The Best Things to do in Santa Cruz, Ecuador
Tours in Santa Cruz
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.
Santa Fe Island Tour
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.
Boat Transfer Inter-islands from Santa Cruz
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.
Floreana Island Tour
This tour takes you to explore Floreana Island, the island with arguably the most eccentric history in the Galápagos. It has seen its fair share of human activity, beginning with 18th-century whalers. On this tour you’ll see some remnants of that history, as well as plants and animals that are rare even by Galápagos standards—Floreana Island has its very own endemic species of finch called a medium tree finch, to offer just one example.
Isabela Island and Las Tintoreras
This tour takes you to see the wildlife that lives on Isabela Island and its surrounding waters. Your bilingual guide will supply you with interesting facts about the environment along the way.
Scuba Diving in Galapagos
Go on a diving tour off the coast of Santa Cruz to see sea lions, sharks, seals, eels, sea stars, and bat fish. Pick from three different dives sites — they all have their own thriving populations of rare sea life. You'll find that the water is warmest between November and April.
North Seymour Island Tour
This tour takes you to some of the Galápagos Island’s excellent bird watching and snorkeling. First you’ll visit North Seymour Island, and then you’ll continue to a beach called Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island.
Santa Cruz Fishing Tour
Perform this activity with experienced fishermen that will take you to the best fishing sites to make it a fabulous experience, type of fishing with trolling and casting rods. Activity: Trawl fishing. Species: Albacore, Wahoo, Merlin.
Bay Tour
Explore Santa Cruz Island with a bay tour. This journey takes you to some of the most stunning spots in the bay, including Shark Channel, Love Channel, Dog Beach, and the fascinating rock formations of Las Grietas.
Natural Paradise Yacht - Royal Galapagos Cruises
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.
El Chato Ranch
"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.
Tortuga Bay
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.
Bartolome Island Tour
On this tour, you’ll get to hike on the Galápagos island of Bartolomé (or Bartholomew, in English). As you hike, you’ll learn about the volcanic landscape.
Floreana Island Tour
This tour takes you to explore Floreana Island, the island with arguably the most eccentric history in the Galápagos. It has seen its fair share of human activity, beginning with 18th-century whalers. On this tour you’ll see some remnants of that history, as well as plants and animals that are rare even by Galápagos standards—Floreana Island has its very own endemic species of finch called a medium tree finch, to offer just one example.
Ecuador itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Ecuador itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Inland, Islands & Amazon
Ecuador is a wonderful country where we were able to travel by road for over 1200 KM during our two weeks trip and see the different parts of the country.
Ecuador
Two Weeks in Ecuador
Embark on a two‑week Ecuador adventure that juxtaposes bustling Andean capitals with remote volcanic islands, delivering a vivid contrast of urban energy and pristine nature. Traverse Quito’s historic streets, soar over the crater lake of Quilotoa, then island‑hop to the Galápagos for lava tunnels, Santa Cruz highlands, and sea‑lion encounters. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll taste traditional cuisine, hear indigenous stories, and return with a deep appreciation for Ecuador’s cultural richness and extraordinary biodiversity.
Ecuador
Everything We Had Hoped For
I loved using Anywhere Ecuador for this trip! We had a fantastic time. I gave a four out of five because we had some logistical challenges with our day trips and getting back to the airport.
Ecuador
It Was Hard to Say Goodbye
Ecuador is a beautiful country from Quito all the way to the coast of Guayaquil. It is definitely a must. Percy was amazing in helping us plan our trip, as I must have changed my itinerary about a million times. Even when I had questions during our trip he was right there ready to help and took care of everything. Now, there are no words to describe our driver, (which we were lucky to have for 9 days) Ricardo. He was professional, friendly and went above and beyond to help make our Ecuador experience one to remember. It was sad to say good bye, but one thing is for sure when we plan our next trip to Ecuador we will be asking for Ricardo again.
Ecuador
Treasures of The Galapagos
Words cannot express the wonderful experiences we had in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We try to explain our enthusiasm for our trip to our friends, but words become inadequate and so we simply encourage them to arrange their own adventure to Ecuador/Galapagos through Anywhere! We are anxious to start planning a return trip to explore more of the mainland of Ecuador. We owe a great deal of our curiosity about Ecuador to our driver Ricardo, who was an enthusiastic cheerleader for the country.
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Friends Ecuador Adventure
Joyce explored Ecuador’s diverse landscapes on an adventure that combined highland culture and coastal wonders. She trekked from Quito’s historic center to Baños’ volcanic landscape, then sailed to the Galápagos for island tours of Lobo, León Dormido, and San Cristóbal. Guides shared indigenous stories, local cuisine, and conservation insights, leaving Joyce with a lasting appreciation for Ecuador’s vibrant ecosystems and warm hospitality.
Ecuador
Ecuador Thoroughly Explored
The people and the beauty of the country
Ecuador
From The Andes to The Amazons
If adventure, nature, and culture are at the top of your travel to-do list, then prepare for a trip that you won’t soon forget. Experience the rugged beauty of Ecuador.
Ecuador
Andes Highlands to Galapagos
Have it all! Rest, relaxation, adventure, and nature are yours when you book this Signature Trip to Ecuador. From Quito to the Galapagos, Ecuador will enchant you…
Ecuador
