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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 28 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 $4,500 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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South Plaza Island
$8,195
Savings
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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Experience a remarkable 5-day cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise through the captivating Central East Galapagos Islands. Board the vessel at Baltra then explore Santa Cruz's highlands, witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and venture into underground lava tunnels. At …
Cruise Details
0
Brilliantly colored flamingos
$6,195
Savings
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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail on a 4-day cruise to the North & Central Galapagos Islands aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Start in Baltra, transfer to meet your guide, and explore Santa Cruz's highlands, encountering Galápagos giant tortoises and lava tunnels. On day two, visit Cerro Dragón …
Cruise Details
0
Sea lion in galapagos
$11,695
Savings
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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 7-day cruise with Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise through the Eastern & Central Islands of the Galápagos. Begin at San Cristóbal Island, exploring Tijeretas and the Galápagos' history at the Interpretation Center. Gardner Bay offers white sandy beaches, Punta …
Cruise Details
0
Sea Lion resting on Red Sesuvium
$12,995
Savings
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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on an 8-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to explore the Central East & Southern Galápagos Islands. Witness giant tortoises and lava tunnels on Santa Cruz, discover Rábida's red sand beach and unique palo santo trees and encounter diverse wildlife on South Plaza and Santa …
Cruise Details
0
Family fun in the Galapagos
$12,995
Savings
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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail on an 8-day, exciting trip to the Northwestern Galapagos Islands aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands, see Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and delve into underground lava tunnels. Visit Cerro Dragón to witness land …
Cruise Details
0
Snorkeling near the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
$5,190
EBD
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
Activities:
Hiking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Explore the northern islands of the Galapagos on this 5 day cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Once on board cruise to Bartolome Island and hike to the summit of the volcano for panoramic views. You also will trek through mangroves and view tidal pools teeming with sea lions and reef fish on Genovesa …
Cruise Details
0
Bartolome Island and Pinnacle Rock
$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:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a private 8-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to explore the Central East & Southern Galápagos Islands. Witness giant tortoises and lava tunnels on Santa Cruz, discover Rábida's red sand beach and unique palo santo trees and encounter diverse wildlife on South Plaza and …
Cruise Details
0
Pinnacle rock in Bartolome
$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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Experience a remarkable private 5-day cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise through the captivating Central East Galapagos Islands. Board the vessel at Baltra then explore Santa Cruz's highlands, witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and venture into underground lava tunnels. …
Cruise Details
0
Frigate chick found while touring the Galapagos
$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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail on a 4-day private cruise to the North & Central Galapagos Islands aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Start in Baltra, transfer to meet your guide, and explore Santa Cruz's highlands, encountering Galápagos giant tortoises and lava tunnels. On day two, visit Cerro …
Cruise Details
0
The Grace
$172,200
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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
The Galapagos Islands are swarming with exotic and curious creatures that love to interact with visitors to the islands.This magical 8-day private cruise takes you and your private group of up to 16 guests to one of the most enchanting destinations on Earth! Indulge in the wide variety of flora and …
Cruise Details
0
Colorful Sally Lightfoot crab on volcanic rock
$9,950
EXPLORE

Beyond Darwin's Footsteps

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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Close encounters with wildlife will make your journey a truly memorable one on this 8-day adventure. These islands are swarming with exotic and curious creatures that love to interact with visitors to the islands. Indulge in the wide variety of flora and fauna here as well as spectacular scenery on …
Cruise Details
0
Land Iguana
$246,905
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Northwestern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Encounter pink flamingos
  • Discover Chinese Hat
  • Explore Genovesa Island
  • Visit Bachas beach
Starts / Ends:
Baltra / Baltra
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Set sail on a private 8-day, exciting trip to the Northwestern Galapagos Islands aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands, see Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and delve into underground lava tunnels. Visit Cerro Dragón to witness …
Cruise Details
0
Galapagos penguin on a rock
$222,205
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Southern & Northern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

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
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 7-day cruise with Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise through the Eastern & Central Islands of the Galápagos. Begin at San Cristóbal Island, exploring Tijeretas and the Galápagos' history at the Interpretation Center. Gardner Bay offers white sandy beaches, Punta …
Cruise Details
0
A pair of friendly sea lions
$5,812
EXPLORE

Northern Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard La Pinta
  • Observe giant tortoises
  • Snorkel with sea lions
  • Hike to a red-footed booby colony
Activities:
Kayaking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Sail the northern islands aboard the La Pinta on a 5-day Galapagos cruise. This small ship adventure takes you to the islands of Santa Cruz, Bartolome, and Genovesa. Experience the sea lions, sea birds, and giant Galapagos tortoises which first made this island archipelago famous.
Cruise Details
0
Pinnacle rock on Bartolome
$5,922
EXPLORE

Western Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top V
  • Visit Mosquera Islet
  • Observe birds on El Barroco
  • Explore Rabida Island
  • Swim & Snorkel at Chinese Hat
Starts / Ends:
Baltra / Baltra
Activities:
Kayaking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This Galapagos cruise takes you beyond the highlights of the western islands with 8 days of exploration and adventure! This cruise features some of the most sought-after destinations in this region. Enjoy the company of friendly sea lions while snorkeling and make friends with the gentle giant …
Cruise Details
0
Tip Top II
$89,506
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Tip Top II

8 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top II
  • Visit Mosquera Islet
  • Observe birds on El Barroco
  • Explore Rabida Island
  • Swim & Snorkel at Chinese Hat
Starts / Ends:
Baltra / Baltra
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This 8-day private cruise features some of the most sought-after destinations in this region. Enjoy the company of friendly sea lions while snorkeling and make friends with the gentle giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. These islands are rich with an abundance of wildlife both …
Cruise Details
0
Punto Egas, Santiago Island, Galapagos
$5,600
Savings
EXPLORE

Western Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top IV
  • Snorkel & swim on North Seymour
  • Navigate around Buccaneer Cove
  • Observe wildlife on Vicente Roca
  • Walk around Flamingos Lagoon
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This Galapagos cruise takes you beyond the highlights of the Western Islands with 8 days of exciting activity. This cruise features some of the most sought after destinations in this region. Enjoy the company of friendly sea lions while snorkeling and make friends with the gentle giant tortoises at …
Cruise Details
0
Snorkeling girl
$4,800
EXPLORE

Southeast Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Samba
  • Observe the giant Galapagos turtles
  • Enjoy a volcanic Olivine beach
  • Snorkel around Gardner Island
  • Take incredible photos of landscape
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This Galapagos tour does more than show the highlights of the archipelago's beautiful southeast islands - this 8-day cruise allows you to experience all facets of the southwestern archipelago as you are immersed in the incredible beauty that surrounds you. Enjoy exciting activities such as …
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 28 Results
TrustScore 4.8 | 387 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 387 reviews on
review score
4 hours ago
We have used AL for decades now to plan trips. Kassandra has been with us from the start and has never disappointed. She knows our family and our quirks and is always willing to fit the trip to us. This time we made her work for the booking because of family member schedules. It has all come together for a great Christmas gift for many families.
Kris Rowe
review score
8 hours ago
Shannon could not have been more helpful in arranging our recent booking with Uncruise. Very knowledgeable, professional and pleasant to work with. I highly recommend Adventure Life.
Daniel
review score
19 hours ago
We keep coming back to Adventure-Life for custom tailored, out of the ordinary, non-touristy trips and they deliver the best every time. The trip planners know how to put together just what we are looking for.
Judith P. NYC
review score
1 day ago
Kassandra is knowledgeable, efficient and very pleasant to work with.
Fred Weeman
review score
3 days ago
The booking was processed efficiently and quickly. We got what we wanted.
Doug Laporte

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