Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
The Giant Tortoise Experience is the most iconic tour in Santa Cruz. This must-do experience offers a unique blend of natural wonders, educational insights and personal encounters with iconic species.
Guided by the experience of our certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide, you will:
Visit the stunning Los Gemelos sink holes and hike the magical Scalesia Cloud forest.
Meet the most iconic Galapagos species at the Giant Tortoise Reserve.
Travel through thousands of years of intense volcanic activity in an impressive Lava Tube
The Giant Tortoise Experience is available in English or Spanish, and has two departures available every day:
In the morning 8 AM
In the afternoon 2 PM
Entry tax
Entrance fees,Transport by air-conditioned coach,Pickup and drop-off (1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters), Professional naturalist guide, Walking tour, Local taxes, Small-group tour
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Departure Point
Marchena 90, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Cressi Dive Shop | Galapagos Outdoors CL meeting point
Return Details
Marchena 90, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Cressi Dive Shop | Galapagos Outdoors CL meeting point
Los Gemelos, Ecuador The Giant Tortoise Experience begins at the pick up point with a warm welcome from your certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide.
During the private air conditioned transfer, immerse yourself in the enchanted Galapagos ecosystem and learn about the captivating history and geology of the archipelago.
Discover Los Gemelos twin sink holes, the most impressive sink holes in The Galapagos Islands. Hike along this scenic 1-mile loop trail and observe these amazing volcanic formations that make Santa Cruz so special.
Walk through the magical Scalesia Cloud Forest, an endemic humid environment where local plants, giant tortoises and birds thrive. Take opportunities to spot and photograph the iconic Darwin’s finches. 30 minutes
Reserva El Chato, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador Continue to the Giant Tortoise Reserve and meet the largest living tortoises in the world and the most iconic species of Galapagos! Gain exclusive insights into their habits and ecology, and take incredible pictures with hundreds of giant tortoises wandering around in their pristine natural habitat. 180 minutes
Lava Tunnel, Ecuador Be ready for an impressive underground discovery following the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Experience Galapagos inside-out by stepping into stunning Lava Tubes. Appreciate how lava flows have carved and sculpted the most remarkable structures and shapes over thousands of years.
Your Giant Tortoise Experience terminates at the original pick-up point. 20 minutes
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Not infant seats available
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
Not service animal allowed
Not stroller accesible
Not wheelchair accessible
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Travelers can arrive on foot or taxi to our meeting point.
Valid from the time of first use, for the duration selected.
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Maggie_L
30 Sep 2024
What an awesome experience! Our guide Andrea was incredible. So knowledgeable and friendly. Would highly recommend this tour.
AishaBaruch
26 Sep 2024
We had an amazing time taking in the views, meeting the amazing tortoises, and more. Andrea was an awesome guide 10/10. Just go!
sergiomS4068EU
26 Sep 2024
We all had a magical time with these mammoth beast. I completely recommend it for all ages. I was not expecting to see so many tortoises.
This tour in
Santa Cruz
is organized by
Galapagos Outdoors LLC
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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