Whether strolling along beaches in the Galápagos or stepping through thick foliage in the Amazon, there will be many things to see in Ecuador that could use some explaining: are those sharks in the mangrove tree roots? What exactly is a cloud forest? How many different species of butterflies and hummingbirds are we looking at? Having a knowledgeable Ecuadorian naturalist on-hand turns a nature walk into a discovery adventure. These tours are led at a slower pace and are a good option for families with small children and travelers who would prefer to not walk long distances.
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South Plaza Island
This tour will take you to South Plaza Island, which is the smallest island of the Galápagos. Despite its small size, this island still has a wealth of interesting wildlife.
Venture into the highlands of San Cristóbal on this tour. You’ll get to see some of the most interesting plants in the Galápagos and the only freshwater lagoon in the Galápagos. Your guide will provide snorkeling gear for your visits to the beaches.
During the boat trip you can enjoy the beautiful landscape and you may see dolphins. Upon arrival at León Dormido we will navigate around the island to see the sea birds and sea lions, resting on the rocks. If you wish, you can snorkel — there is a good chance you will see the Galapagos shark, sea turtles, different types of rays, and a variety of fish. After that, you have some free time to enjoy the beach at Playa Ochoa, Cerro el Brujo or Playa Manglecito. Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
This all-day tour takes you to some of the highlights of San Cristobál’s landscape. Your tour begins with an early morning boat ride and lasts into the evening. This is a part of the Galápagos that you need a guide in order to see, and the views that you’ll get along the way are well worth the hiking. You’ll also get the chance to stop and snorkel around the beautiful bay and have lunch on board the boat.
During this full-day tour, you'll explore the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve and the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve. In Mindo, you'll visit waterfalls and a butterfly farm, and take a cable car over the forest.
This full-day tour of Papallacta includes soaking in hot springs, hiking in the forest, and eating a locally-sourced lunch. It's a perfect combination of nature and relaxation activities.
Pick up at the hotel and start of the tour in a group of maximum 16 passengers. They will make the guided visit to the Center of Interpretation and Breeding of Turtles"La Galapaguera", to the lagoon of the flamingos, and to the wall of tears. Culminate the day with a snorkel in Concha y Perla or free time on the beach.
The Natural Paradise, a luxury yacht customized to carry 16 adventurers in comfort and safety through the Galapagos Islands. Cruise range from 4 to 8 days.
Isla Lobos is a small islet located approximate 40 minutes from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Is it home to various Galapagos birds, such as Blue-Footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and Frigate Birds, as well as a colony of Sea Lions and numerous Marine Iguanas. On this half-day trip you will disembark on the islet for an hour long interpreted walk around the island. Afterwards you will be able to snorkel in the protected bay nearby. Following a lunch onboard you will relocate to Ochoa Beach where you can wander the sand, snorkel some more or relax in the sun.
"Tortuga Crossing" Ecological Reserve The Giant Tortuise is the symbol of the Galapagos Islands. This 12 hectar ranch was part of the much larger farm which was dedcated to livestock farming. The Arias Family who own the "El Chato" ranch have dedicated over 20 years to promoting tourism in this area of Santa Cruz. They have worked to turn the environment from farm land to a natural habitat that favors to Giant Tortoises.
Just a short distance south of the San Cristobal airport, you’ll find the Loberia Beach, an excellent introduction to the dreamlike landscape of the Galápagos. The beach takes its name from the lobos marinos – the sea lions lolling around the beach. (Fun fact: “Lobos” actually means wolves in Spanish.) Whether they’re sea wolves or sea lions, these animals are fun to watch and are a great introduction to the marine wildlife of the Galápagos.
This nature walk takes you to a part of Santa Cruz where you can see some of the wildlife that’s unique to the Galápagos. You’ll cover beaches, lagoons, and the blustery coast of Santa Cruz Island.
This trek of between two and three days, takes us from the small Andean village of Oyacachi, located to the south of the Nevado Cayambe, at 3,200 meters above sea level, along the Oyacachi River, to the jungle village of The Chaco, at 1,600 meters of altitude. In Oyacachi there are hot springs with good infrastructure that are usually frequented mostly by visitors from Cayambe and Quito on weekends.
Located two hours from San Cristóbal, Española is the southernmost island and one of the oldest in the Galápagos archipelago. The island's flat profile is extremely dry with only a few inches of rain per year. Despite the dry climate the island is one of the world's only known nesting sites for the Waved Albatross.
Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. It only covers about 9 square miles (23 sq m), but offers an incredible proliferation of wildlife, both on land and in its surrounding waters. You’ll have plenty of time to observe the animals that live here – this tour begins at 8:00 AM, and lasts around 7 hours, returning to Puerto Ayora at 3:00 PM. It includes a break for lunch on board the yacht.
See the world famous Galápagos Islands from every angle when you choose an inter-island flight. Available to and from various islands within Ecuador's Galápagos Archipelago, this particular flight takes you from Isabela Island to Baltra or San Cristóbal. Experience the beauty of Ecuador to the fullest extent — on the ground and in the air.
San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Inter-Island Boat Transfer
Looking for an easy way to get from San Cristóbal to Santa Cruz? There’s a ferry that leaves for Santa Cruz from San Cristóbal twice a day — choose from a 7 AM or 3 PM departure.
It’s easy to hope on a ferry from Santa Cruz to other major islands in the Galápagos, like San Cristóbal and Isabela. Just like any boat tour in the Galápagos, this transfer offers incredible wildlife watching opportunities along the way.
This tour is the most complete you can find in San Cristóbal. The first visitor site is called BAHIA ROSA BLANCA, Then navigate to PUNTA PITT . The next place to visit is the BAHIA SARDINA beach, here you can snorkel and if you want to relax on the beach where you will find some shade. We will walk for approximately 30 minutes in PUNTA PUCUNA, which is a site that the National Park recently opened for visitors. We pass through CERRO BRUJO, a rocky geological formation with tunnel and a cathedral. KICKER ROCK is the place where they will make their next snorkel stop.
The Galápagos is known for its stunning wildlife, and this tour takes you to some of the best wildlife attractions around San Cristobál. On this all-day tour, you’ll see famous sights like Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo, and Kicker Rock. Along the way, you'll get to explore he volcanic scenery on hikes and snorkeling excursions. Don't worry about finding a vending machine in the middle of the ocean — snacks and lunch are included.
This tour will take you to South Plaza Island, which is the smallest island of the Galápagos. Despite its small size, this island still has a wealth of interesting wildlife.
South Plaza Island
This tour will take you to South Plaza Island, which is the smallest island of the Galápagos. Despite its small size, this island still has a wealth of interesting wildlife.
San Cristobal Highlands Tour
Kicker Rock - Leon Dormido Island Tour
Punta Pitt Tour
Mindo Full-Day Tour
Papallacta Full-Day Tour
Isabela Land Tour
Natural Paradise Yacht - Royal Galapagos Cruises
Lobo Island and Ochoa Beach
El Chato Ranch
Lobería Beach Tour
Tortuga Bay
Trekking Oyacachi - El Chaco
Espanola Island Tour
Santa Fe Island Tour
Flight Inter Islands
San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Inter-Island Boat Transfer