rovostays·

Nature & wildlife · Santa Cruz

Top 7 nature & wildlife things to do in Santa Cruz

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Santa Cruz that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. GALAPAGOS in ELECTRIC BICYCLE + Giant Turtles, Santa Cruz1

    1. GALAPAGOS in ELECTRIC BICYCLE + Giant Turtles

    4.9· 33 reviews· 4.5 hours

    Embark on a unique Galapagos adventure: Explore the majestic upper part of Santa Cruz Island by bike and immerse yourself in the wonder of nature! Pedal along picturesque trails, admire the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and let the magic of the Galapagos envelop you. Ready to live an unforgettable experience? Hop on your bike and join us to discover the wild beauty of the Santa Cruz Heights! ‍♂️ Remember to be prepared according to the season of your visit, it may be a humid season (rain and sun) and be prepared with repellent and sunscreen. The level of demand of the route is minimal, after knowing and seeing the turtles in their natural state we have a short section where the ascent tests our physique a little.

  2. BiciTour Giant Turtles and Lava Tunnel in Galapagos, Santa Cruz2

    2. BiciTour Giant Turtles and Lava Tunnel in Galapagos

    4.9· 45 reviews· 4.5 hours

    This experience combines 50% cycling and 50% walking, allowing you to explore the nature of the Santa Cruz Highlands in an active and close way. We will meet in the San Francisco Park of Puerto Ayora, where we will collect bicycles and safety helmets. From there we will take a bus to the area of Los Guayabillos, where we will begin our bicycle tour descending through the rural part of the island. Along the way we will cross agricultural landscapes and natural forests where you can observe fruit trees, Galapagos coffee plantations and rural life of the island. Upon arrival at Galapagos Frontier, we will continue the experience with a guided hike through the nature reserve, where you can observe giant turtles in their natural habitat and explore the fascinating lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. This tour is ideal for those looking for an active experience that combines adventure and nature.

  3. Giant Turtle Watching and Lava Tunnels Tour, Santa Cruz3

    3. Giant Turtle Watching and Lava Tunnels Tour

    4.8· 70 reviews· 3 hours

    Are you ready to live an unforgettable adventure in the wonderful Galapagos Islands? We invite you to discover the Galapagos Frontier reserve, a natural paradise where you can meet face to face with the legendary giant tortoises and explore the mysterious lava tunnels in their natural state. Our naturalist guide, with more than 30 years of experience, will take you on a fascinating journey through the endemic forest of the Galapagos. Breathe the fresh air and let yourself be enveloped by the exuberant flora and fauna that surrounds you. At each step, you will witness the unique beauty of endemic species such as owls, canaries and the famous Darwin's finches. But that is not all. Immerse yourself in an amazing underground world as you enter the lava tunnels. Marvel at the impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites that have been forged over thousands of years. Discover the geological secrets of the Galapagos Islands as you come across the graceful Tito Alva owl.

  1. Santa Cruz Highland Tour: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel & Gemelos, Santa Cruz4

    4. Santa Cruz Highland Tour: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel & Gemelos

    4.7· 6 reviews

    This tour will allow you to get to see the highlights of Santa Cruz' Highlands, including the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, an impressive underground lava tunnel and the famous Twin Craters "Los Gemelos". This definitely is a rewarding visit for nature loving people and a must-do when in Galapgos. The lush green scenery of the highlands is in stark contrast to the more arid lowland coasts, providing a very different Galapagos experience.

  2. 8 Day Galapagos Island Hopping, Santa Cruz5

    5. 8 Day Galapagos Island Hopping

    4.6· 7 reviews· 8 days

    The Galapagos Islands are home to distinct species and populations of animals, including penguins, iguanas, sea lions, turtles, and more. Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands are uniquely unafraid of humans. This program is a more economic way to explore the Galapagos Islands, a land based tour. Activities in this program include swimming, snorkeling, with marine animals, hiking, bird watching, and walking among giant Galapagos tortoises.

  3. Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days, Santa Cruz6

    6. Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days

    4.5· 6 reviews· 4 days

    Commonly known as the Enchanted Archipelago for boasting a chain of spectacular islands, the Galapagos Islands are situated in Ecuador, South America. Swimming, snorkeling, trekking, exploring, and discovering, the Galapagos offers thrilling adventures for people of all ages. Even if you are not up for adventures, you can just relax and bask luxuriously on the sandy beaches and take in the blissful sensation of the waves crashing against the shore. Santa Cruz, positioned at the center of the Galapagos Archipelago, features all the fundamental elements a dream vacation requires. The rich flora and fauna along with numerous exquisite tourist spots, some detailed with rugged landscapes while others covered in flourishing dense forests.

  4. Bay Tour in Santa Cruz - Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz7

    7. Bay Tour in Santa Cruz - Galapagos Islands

    3.5· 28 reviews· 3 hours

    Santa Cruz Island is the first most inhabited island in Galapagos. If you are a nature lover this will be your favorite place. Whatever activity you are going to do, you will be surrounded by an immense and rich flora and fauna. The best moments full of adrenaline are under the sea. And, in the Galapagos Islands you will find different scenarios to swim with sharks, rays and sea turtles.

Top places to visit in Santa Cruz

See all 2

More in Santa Cruz

Other things to do

Nature & wildlife in other destinations

Top nature & wildlife elsewhere

Same category, different cities — hand-picked nature & wildlife experiences across Ecuador.

Stay elsewhere

Places to stay in other destinations

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments across our network.

See more

Places to see in other destinations

Hand-picked sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks across our destination network.

Visiting Santa Cruz?

Stay with Rovostays

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.