Santa Cruz Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Santa Cruz and Galápagos tours and things to do on the wildlife capital of the islands: take a bay tour around Puerto Ayora, meet giant tortoises and crawl through lava tunnels in the highlands, and sail on day trips to Bartolomé, North Seymour and Pinzón to snorkel with sea lions, penguins and rays. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Santa Cruz by interest
Whatever brings you to Santa Cruz — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Bay tour
Snorkel Puerto Ayora.
ExploreGiant tortoises
Tortoises & lava.
ExploreBartolomé
Iconic Pinnacle Rock.
ExploreNorth Seymour
Boobies & frigatebirds.
ExplorePinzón
Top snorkelling.
ExploreTortuga Bay
White-sand beach.
ExploreHighlands
Craters & tunnels.
ExploreGalápagos highlights
Wildlife & islands.
ExploreTop attractions in Santa Cruz
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Puerto Ayora Bay
Snorkel the coves.
Giant Tortoises
Tortoises & lava.
Bartolomé
Iconic Pinnacle Rock.
North Seymour
Boobies & frigatebirds.
Pinzón
Top snorkelling.
Tortuga Bay
White-sand beach.
The Highlands
Craters & tunnels.
Santa Cruz
Galápagos wildlife hub.
Puerto Ayora awayBay Tour
Snorkel the coves.
Highlands awayGiant Tortoises
Tortoises & lava.
Day trip awayBartolomé
Pinnacle Rock.
Day trip awayNorth Seymour
Boobies & birds.
Day trip awayPinzón
Top snorkelling.
Santa Cruz awayHighlands
Craters & tunnels.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Santa Cruz visitor asks before booking.
Warm (Dec–May)
Sunny, calm seas and warmer water — great for snorkelling.
Cool (Jun–Nov)
Cooler and breezier, with rich marine life.
For birds
Blue-footed boobies court and nest for much of the year.
For tortoises
Giant tortoises are seen in the highlands year-round.
Peak
June to August and December to January are busiest.
Best overall
The islands reward a visit in any season.
One day
A bay tour and the giant tortoises.
Two days
Add a Bartolomé or North Seymour day trip.
Three+ days
Add Pinzón, Tortuga Bay and the highlands.
For wildlife
The highlands and North Seymour.
For snorkelling
Bay tours and Pinzón.
Island-hopping
Base on Santa Cruz for day trips.
By boat
Day-trip boats sail to the surrounding islands.
By tour
Highland and bay tours include transport.
On foot
Puerto Ayora and Tortuga Bay are walkable.
By taxi
White pickup taxis run across the island.
Where to stay
Puerto Ayora has the most hotels and tours.
US dollar
Ecuador uses the US dollar; bring cash for the islands.
Park fee
A national park entry fee is paid on arrival in cash.
Day trips
Book island day trips ahead, as boats have limited space.
Wildlife
Keep two metres from all animals, as the rules require.
Snorkelling
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a light wetsuit for cool water.
Tortuga Bay
The free beach walk is a must — go early.
Guides
Island visits require a certified naturalist guide.
Bartolomé
Day trips have limited permits — book ahead.
North Seymour
Popular birding trips sell out — reserve early.
Pinzón
Snorkel day trips fill up — book ahead.
Bay tours
Small-group boats fill up — reserve early.
Highlands
Tortoise tours fill up — book ahead.
Peak season
June to August is busiest — book far ahead.
Bay tour
From about $60 for a half-day bay tour.
Giant tortoises
Around $90 for a highlands tortoise and lava tour.
Pinzón
From $175 for a Pinzón snorkelling day trip.
Bartolomé
Around $199 for a Bartolomé day trip.
North Seymour
About $199 for a North Seymour day trip.
How to save
Base on Santa Cruz and take day trips rather than a cruise.
Santa Cruz through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Calm seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
- Best for
- Warm water.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
- Best for
- Rich sea life.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
- Best for
- Quiet islands.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Calm.