Menu
  • Isla Santa Cruz

    Isla Santa Cruz

    Almost all visitors to the Galapagos Islands will touch down in Isla Santa Cruz at some point...
  • Isla Bartolomé

    Isla Bartolomé

    Tiny Bartolomé is most famous for its landscapes and scenery...
  • Isla Genovesa

    Isla Genovesa

    Stay with us – Isla Genovesa is also known as Booby Island due to the sheer number of goofy-looking Nazca and red-footed boobies that live here...
  • Isla Santa Cruz

    Isla Santa Cruz

    Almost all visitors to the Galapagos Islands will touch down in Isla Santa Cruz at some point...


Make the most of your time on the Galapagos Islands by starting on Isla Santa Cruz, where you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre, see giant tortoises and relax on the beach at Tortuga Bay. Next, sail to Isla Bartolome for stunning 360 views of volcanic formations and frisky penguins, and to swim with tropical fish and marine turtles. Your next landing should be tiny Isla Rabida to see pink flamingos, pelicans and sea lions. Sail back to Isla Santa Cruz to end your Galapagos adventure.

Key information

Destinations Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, Isla Genovesa, Isla Española
Activity Cruise & Sailing, Luxury, Nature & Wildlife
Physical Level Easy
Season Season January - December

This itinerary would cost from $2,215 per person with our The Galapagos Islands specialist.

Book this trip with Lost World Adventures
Start here

Suggested itinerary

Follow in Darwin’s footsteps on Isla Santa Cruz

Follow in Darwin’s footsteps on Isla Santa Cruz

Day 1 in Isla Santa Cruz

Almost all visitors to the Galapagos Islands will touch down in Isla Santa Cruz at some point. From beach walks at Tortuga Bay to giant tortoises at El Chato Reserve, there is plenty to see — but make sure to visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre to learn more about the wildlife you’ll encounter on your trip.

Don't miss

Walk in the hills with giant tortoises

Walk in the hills with giant tortoises

The endangered giant tortoise is making a comeback on the Galapagos thanks to a concerted conservation effort. Head to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see these gentle giants shuffling around the hills.

Take in the views on Isla Bartolomé

Take in the views on Isla Bartolomé

Day 2 in Isla Bartolomé

Tiny Bartolomé is most famous for its landscapes and scenery. A set of steep steps leads to a 360-degree viewpoint over the island, looking back on black volcanic formations, marine life and striking reds and greens.

Don't miss

Penguins and Pinnacle Rock

Penguins and Pinnacle Rock

Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Galapagos. Climb its 114m summit for views before heading down to the beach to see -- and swim -- with the diminutive Galapagos penguin.

Search for boobies on Isla Genovesa

Search for boobies on Isla Genovesa

Day 3 in Isla Genovesa

Stay with us – Isla Genovesa is also known as Booby Island due to the sheer number of goofy-looking Nazca and red-footed boobies that live here. This island is a must for bird-watching enthusiasts, with great frigatebirds, short-eared owls and many more in residence.

Relax on Bachas Beach

Relax on Bachas Beach

Day 4 in Isla Santa Cruz

Named for some wrecked World War II barges whose ribs are still visible in the sand, this site offers great swimming, a lovely walk along the shore and a visit to a lagoon behind the high tide line with wading birds, marine iguanas and sometimes even flamingoes. The two beaches are also favourite nesting sites for green turtles which often leave tractor-like tracks in the sand.

Make the trip back to Baltra airport for an onward connection to Quito or Guayaquil.

Where to stay

Classic

Habitat Hotel

An iconic Galapagos hotel situated in Puerto Ayora on the waterfront of Academy Bay, Isla Santa Cruz. Hotel facilities include private deck and restaurant area with incredible panoramic views of the Galapagos Islands.

Classic

Coral 1 & 2

The perfect cruise vessels for charter groups where comfort is guaranteed. Equipped with two terraces, a dining area, lounge, library, jacuzzi and restaurant serving Ecuadorian and international cuisine.

Capacity: 36 passengers.

Superior

Sea Star Journey

Boutique yacht offering a wide range of itineraries for those wanting visit the Galapagos Islands in comfort. Featuring 8 air-conditioned suites and spacious social areas with all the luxuries and facilities of a superior first class motor yacht.

Capacity: 16 passengers.

Deluxe

M/V Evolution

This ship features stylish staterooms and suites, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a library cabin, an observation deck, a sundeck with a small hot-tub, a canopied roof-deck bar, and a medically staffed infirmary.

Capacity: 32 passengers.

Deluxe

Pikaia Lodge

A secluded, sustainability-focused hotel nestled on top of an extinct volcano crater, offering luxurious accommodation with an on-site restaurant, infinity pool, spa and lounge bar.

Book this itinerary

This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from $2,215pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.

Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.

Other itineraries you might like

Isla Isabela, Isla Fernandina, Isla Santiago

Machu Picchu & Galapagos cruise

An epic land and sea voyage of history and nature

Approx. 13 days
Quito, The Amazon Basin, The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos and Amazon basin combined

Explore the highlights of Ecuador

Approx. 10 days
Quito, The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos eco-lodge exploration

Luxury ecotravel at its finest

Approx. 5 days

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.