Top 10 Highland Tours of Santa Cruz for 2023-2024

Name: Galapagos Cruises & Tours
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (451 reviews)

Baltra to Bachas Beach
6 Days from $3,900

Embark the Alya on this 6-day catamaran cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most popular sites including the Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz, snorkeling in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela, kayaking around Urbina Bay at Fernandina, and hiking the Chinese Hat Islet near the southeast coast of Santiago, plus much more!

Snorkeling near the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Northern Galapagos Catamaran Cruise

Baltra to Baltra
5 Days from $4,820

The Ocean Spray luxury catamaran takes you on a 5-day Galapagos Northern Islands cruise, exploring Genovesa, South Plaza, Mosquero, and Santiago. Light hiking, pristine snorkeling, and swimming with sea lions and penguins make this trip the perfect luxury Galapagos vacation package.

Galapagos Southeast Islands

San Cristobal Airport to Baltra
5 Days from $2,381

This affordable 5-day Galapagos cruise aboard the Coral I or II explores the southeastern and central islands of the Galapagos including San Cristobal, Española, Floreana & Santa Cruz. Encounter fearless wildlife like giant tortoises and marine iguanas, and snorkel in the crystalline Galapagos waters viewing colorful fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Volcanic Wonders

Northern & Western Route
8 Days from $8,750

On this comprehensive 8-day tour of the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Origin, see unusual wildlife such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and giant Galapagos tortoises. By zodiac dinghy, trekking, or snorkeling, explore the Galapagos National Park.

Southeast Islands

5 Days from $2,455

Explore the south-eastern islands of San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, and Santa Cruz on this unforgettable 5-day cruise aboard the 100-guest Galapagos Legend small cruise ship.

North & Central Islands

5 Days from $4,820

Enjoy an extensive adventure into the unique world of the Galapagos on this incredible 5-day journey. Admire the incredible natural beauty of this archipelago sailing pass Baltra, Rabida, Santiago, Genovesa, Santa Cruz and more!

Private Charter - Beyond Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace

Baltra to Baltra
8 Days from $134,000

Close encounters with nature highlight this 8-day private Galapagos cruise onboard the Grace. The islands are teeming with animals that are eager to meet visitors. Explore Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, and other nearby cities! Scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are all popular pastimes in this area.

Colorful Sally Lightfoot crab on volcanic rock

Beyond Darwin's Footsteps

Baltra to Baltra
8 Days from $8,100

This 8-day adventure aboard Grace offers close encounters with wildlife. The islands are full of creatures that love to interact with visitors. Travel around Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz and more! Enjoy snorkeling, swimming and kayaking in the crystalline waters of this area.

Galapagos Islands Circumnavigation

Baltra to Baltra
15 Days from $6,831

This 15-day cruise covers all the unique wonders of the archipelago including Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, North Seymour, Santa Fe, South Plaza, San Cristobal, Española, and Floreana Islands. Encounter Galapagos giant tortoises, penguins, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and more native species.

Central Islands Cruise

San Cristobal Airport to San Cristobal Airport
8 Days from $8,990

Discover the highlights of San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Genovesa islands on this incredible 8-day adventure aboard the Elite. There is an endless list of activities to make this an unforgettable trip including snorkeling, roaming volcanic landscapes, and observing the native wildlife.

10 Best Highland Luxury Tours of Santa Cruz for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Western Islands	$3900	6	Dec 12, 2022	Embark the Alya on this 6-day catamaran cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most popular sites including the Tortoise … 0
Northern Galapagos Catamaran Cruise	$4820	5	Dec 13, 2022	The Ocean Spray luxury catamaran takes you on a 5-day Galapagos Northern Islands cruise, exploring Genovesa, South Plaza, Mosquero, and Santiago. … 0
Volcanic Wonders	$8750	8	Dec 11, 2022	On this comprehensive 8-day tour of the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Origin, see unusual wildlife such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, … 0
North & Central Islands	$4820	5	Dec 13, 2022	Enjoy an extensive adventure into the unique world of the Galapagos on this incredible 5-day journey. Admire the incredible natural beauty of this … 0
Private Charter - Beyond Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace	$134000	8	Dec 13, 2022	Close encounters with nature highlight this 8-day private Galapagos cruise onboard the Grace. The islands are teeming with animals that are eager to … 0
Beyond Darwin's Footsteps	$8100	8	Dec 10, 2022	This 8-day adventure aboard Grace offers close encounters with wildlife. The islands are full of creatures that love to interact with visitors. … 0
Central Islands Cruise	$8990	8	Jan 14, 2023	Discover the highlights of San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Genovesa islands on this incredible 8-day adventure aboard … 0
Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation - West Aboard Ocean Spray	$113220	8	Dec 17, 2022	Circumnavigate the Western Islands of the Galapagos on this 8-day private charter cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Explore striking volcanic landscapes … 0
Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Ocean Spray	$88790	6	Jan 28, 2023	Experience Galapagos penguins, Elizabeth Bay, and more on a cruise through the Western Islands aboard Ocean Spray. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling and … 0
Beaches and Bays	$9250	8	Dec 18, 2022	Spend 8 days cruising the Southern Islands of the Galapagos and visiting a variety of islands such as San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, and Santa … 0

All Galapagos Articles

Santa Cruz Highlands Travel Guide

Getting to the Highlands
All of our cruises and tours of the Galapagos Islands are all-inclusive, so you will never have to worry about transportation. If you are touring the highlands as your first stop after arriving, then you may meet a taxi after crossing the Itabaca Channel from the Baltra Island airport. The taxi will take you right to your Highlands visitor site. Traveling from Puerto Ayora, you will likely arrive with your travel group on a motor coach or open air bus.

Activities in the Santa Cruz Highlands

Los Gemelos- Meaning "Twins," in Spanish, these two massive sinkholes are a sight to behold, where you can hike through a scalesia forest to see the extinct remains of two volcanoes that collapsed.
Lava Tunnels - Another impressive volcanic feature of the highlands are the lava tunnels, naturally hollowed out geologic features that created tunnels when the flowing surface lava hardened over hot magma that continued to flow underneath.
El Chato Ranch- Walk through the green pastures of this highland hacienda where giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat.