat) to see the islands which are spectacular. The guides were helpful and informative, the kayaking was super-c...

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Santa Cruz Island Tour Selection Trips

  • If you want to view Galapagos wildlife, you’ll need to take a tour headed by a local, government-approved guide
  • Virtually all Galapagos tours find their way to Santa Cruz Island, which is near the international airport
  • On a week-long small-ship cruise, you can expect to spend at least one full day on Santa Cruz
  • Some Galapagos tours are based primarily on Santa Cruz and make day trips to other islands from there
  • Make sure your tour visits the highlands of the island, where you’ll have the best chance to view giant tortoises in the wild

Additional details

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