Santa Cruz Island Private Guided Tours & Trip Packages

Santa Cruz Island Private Guided Tours & Trips

97 Santa Cruz Island trips. Tours from 46 tour companies. 853 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

16 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Private Guided
7-Days Family Trip to Ecuador
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5/5 Excellent
16 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Charles Darwin Research Station, Galapagos Islands, Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island

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

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

What travelers are saying

"We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise. Our travel agent Alvaro did an excellent job helping us plan our trip - he was very knowledgeable, patient, and kind. All our guides were excellent, special shout-out to Christian, Sergio (aka Mike Tyson), and Pablo. Our favorite experiences were the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, biking/hiking at the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, and cruising the Galapagos."

Trip dates & details
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7-Days Budget Trip to Ecuador
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5/5 Excellent
16 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lagoon, Quito

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

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

What travelers are saying

"We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise. Our travel agent Alvaro did an excellent job helping us plan our trip - he was very knowledgeable, patient, and kind. All our guides were excellent, special shout-out to Christian, Sergio (aka Mike Tyson), and Pablo. Our favorite experiences were the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, biking/hiking at the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, and cruising the Galapagos."

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Galapagos by Kayak
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5/5 Excellent
31 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Giant tortoise reserve, Guayaquil, Quito, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Explore Galapagos is all about wildlife. A wild menagerie of remarkable animals thrives on these remote islands, scattered nearly 700 miles (1000 km) off the coast of Ecuador. The seclusion of this archipelago honed the development of unique animals, untouched and unafraid of human civilization.
  • See though the Galapagos now allows a limited number of visitors to its enchanted shores, careful habitat-management preserves this charmed ecosystem. The beauty of a sea kayak as a vessel for wildlife viewing lies in its non-intrusive, eco-friendly presence.
  • Exoerience this 8-day itinerary, live the wonders of the Galapagos by getting down to sea level in this exquisite marine environment. Giant tortoises, iguanas, blue-footed-boobies, and Darwin’s finches delight on island reaches, while penguins, sea lions, and an endless palette of underwater life beckon from the surf in this "Bucket List" adventure.
  • The “up-close-and-personal” nature of this itinerary allows for 5 nights spent camping on the beach on two different islands, and plenty of time on the water for paddling.
  • You’ll also enjoy the classic Galapagos highlights, like a visit to the wild tortoises farm and volcanic lava tunnels, with ample time to explore beautiful and fascinating beaches as well as the pockets of interesting animal populations that make the Galapagos unique. Finally, no Galapagos trip is

Themes

Birding, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

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Colours of Ecuador: Quito, the Highlands & Galapagos
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Otavalo, Quito, Santa Cruz Island

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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Galapagos from Ashore
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Fe

Highlights

  • Carefully step past sleeping sea lions on a pristine beach.
  • See the famous Galapagos giant tortoises at close quarters.
  • Spot marine iguanas, land iguanas and a feast of fearless birdlife.
  • Explore the old town of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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Galapagos island-hopping tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Quito, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Carefully step past sleeping sea lions on a pristine beach.
  • See the famous Galapagos giant tortoises at close quarters.
  • Spot marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, land iguanas and a feast of fearless birdlife.
  • Explore the old town of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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A Taste of Ecuador: From Sky to Forest to Sea
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Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, Galapagos, Isla Baltra, Isla Bartolome, Isla Floreana, Quito, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Explore Quito
  • Discover Cotopaxi National park
  • Experience walking near Pita River
  • Visit Santa Cruz Island and Bartolome Island
  • Explore Yasuni National Park and Visit Indigenous Community

Themes

Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

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South America 'Big Five' Explorer
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Galapagos, Iguazu Falls, Isla Bartolome, Lima, Machu Picchu, Puerto Maldonado, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Sacred Valley, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Discover the history of the Plaza de Mayo Square,
  • Explore the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Lima and Quito on guided City Tours.
  • Explore the islands of Taquile and Uros
  • Visit Lima

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Everything organised by Karen at Chimu Went as planned which we were very grateful for. The only drama was the tight scheduling of some of our flights and having to run to get to next gate on time. Latam airline did very well and all our luggage arrived on time . The cruise on OceanEndeavour was truly amazing; the ice, the wildlife and the professional enthusiastic crew made our experience very memorable. Thanks Chimu"

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16 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Private Guided

Santa Cruz Island Reviews & Ratings

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

Richard

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Galapagos really is an incredible place

The Galapagos really is an incredible place. Although we did not get to see all of the islands, I feel like we got very good exposure to, and depth into, the things ...

C

Cathy

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Galapagos Family Adventure was a dream come true

The Galapagos Family Adventure was a dream come true. The islands and wildlife experience was everything we hoped it would be, with non-stop extraordinary encounters...

A

Andrea

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Galapagos Islands is one of the most beautiful and unique places I've ever travelled to

The Galapagos Islands is one of the most beautiful and unique places I've ever travelled to. I believe the islands alone provide a magical experience to the person c...

I

Ian

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

We have had a number of great holidays around the world

We have had a number of great holidays around the world. This would rank up at the top. The wildlife, the activities, the friends we made & scenery were nothing ...

Y

Yvonne

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

My family's experience in the Galapagos was such a spiritual and moving trip

My family's experience in the Galapagos was such a spiritual and moving trip. The wildlife, scenery and adventures have impacted us in such a positive way. I missed ...

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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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