Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnels, & Tortuga Bay Beach Day Tour

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador



Explore the highlands and its unique natural habitat. Twin Craters are perfect for nature lovers. Relax and enjoy in one of the most beautiful beaches. Get amazed by the stunning scenery and wildlife.

Galapagos Highlands and Tortuga Bay Tour on Santa Cruz Island

This guided tour explores the diverse ecosystems of Santa Cruz Island, ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Highlights

  • Explore Galapagos Highlands, rich with giant tortoises and native forests
  • Visit the twin volcanic craters with panoramic views and birdwatching
  • Walk to Tortuga Bay to observe iguanas, crabs, and swim in a mangrove lagoon

Description

Your tour begins with a hotel pickup to the Santa Cruz Highlands, a popular area known for dense forests of Scalesia and Miconia and giant tortoise habitats. Here, you can observe these animals in their natural environment.

After lunch at a local farm, visit the twin craters of the Galapagos. This site offers lush greenery contrasting with the island’s arid lowlands and provides excellent lookout points over the volcanic sinkholes along with diverse bird species.

The final stop is Tortuga Bay on the island’s south coast. Enjoy a two-hour round-trip walk to this pristine white sand beach, home to iguanas and beach crabs. You can also swim in the protected mangrove lagoon separated from the main beach.

Includes

  • Private transport
  • Certified Spanish/English-speaking guide
  • Entrance to Rancho “El Chato” (giant tortoise reserve)
  • Lunch at “El Chato” farm
  • Guided activities throughout the tour

Excludes

  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Wetsuit

Cancellation Policy

This activity is non-refundable.

For best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water. The tour operates daily, and booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will explore Santa Cruz Highlands forests, observe giant tortoises, visit twin craters with natural sinkholes, and walk to Tortuga Bay's white sand beach where you can spot iguanas and beach crabs.
The tour takes place on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
The tour lasts a full day, typically covering various sites on Santa Cruz Island including highlands and Tortuga Bay beach.
The tour is suitable for nature lovers of all ages interested in wildlife and natural landscapes in the Galapagos Islands.
No special equipment is required, but comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended for exploring trails and beaches in Ecuador.
Yes, the Santa Cruz Highlands area is home to giant tortoise populations where you can observe them in their natural habitat.
Swimming is possible at Tortuga Bay’s beach, although the tour mainly focuses on walking and wildlife observation.
The tour is available year-round; check the website for current hours and seasonal wildlife activity.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off on Santa Cruz Island, making transportation convenient during your visit.
Yes, the tour features sightings of iguanas, beach crabs, and various bird species native to the Galapagos Highlands and Tortuga Bay.

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