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Giant Land Tortoise

Santa Cruz Highlands Tours in 2026

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Experience the captivating highlands of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands on our 108 expertly curated tours for 2026. Nestled in this unique archipelago, our tours offer a blend of wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity, providing a deep dive into this remarkable destination. Over 5 to 15 days, you will explore the highlands of Santa Cruz, known for its lush vegetation, volcanic formations, and iconic giant tortoises roaming freely. With opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and birdwatching, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Starting at $2,019 to $259,250, come and discover the magic of the Galapagos Islands' highlands on a tour that will leave you in awe of nature's wonders. To embark on this journey of a lifetime, contact one of Adventure Life's Galapagos specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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Floreana Island
from $2,775
EXPLORE

Southeast Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Visit beautiful coral sand beaches
  • Snorkel among green sea turtles
  • Admire different kinds of birds
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Wildlife in the Galapagos
from $5,845
EXPLORE

North & Central Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Horizon
  • Observe the Pinnacle Rock
  • Snorkel through clear blue waters
  • Visit James Bay
Activity Level
Variable
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!
Cruise Details
0
Devil's Crown Galapagos
from $2,691
EXPLORE

Galapagos Southeast Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard Corals
  • Visit Cerro Brujo´s lava formations
  • Hike across Española Island
  • Discover Galapagos origins
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Wildlife in the Galapagos
from $10,750
EXPLORE

Volcanic Wonders

Northern & Western Route - 8 Day Itinerary aboard M/V Origin, Theory & Evolve
  • Cruise around Kicker Rock
  • Hike up Prince Philip's Steps
  • Observe Galapagos flora and fauna
  • Snorkel or stand up paddle board
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
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Overlook at Pitt Point
from $5,700
EXPLORE

Western Islands

6 Day Itinerary aboard Alya
  • Observe Galapagos giant tortoises
  • See the blue-footed boobies dance
  • Look for Galapagos penguins
  • Cruise along Moreno Point
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Bachas Beach
Activity Level
Variable
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!
Cruise Details
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South Plaza Island
from $8,195
FreeFlight
EXPLORE

Central East Islands

Baltra - San Cristobal - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Explore the Santa Cruz highlands
  • Hike to Bartolomé's summit
  • Land at South Plaza for forest walk
  • Greet playful sea lions
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 5-day cruise from Baltra to San Cristobal aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Central East Galapagos Islands. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands and lava tunnels, Rábida's red sand beach, Bartolomé's volcanic panoramas, and South Plaza's land iguanas. Discover more flora and fauna while enjoying up-close wildlife encounters.
Cruise Details
0
Brilliantly colored flamingos
from $6,195
FreeFlight
EXPLORE

Northern Islands

Baltra roundtrip - 4 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Spot giant tortoises in Highlands
  • Visit Cerro Dragón and see iguanas
  • Explore Genovesa Island's paradise
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 4-day North & Central Islands cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Journey to Dragon Hill, home to land iguanas and flamingos then visit Chinese Hat. Explore El Barranco cliffs and Darwin Bay's bird paradise. Conclude with a marine life excursion in Black Turtle Cove.
Cruise Details
0
Sea lion in galapagos
from $11,695
FreeFlight
EXPLORE

Southern & Northern Islands

San Cristobal - Baltra - 7 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Enjoy exploring Española Island
  • Discover Floreana's beaches
  • Interact with the playful sea lion
  • Explore Genovesa Island
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Join the 7-Day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Eastern & Central Galapagos, beginning on San Cristóbal Island. Explore Tijeretas, Gardner Bay, Punta Suárez, and Floreana. Snorkel at Champion Islet, then visit Genovesa Island. Conclude at Black Turtle Cove, disembarking in Baltra, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
Cruise Details
0
Sea Lion resting on Red Sesuvium
from $12,995
FreeFlight
EXPLORE

Central East & Southern Islands

Baltra roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Explore lava tunnels in Santa Cruz
  • Visit Rábida's red sand beach
  • See marine iguanas at Punta Pitt
  • Encounter wildlife at Isla Lobos
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts.
Cruise Details
0
Family fun in the Galapagos
from $12,995
FreeFlight
EXPLORE

Northwestern Islands

Baltra roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Encounter pink flamingos
  • Discover Chinese Hat
  • Explore Genovesa Island
  • Visit Bachas beach
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Northwestern Galapagos Islands. Explore unique wildlife, including giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Visit Cerro Dragón, Chinese Hat, Genovesa, and more. Enjoy birdwatching, snorkeling, and diverse wildlife encounters. Finally, visit North Seymour before heading to Baltra for your flight home.
Cruise Details
0
Snorkeling near the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
from $5,490
NO SS
EXPLORE

Northern Galapagos Catamaran Cruise

5 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Spray
  • Hike 375 stairs to panoramic views
  • Trek through mangroves
  • Snorkel in search of marinlife
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Sea lion on a pristine beach
from $9,990
NO SS
EXPLORE

Central Islands Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard M/C Elite
  • Visit D. Rodriguez Breeding Center
  • Observe blue-footed boobies
  • Relax at Gardner Bay
  • Take a panga ride to Champion Islet
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Bonita Galapagos Yatch
from $66,120
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita

7 Day Itinerary aboard Bonita
  • Discover Dragon Hill
  • Visit Espumilla Beach
  • See unique wildlife at Vicente Roce
  • Hike across Urbina Bay
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Los Gemelos (Twin Craters)
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita for a private expedition. This 7-day tour of the western islands takes you to white beaches, secluded lagoons, and pristine snorkeling locations for an unforgettable week-long tour of the Galapagos.
Cruise Details
0
Bartolome Island and Pinnacle Rock
from $246,905
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Explore lava tunnels in Santa Cruz
  • Visit Rábida's red sand beach
  • See marine iguanas at Punta Pitt
  • Encounter wildlife at Isla Lobos
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts.
Cruise Details
0
Pinnacle rock in Bartolome
from $155,705
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Central East Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

5 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Explore the Santa Cruz highlands
  • Hike to Bartolomé's summit
  • Land at South Plaza for forest walk
  • Greet playful sea lions
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 5-day private cruise from Baltra to San Cristobal aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Central East Galapagos Islands. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands and lava tunnels, Rábida's red sand beach, Bartolomé's volcanic panoramas, and South Plaza's land iguanas. Discover more flora and fauna while enjoying up-close wildlife encounters.
Cruise Details
0
Frigate chick found while touring the Galapagos
from $117,705
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Northern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

4 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Spot giant tortoises in Highlands
  • Visit Cerro Dragón and see iguanas
  • Explore Genovesa Island's paradise
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a private 4-day North & Central Islands Galapagos cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Journey to Dragon Hill, home to land iguanas and flamingos then visit Chinese Hat. Explore El Barranco cliffs and Darwin Bay's bird paradise. Conclude with a visit in Black Turtle Cove.
Cruise Details
0
Balcony
from $96,890
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Ocean Spray

6 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Spray
  • Snorkel with turtles, rays and fish
  • Explore Urbina Bay
  • Hike along lava paths
  • Take a trail along Lake Darwin
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Experience Galapagos penguins, Elizabeth Bay, and more on a cruise through the Western Islands aboard Ocean Spray. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling and dinghy rides on this 6-day private Galapagos tour.
Cruise Details
0
The Grace
from $190,300
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Beyond Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace

8 Day Itinerary aboard Grace
  • Cruise around Kicker Rock
  • Enjoy friendly sea lions
  • Walk along a green beach
  • Hike to see Galapagos doves
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
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