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Santa Cruz Whale Watching Cruises

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Embark on a journey to the enchanting island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos, where the majestic dance of whales beckons the curious and the adventurous. Our 51 whale watching tours for 2026 offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The Galapagos archipelago, a crucible of evolutionary wonder, invites you to explore its rich marine life and unique terrestrial creatures. Over the course of 5 to 16 days, you will be immersed in a world where blue-footed boobies perform their courtship rituals, giant tortoises roam ancient landscapes, and penguins dart playfully in the crystal-clear waters. With a starting point of $2,527, these tours promise not just sightings of whales but a comprehensive encounter with the archipelago's diverse wildlife. To set sail on a voyage that will leave you with a treasure trove of memories, contact one of Adventure Life's Galapagos specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • Santa Cruz
A Marine iguana peaks over a volcanic rock, Galapagos Islands.
from $8,449
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Exploring Galapagos

Ecuador Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Gemini
  • Experience wildlife encounters
  • Visit Genovesa
  • See Galapagos penguins
  • Visit giant tortoises
Starts / Ends
Quito / Quito
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 10-day cruise through the Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Gemini and visit iconic islands like North Seymour, Isabela, and Fernandina. This expedition offers unique experiences, providing an exploration of the legendary Galapagos wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
Blue-footed Booby lands on North Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands.
from $5,890
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Exploring Galapagos

Quito Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
  • View endemic wildlife
  • Discover scenic coastlines
  • See varied islands and habitats
  • Experience the Galápagos undersea
Starts / Ends
Quito / Quito
Activity Level
Variable
Spend 10 days exploring the legendary Galapagos Islands aboard National Geographic Endeavour II. Actively experience the wildlife and wonders of the islands through kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and hiking.
Cruise Details
0
A Green Sea Turtle swimming around the reefs.
from $5,536
EXPLORE

West & Central Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Meet Nazca and red-footed boobies
  • Walk Darwin Bay’s sandy trail
  • Explore Santa Fe's white beaches
  • See South Plaza land iguanas
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Santa Cruz
Activity Level
Variable
Board the Galapagos Legend and set sail for an 8-day cruise adventure around the west and central islands of the Galapagos. This cruise allows you to experience all the wildlife, landscapes and highlights of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Santa Fe, Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina.
Cruise Details
0
Blue footed booby
from $256,079
EXPLORE

Private Charter - West & Central Islands Aboard Galapagos Legend

8 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Visit Black Turtle Cove Santa Cruz
  • Snorkel with Santa Fe sea lions
  • Visit Rabida Island red beach
  • Spot Fernandina marine iguanas
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
This 8-day private cruise allows you to experience all the wildlife, landscapes, and highlights of the Galapagos aboard Galapagos Legend. Spend your days exploring the archipelago, encountering sea lions, Galapagos penguins, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, tortoises, and many more unique native species.
Cruise Details
0
Wildlife in the Galapagos
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
A distant view of Kicker Rock
from $4,350
Savings
EXPLORE

Western Islands

7 Day Itinerary aboard Bonita
  • Discover Dragon Hill
  • Visit Espumilla Beach
  • See unique wildlife at Vicente Roce
  • Hike across Urbina Bay
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Charles Darwin Center
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita. 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
Sally light-foot crab in the Galapagos Islands
from $5,100
EXPLORE

Western Islands

Santa Cruz Roundtrip - 6 Day Itinerary aboard EcoGalaxy
  • Snorkel with sea turtles
  • See Espinoza Point's wildlife
  • Observe Santa Cruz giant tortoises
  • See Buccaneer Cove’s cliffs
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 6-day expedition aboard EcoGalaxy through the western Galapagos Islands. Visit Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago. Snorkel with penguins, turtles, and sea lions, and hike to see iguanas, flamingoes, and flightless cormorants in their natural habitats.
Cruise Details
0
from $9,100
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Galapagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage

Ecuador Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Delfina
  • See wildlife and landscapes
  • See Galapagos sea lions
  • See flightless cormorant
  • Visit giant tortoises
Starts / Ends
Quito / Quito
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 10-day Galapagos cruise adventure aboard National Geographic Delfina. Encounter diverse wildlife, from playful sea lions to rare Galapagos penguins, amidst stunning volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches.
Cruise Details
0
Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in the Andes
from $12,109
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Exploring Galapagos, Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca

Quito to Lima - 16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
  • Encounter incredible wildlife
  • Experience the Galápagos undersea
  • See daybreak over Machu Picchu
  • Explore massive Ollantaytambo
Starts / Ends
Quito / Lima
Activities
Land & Sea Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Combine a Galápagos expedition aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II with a land-based exploration of Machu Picchu and Peru’s rich Inca heritage on this unforgettable 16-day adventure. Make the most of your travel time as your expedition team makes the transition effortless for you.
Cruise Details
0
Group of Sally Lightfoot crabs headed for dry land in the Galapagos Islands
from $77,520
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Western Islands

Santa Cruz Roundtrip - 6 Day Itinerary aboard EcoGalaxy
  • Spot giant tortoises
  • Walk volcanic lava trails
  • Spot flamingos and land iguanas
  • Visit Puerto Egas' fur seal grotto
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 6-day private charter cruise aboard EcoGalaxy and discover the Galapagos Western Islands. Visit Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago. Hike lava trails, snorkel with sea turtles and penguins, and observe unique species like marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos hawks.
Cruise Details
0
Galapagos penguin on a rock
from $10,239
EXPLORE

Galapagos Circumnavigation

15 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Visit Black Turtle Cove
  • Spot Genovesa red-footed boobies
  • Explore Rabida's red sand beaches
  • Observe the Galapagos tortoise
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
This 15-day Circumnavigation of the Galapagos Islands on the highly-rated Galapagos Legend ship provides a comprehensive, unforgettable tour of the Galapagos. Spend your days exploring the archipelago, encountering sea lions, Galapagos penguins, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, giant tortoises, and many more unique native species!
Cruise Details
0
Floreana Island
from $8,075
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Galapagos Escape

Ecuador Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Gemini
  • Search for Santa Cruz tortoises
  • See flightless cormorants
  • See San Cristobal wildlife
  • Visit Española Punta Suarez
Starts / Ends
Quito / Quito
Activities
Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing, Snorkeling, Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day Galapagos cruise. Arrive in Quito, then fly to Baltra to board National Geographic Gemini. Explore Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Española, Floreana, San Cristobal, and North Seymour. Hike volcanic trails, snorkel with sea lions, spot giant tortoises, and search for whales and dolphins.
Cruise Details
0
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land iguana, Cerro Dragon

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land iguana, Cerro Dragon
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