Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days

tourhub | BM Tours | Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days | 449030 | Map

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~~$468~~

$446

Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days

4 Days Starting and ending in Baltra Island, Ecuador

Visiting: Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island

Tour operator:

BM Tours

Tour code:

449030

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 10

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

5-80

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Beach Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Snorkeling, Swimming, Trekking

From: $468 $446 Travel Club discount: -$22

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a 4-day adventure with the "Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer" tour, where you'll experience the enchanting beauty of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Begin your journey with a visit to the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, where you can get up close with giant tortoises and explore lush cactus forests. Discover the pristine Tortuga Bay, a haven for marine iguanas and turtles, and enjoy swimming in its crystal-clear waters. Explore the unique landscapes of Santa Cruz Island, including the iconic Rancho Primicias, Lava Tunnels, and Twin Craters. Dive into the vibrant marine life with a Bay Tour, swimming alongside sea lions and observing sharks, rays, and sea turtles. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with opportunities for snorkeling, trekking, and basking on sandy beaches. Enjoy all-inclusive meals, professional guides, and comfortable hotel accommodations, making it an unforgettable Galapagos experience.

Highlights

The Galapagos Islands, known as the Enchanted Archipelago, boast a chain of spectacular islands in Ecuador, South America
Santa Cruz, positioned at the center of the Galapagos Archipelago, features all the fundamental elements a dream vacation requires
The rich flora and fauna along with numerous exquisite tourist spots, some detailed with rugged landscapes while others covered in flourishing dense forests
Visit the Charles Darwin Scientific Station and maintain close contact with turtles and giant cactus forests
Explore Tortuga Bay beach, a nesting place for turtles and marine iguanas, and enjoy its paradisiacal white sandy beach
Discover Rancho Primicias, Lava Tunnels, and Twin Craters in the Upper Part of Santa Cruz Island
Swim next to sea lions at Lobería and observe sharks at Canal de Tiburones
Snorkel and swim at Las Grietas, a place with lava rocks, finches, shorebirds, and endemic vegetation

Itinerary

tourhub | BM Tours | Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days | 449030 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrival Transfer + Charles Darwin Station

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Upon arrival at Baltra airport, they must pass through the National Park where the value of the entry to the National Park will be cancelled (Value not included. After having passed the respective checks and baggage removal, staff assigned by Summer Vacations will receive you at the exit gate of Baltra airport.

Our staff will give you the instructions for the payment of the ECOGAL fee or "Lobito", which is a fee for the use of transport airport own transportation, the cost is USD 5.00 (Value not included). Together with the guide we will board the bus "Lobito" available to reach the Itabaca Canal, where through a barge we will cross to Santa Cruz Island. After the crossing we will board the transport assigned to go to their respective hotel in Puerto Ayora. Check in at the hotel (Room delivery times subject to the policies of each hotel). Lunch.

At the time indicated by the guide, we will leave for the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, which is a biological research station operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. During the tour you will be able to maintain a very close contact with the turtles, which are in the pens, as well as with the giant cactus forests where where several land birds live. Return to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 2 : Tortuga Bay + Higher Land And Ranch

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast. At the time assigned by the guide, we will leave on the assigned transport heading towards Tortuga Bay beach, the transport will leave us at the beginning of the trail that leads to the beach. The walk along the cobbled path will be on foot, during this tour we can observe different species of animals and plants typical of the sector, such as lava lizards, finches, cactus, among others

The Tortuga Bay beach is a nesting place for turtles and marine iguanas, a paradisiacal white sandy beach surrounded by mangroves. A beach in the natural state, so we recommend to take what you need, bathing suit, bag for garbage, water and to desire it, some snack. After walking through Playa Brava, we will reach Playa Mansa, where we can enjoy the sun and swim in its crystal clear waters, on the beach there is the option of kayak rental (not included) if you are interested in practicing this sport, is an ideal place. After a beach time, we will return along the trail until we reach the assigned transport and return to the hotel. Lunch.

At the time agreed with the guide from the hotel we will leave in the transport assigned to the Upper Part of Santa Cruz Island, where we will make three stops of iconic places in this sector, Rancho Primicias, Lava Tunnels, Twin Craters. At the ranch we can observe turtles in their natural habitat. The lava tunnels are a unique place as the lava flows have formed a large number of arches or tunnels an unparalleled walk, then a stop is made at the Twin Craters. Two subsidences of land, caused by a volcanic depression over the years, in this place predominate the plants of scalesias, mosses and orchids. Return to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 3 : Bay Tour

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast. First we will visit the "Lobería", a small island located two miles away, where you will have the opportunity to swim next to the sea lions. Then, we will move to the "Canal de Tiburones", a fissure or crevice formed by magmatic chamber, where they will be able to observe the sharks "tintoreras". The third destination to visit is the "Canal del Amor", another fissure, fantastic for photography, of exceptional scenic beauty, then we will go to the "Franklin Bay" where you will find sea turtles, golden rays, eagle rays and an area of mangroves where pelicans and herons nest depending on the season.

"Las Giretas " is the next place to visit. Here you will take a fifteen minute walk on the lava rocks where you will see the finches of Darwin, the shorebirds and the lagoon, the endemic and native vegetation. The cracks remain the channels of sharks and love, only inward, where the water is less salty. Here you can do snorkeling and swimming gully.

Finally visit "Playa de Los Perros" where you will have the option to do a walk. This beach was named after the large number of dog crabs found in the area, along with the largest marine iguanas on the island of Santa Cruz. Once all activities are completed we will return to the hotel Accommodation in hotel Selected

Day 4 : Transfer Out To The Airport

Location: Baltra Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast. Depending on the time of your flight, the guide will assign you one hour pick up from your hotel to transfer us to Baltra airport. Our staff will give you the instructions for the payment of the ECOGAL or "Lobito" fee, which is a fee for the use of the airport’s own transportation, the cost is USD 5.00 (Value not included).

What's Included

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Professional Guide

A professional guide will be available throughout the tour.
Hotel Accommodation

Hotel accommodation is included.
Community Contribution

Contribution to the local community is included.
Transportation

Shared service land and sea transportation is included.
Bus Ticket

Ticket for the Bus Lobito is included.

What's Not Included

National Park Entrance Fee

Entrance to the Galapagos National Park is not included.

Andean Pact: $50, Foreigner: $100.
Air Ticket

Air tickets are not included.
Additional Meals and Drinks

Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Extras

Extras are excluded.
Santa Cruz Island Dock Fee

Santa Cruz Island dock fee of $1 per person is not included.
Personal Expenses and Tips

Personal expenses and tips are not included.
ECOGAL Fee

ECOGAL or 'Lobito' fee for the use of the airport’s own transportation, costing USD 5.

00, is not included.

Know Before You Go

Passport Required

Please Note

Not wheelchair accessible
Dress code is sportswear
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Not stroller accessible
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infants must not sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable
Not recommended for people with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
• Dress code is sportwear
• Confortable shoes and sunblocker
At your arrival to the airport, a guide will be waiting for your with a signal with your last name

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes shared land and sea services, with transfers from Baltra airport to Santa Cruz Island via bus and barge, and local transport for excursions.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable hotel accommodations in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, with all essential amenities provided for a relaxing stay.

Check out our Q&As

What activities are included in the tour?

The tour includes swimming, snorkeling, trekking, exploring, and discovering the rich flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. You will also visit the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, Tortuga Bay, Rancho Primicias, Lava Tunnels, Twin Craters, and several scenic spots like the Canal de Tiburones and Playa de Los Perros.
What is the process upon arrival at Baltra airport?

Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you must pass through the National Park where the entry fee will be paid. After baggage removal, staff from Summer Vacations will receive you at the exit gate and provide instructions for the payment of the ECOGAL fee. You will then board the bus 'Lobito' to reach the Itabaca Canal, cross to Santa Cruz Island by barge, and then be transported to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.
What can I expect to see at the Charles Darwin Scientific Station?

At the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, you will have close contact with turtles in pens and see giant cactus forests where several land birds live. The station is a biological research facility operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation.
What should I bring for the visit to Tortuga Bay?

For the visit to Tortuga Bay, it is recommended to bring a bathing suit, a bag for garbage, water, and optionally, some snacks. The beach is in a natural state, so you should take what you need for the day.
What wildlife can I expect to see during the Bay Tour?

During the Bay Tour, you can expect to see sea lions at 'Lobería', sharks at 'Canal de Tiburones', sea turtles, golden rays, eagle rays, pelicans, and herons at 'Franklin Bay'. You will also visit 'Las Grietas' where you can see Darwin's finches, shorebirds, and endemic vegetation.

What is the process for departure from the tour?

On the day of departure, depending on your flight time, the guide will assign a pick-up time from your hotel to transfer you to Baltra airport. Instructions for the payment of the ECOGAL fee will be provided, which is a fee for the use of the airport’s own transportation.
Are there any additional fees not included in the tour price?

Yes, additional fees not included in the tour price are the entrance to the Galapagos National Park ($50 for Andean Pact members, $100 for foreigners), the ECOGAL fee ($5), air tickets, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, Santa Cruz Island dock fee ($1 per person), personal expenses, and tips.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

In each tour we provide a tour guide, if the tour is private you will have it for your own, if the tour is shared the guide will take care of the whole gropup
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

It will depend on which tour and at what time it has started
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Our guides still using masks and also constantly cleaning their hands
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

Cancellation fees tend to increase when the arrival date is closer. BM TOURS will do its best to keep these expenses as low as possible according to the policy established
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

The operation is made by local guides, due this, the revenue stays in the country
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

The shared tours has a minimum of 2 passengers
What documents will I receive before I travel?

You will receive a voucher with the confirmation
How long has the tour company been trading?

16 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Depending on the tour the hotel includes the breakfast or the whole meals but all of them had the safety regulations

Reviews of this operator

Roberta Aragon (Google Reviewer)

Without a doubt, I can...

15-Aug-2023

Without a doubt, I can say that this agency is top notch. His ability to carry out all processes with astonishing agility is truly remarkable. In my experience, they have demonstrated an exceptional ability to put together various travel itineraries, exactly according to my requests and preferences. What surprises me most is their ability to always stick to the established budget, without compromising the quality of services. The attention and personalized service I have received from this agency have exceeded all my expectations.

Angela Avilés (Google Reviewer)

I ordered a package from...

24-Jul-2024

I ordered a package from Cartagena to make my niece's birthday very special and it exceeded our expectations. Thank you very much for being on the lookout all the time.

Gerald Jozwiak (Google Reviewer)

Great private tour of the...

06-May-2023

Great private tour of the Churate Mangrove Forest. My guide Jaime was fantastic and so professional. First class company. Recommend

Andres Nimbriotis Rodriguez (Google Reviewer)

Thanks to BmTours I have...

15-Aug-2023

Thanks to BmTours I have been able to enjoy my vacations in Orlando and Miami in the best way, having the best accommodation at very good and affordable prices. 100% recommended.

Andrea Brito (Google Reviewer)

I returned very happy with...

07-May-2024

I returned very happy with my family after this trip to South Korea, BM Tours helped us plan from the dates to the itinerary and some guided tours that were excellent! They were very attentive to how our trip and our walks were going, we even got sick and they accompanied us in the process with travel insurance. Super recommended!

Fernando Novillo (Google Reviewer)

Best service , I totally...

25-Aug-2023

Best service , I totally recommended 👍

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~~$468~~ $446