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Giant Land Tortoise

Highlands Cruises & Tours

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Just a short drive from the golden sands of the Santa Cruz beaches, find yourself in a completely different habitat as you explore the many attractions of the highlands on the Galapagos Islands. Visit a local hacienda, where giant tortoises roam freely, grazing tranquilly on the highland vegetation. Then it's off to the lava tunnels, where you can walk through naturally formed caves left when lava flows hardened. You next stop is a trek through a dense scalesia forest to twin sinkholes that formed when the massive calderas of extinct calderas collapsed. Though it takes just under an hour to cross the entire island of Santa Cruz from the northern Itabaca Channel through the highlands to Puerto Ayora on the southern shore, the highlands are a world of their own, just waiting to be explored. Contact us to start planning!
Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours

Top 10 Highland Tours of Santa Cruz for 2024-2025

Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours
Floreana Island

Southeast Islands

San Cristobal Airport to Baltra
5 Days from $2,584
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.
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Wildlife in the Galapagos

North & Central Islands

5 Days from $5,845
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!
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Devil's Crown Galapagos

Galapagos Southeast Islands

San Cristobal Airport to Baltra
5 Days from $2,506
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.
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Wildlife in the Galapagos

Volcanic Wonders

Northern & Western Route
8 Days from $9,750
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.
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Overlook at Pitt Point

Western Islands

Baltra to Bachas Beach
6 Days from $4,700
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!
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South Plaza Island

Central East Islands

Baltra - San Cristobal
5 Days from $8,195
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.
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Brilliantly colored flamingos

Northern Islands

Baltra roundtrip
4 Days from $6,195
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.
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Sea lion in galapagos

Southern & Northern Islands

San Cristobal - Baltra
7 Days from $11,695
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.
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Sea Lion resting on Red Sesuvium

Central East & Southern Islands

Baltra roundtrip
8 Days from $12,995
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.
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Family fun in the Galapagos

Northwestern Islands

Baltra roundtrip
8 Days from $12,995
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.
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10 Best Highland Luxury Tours of Santa Cruz for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
North & Central Islands$58455Jun 11, 2024Enjoy an extensive adventure into the unique world of the Galapagos on this incredible 5-day journey. Admire the incredible natural beauty of this …
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Volcanic Wonders$97508Jun 9, 2024On this comprehensive 8-day tour of the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Origin, see unusual wildlife such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, …
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Central East Islands$81955Apr 10, 2025Set 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 …
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Northern Islands$61954Apr 3, 2025Embark on a 4-day North & Central Islands cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant tortoises and lava …
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Southern & Northern Islands$116957Apr 14, 2025Join the 7-Day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Eastern & Central Galapagos, beginning on San Cristóbal Island. Explore Tijeretas, Gardner Bay, …
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Central East & Southern Islands$129958Apr 10, 2025Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy …
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Northwestern Islands$129958Apr 3, 2025Embark on an 8-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Northwestern Galapagos Islands. Explore unique wildlife, including giant tortoises and lava …
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Northern Galapagos Catamaran Cruise$51905Jun 11, 2024The Ocean Spray luxury catamaran takes you on a 5-day Galapagos Northern Islands cruise, exploring Genovesa, South Plaza, Mosquero, and Santiago. …
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Central Islands Cruise$94908Jun 15, 2024Discover the highlights of San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Genovesa islands on this incredible 8-day adventure aboard …
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Western & Eastern Islands$144959Apr 6, 2025Explore the Western & Eastern Galapagos Islands on this 9-day cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Discover Bachas Beach, Tagus Cove, Urbina …
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Top 2 Highlands Cruises and Tours Deals for 2024-2025

Trip NameSaveFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Western IslandsCustom Label$58638Jun 21, 2024Journey to the western islands of the Galapagos on this 8-day cruise on the Seaman Journey.
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Seaman JourneySavings$879388Jun 21, 2024Journey to the western islands of the Galapagos on this 8-day charter cruise on the Seaman Journey. This incredible journey will take you and your …
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All Galapagos Articles

Santa Cruz Highlands Travel Guide

Getting to the Highlands
All of our cruises and tours of the Galapagos Islands are all-inclusive, so you will never have to worry about transportation. If you are touring the highlands as your first stop after arriving, then you may meet a taxi after crossing the Itabaca Channel from the Baltra Island airport. The taxi will take you right to your Highlands visitor site. Traveling from Puerto Ayora, you will likely arrive with your travel group on a motor coach or open air bus.

Activities in the Santa Cruz Highlands
  • Los Gemelos- Meaning "Twins," in Spanish, these two massive sinkholes are a sight to behold, where you can hike through a scalesia forest to see the extinct remains of two volcanoes that collapsed.
  • Lava Tunnels - Another impressive volcanic feature of the highlands are the lava tunnels, naturally hollowed out geologic features that created tunnels when the flowing surface lava hardened over hot magma that continued to flow underneath.
  • El Chato Ranch- Walk through the green pastures of this highland hacienda where giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat.
Massive Tortoise up close

Conservation Challenges in the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands face serious challenges for the long-term survival of their marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Some of these challenges are summarized below, as well as some ideas for how ecotourism helps and how you can help make a difference!
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Galapagos tortoises

Galapagos Wildlife

Wildlife has evolved in the Galapagos to create some of the world's most bizarre -- and fearless -- creatures. See Darwin's theory of evolution in action as you swim alongside marine iguanas, watch ancient tortoises slowly roam, kayak past playful sea lions, and hike among blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands.
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Wildlife viewing on the Galapagos: Marine Iguanas

Galapagos Reptiles

Lizards, turtles, and tortoises characterize the Galapagos Islands. In fact, the Spanish word "Galapago" literally refers to the saddle shape of the giant tortoise's shell. And the endemic marine iguana is the only sea-going lizard, its features undeniable proof of Darwin's theory of evolution. The landscape is dominated by these ancient reptiles.
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Marine Iguana with ship

The Galapagos Islands: Saving a World Heritage

Did you know that you give back to the Galapagos Islands just by traveling with Adventure Life? Learn how your trip actually helps preserve the delicate ecology of the islands. Conservation is vital in the Galapagos, and by traveling with us you are playing an active role in the solution.
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Galapagos Travel Videos

Highlands Videos

Galapagos Travel Stories & Tips

Galapagos Highlands Travel Stories

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Tortoise

The Epic Galapagos Adventures of Lina & Giles

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Galapagos Tortoise, El Chato Reserve

Kevin's Galapagos Trip

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TrustScore 4.8 | 208 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 208 reviews on
review score
6 hours ago
They answered every question and concern that I had and put me at ease. Very excited for this once in a life-time trip.
Customer Tim
review score
1 day ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
review score
3 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
Amy Siegel
review score
3 days ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
review score
3 days ago
Adventure Life took care of a lot of details for me because I flew separately and met up with the group at the start of the trip. On the return they dropped me off in Cantania and flew back to the UK as one group. I was the only American on the Exodus trip which was not a problem. Communication between the two companies was good.
Happy Camper

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