GALAPAGOS ISLANDS VACATION: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

3 Nights – 4 Days

“Each day will be filled with exciting visits to view the unique Galapagos Islands wildlife and opportunities to snorkel under the surface watching the magic of the aquatic life.”

Island hopping is an excellent alternative to cruises, allowing you to explore the Galapagos Islands and natural wonders by day; while discovering a colorful nightlife and incredible restaurants, and returning to a comfortable hotel on land. Each day will be filled with exciting visits to view the unique Galapagos wildlife and opportunities to snorkel under the surface watching the underwater magic that is the Galapagos aquatic life. In addition to the flora and fauna, this itinerary will have you experiencing a totally new aspect of the Galapagos as you learn about the natural history of the archipelago through the tales of ranch owners with Galapagos Tortoises roaming free, organic coffee growers and even farmers who produce sugar cane for a traditional liquor unique to the area.

sea lions on the shores galapagos
sea lions at the beach galapagos
land iguana looking at a ship galapagos
boats around santa cruz
flamingos in santa cruz galapagos

3 Nights Santa Cruz Island

ITINERARY

Upon arriving at Baltra Island, a guide will be awaiting your arrival to assist you to cross to Santa Cruz and visit the highlands. You will stop at the impressive Twin Craters known as “Los Gemelos”.
Continuing on you explore lava tunnel remains and watch Giant tortoises roam the thick forest in their natural habitat. You will have lunch in the unique flora of the Galapagos while finches and warblers fly to and from. An added experience in the highlands is the “Trapiche”. There you will learn how to make the popular liquor “Agua Ardiente” made from sugar cane, as well as a detailed organic coffee presentation of how this crop grows well in the volcanic soil. Afterwards, arrive in Puerto Ayora at the Charles Darwin Research Station. It is one of the best park interpretation centers highlighting what it means to humanity and how vital it is to protect all The Galapagos Islands species and their conservation.
Activities: Walking tour

Activities on Santa Cruz will include Las Grietas where you can swim and snorkel. As you walk past a beach and brackish lagoons, you will finally arrive at the enormous crevice where saltwater and freshwater meet.
Returning to the beach you previously passed, you’ll experience sea kayaking near Galapagos mangroves off of Playa Aleman. A guide will be with you as you paddle the length of the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, blue-footed boobies, rays, sea turtles and other Galapagos species.
After lunch, you will visit Tortuga Bay, one of the most spectacular and beautiful beaches of Galapagos. The white sand stretches out in front of you with strong and mighty waves crashing onto Playa Brava. Further down the beach, you’ll reach a second waterfront divided by mangroves with shallow waters, great for swimming and snorkeling. You will return to Puerto Ayora afterwards.
Activities: Double kayak or paddle boarding, swimming, snorkeling, walking

Today you’ll visit various places in Puerto Ayora’s bay such as the following:
Loberia: You’ll reach islet Punta Camano where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.
Shark Channel: You can see harmless white-tip sharks and blue footed boobies while snorkeling, your guides will explain safe distances during each activity. You’ll come upon the Canal del Amor where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.
Playa de los Perros: Taking a 10-minute walk you’ll see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
Las Grietas: The grietas are where two large cliffs separate and are filled with freshwater towards the top of the surface and salt water below. The crevice is deep in the earth and allows for amazing swims and snorkeling. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Activities: Walk, snorkel and swim

Today you will be provided a transfer to the airport on Baltra Island with assistance for your return flight to the mainland.

Prices 2023

Prices Per Person

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION LUXURY FIRST MID-RANGE BUDGET
1 Guest
USD 4,299.00
 USD 1,783.00 USD 1,466.00 USD 1,221.00
2 Guests
USD 2,365.00
 USD 1,033.00 USD 834.00 USD 799.00
3-5 Guests
USD 2,319.00
 USD 1,039.00 USD 841.00 USD 806.00
6-9 Guests
USD 2,084.00
 USD 873.00 USD 673.00 USD 638.00
10-16 Guests
USD 1,965.00
 USD 786.00 USD 586.00 USD 551.00
Single Supplement
USD 1,355.00
 USD 371.00 USD 254.00 USD 44.00

INCLUDED:

  • Private services with local English-speaking guide

  • Services and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary

  • Meals as per itinerary

  • Permanent assistance by our operations department

  • Accommodations at selected hotels

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Flights to/from Galapagos Islands

  • Migratory Control Card

  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee

  • Meals and services not mentioned in the program

  • Personal expenses

  • Laundry, phone bills, or any extra expenses

  • Tips

What our customers say

Steven Glaser

Hello Gabriella, we had a very nice trip, very much enjoying ourselves and the experience. Your help and advice was greatly appreciated. Casa Gardenia is a lovely place, it was a very good choice, and would stay there again if we were in Quito. It is an old building yet modern inside, just the 9 rooms.
The Calypso cruise was great, the guide was very knowledgeable and personable, as was the rest of the crew. We were always busy doing something. Overall, we had a great time on the cruise and enjoyed being one-on-one with the animals. The other passengers were also very nice.

Steve Glaser
August 2023Read more “Steven Glaser”

Joy Wegner

Hi Sofia – Joy Wegner here — my husband Bud and I completed our Peru journey last Friday.

I just wanted to send you a personal note of thanks — everything about our Peru trip was outstanding service! People easily picked us up at airports and train stations, they were completely informed of travel plans and showed an obvious desire to ensure our safety and our health. The guides, in Lima, in Cusco, and in Machu Picchu were so knowledgeable and really on-target with their guidance for our trip. We will recommend Columbus Travel to friends.

Thank you for your part in making this trip so enjoyable for us! Best wishes . . .

Bud & Joy Wegner
April 2023
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Todd Trask

Hi Sofia, I wanted to give you some personal feedback. It was a long journey to get there. Thankful that you pushed me a bit to go.
I had a great time! The boat, crew, and other guests were the best. I will remember (and be working on photographs) for the rest of my life. I am putting some pics on Instagram if you do that. You can find me; there are not too many Todd Trasks. Thanks again. We only have so much time to do these sorts of things, and because of you, I did. Cheers,

Todd Trask
Jun, 2023
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Kristian Junker

Hi Gabriela, Yes, we are now all back in Denmark after the best holiday of our life. I have done a fantastic job of ensuring this for us. Trips, guides, tours, and activities were all spot on, and we will, of course, make an online review 5 stars!!! Once again, thank you. We had a wonderful holiday that will stay in our hearts forever. Thank you.

Kristian Junker & Family
July 2023Read more “Kristian Junker”