THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Move between shore and sea on a five‑day Santa Cruz program that pairs on‑water day tours to Bartholomew, North Seymour and South Plaza with highland tortoise encounters and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Certified naturalists, snorkeling, and shore hikes shape every day.
Move between shore and sea on a five‑day Santa Cruz program that pairs on‑water day tours to Bartholomew, North Seymour and South Plaza with highland tortoise encounters and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Certified naturalists, snorkeling, and shore hikes shape every day.
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Operated by Galapagos a la Carte · Puerto Ayora, Galápagos
You step off the small ferry into the bright bustle of Puerto Ayora and the Pacific immediately rearranges your pace—salt on the air, pelicans eyeing the docks, and a compact town that feels built to move visitors from shore to sea.
moderate.
5 days.
Moderate fitness: comfortable with several short hikes (30–90 minutes) and multiple snorkel sessions; able to board zodiacs and climb beach ladders.
Not always included—most operators require the park entrance fee and the Ecuadorian Transit Control Card to be paid separately at the airport or point of entry.
Crossings vary by route and weather; Bartholomew is roughly 1.5–2 hours, others 45–90 minutes—conditions can be choppy, so plan for motion sickness if sensitive.
Yes—snorkel gear and guides are provided and shallow bays often host calm water, but basic swimming comfort is required and operator supervision is constant.
The highlands of Santa Cruz offer good chances to see tortoises roaming ranchlands and reserves; close encounters may occur during guided ranch visits.
Human presence in the Galapagos accelerated in the 19th century with whalers and settlers; scientific study rose with Darwin’s visit in 1835 and formalized with later research stations.
The islands are strictly regulated—stay on marked trails, avoid introducing anything organic, and support certified guides to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
Galapagos a la Carte operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Galapagos a la Carte
Book directly with Galapagos a la Carte for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now