The Giant Tortoise Experience by Galapagos Outdoors 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
ONLY two Tour Operation Schedules (3 1/2 hour-tour)
+ 08h00 am
+ 02h00 pm
ADD on | Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
Admire baby tortoises raised in the Giant Tortoise breeding program and pay tribute to Lonesome George, the iconic tortoise from Pinta.
ADD on | Transfer from Baltra Airport
Let us assist you for a better connection once flying to Galapagos. Get straight into your Giant Tortoise Tour
Total duration of the tour: 3 hours 30 minutes
Pick-up point
Los Gemelos & Scalesia forest
Giant Tortoise Reserve
Lava Tubes
End point
Get exclusive insights on the groundbreaking conservation work led by hundreds of scientists to protect giant tortoises, and learn how to identify different types of tortoises by their unique shell shapes.
Admire the adorable baby tortoises that are raised and protected in the Giant Tortoise breeding program before their release into the wild.
Pay tribute to Lonesome George, the iconic tortoise from Pinta, and learn about his life and
Take a picture with Charles Darwin to fully immerse yourself in this experience.”
If you are just flying to Galapagos | Baltra Airport (GPS) the same day of the tour. Let us assist you for a better connection.
Upon your arrival, your guide will pick you up to transfer you to Santa Cruz Island and board on our Giant Tortoise Tour transportation.
Then your tour will start as plan in the description finishing when transfering to your Hotel in Puerto Ayora / Santa Cruz in the activities.
All Fees are covered when selecting this additional option.
Please make sure you provide us with all details regarding your flight to Seymour Airport
Your guide will pick you up from our meeting point | 1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters in Puerto Ayora for an epicurean exploration in Santa Cruz Highlands.
During the bus ride leaded by an experienced Galapagos Naturalist Guide ENG + ESP learn about history, geology and ecosystems in the islands ! After a 30 minute drive stop at Los Gemelos & Scalesia Forest to start hiking in a 1-mile loop trail to observe this amazing volcanic formations - Sink holes. Many chances to observe some of the iconic species of Darwin's finches, doves and mockingbirds.
Back into the bus, continue to the Giant Tortoise Reserve to see in the nature the most iconic Galapagos organism - Giant Tortoises ! Explore the area with you guide that will carefully explain about their habits and ecology ... while you have the chance to take incredible pictures in this natural environment.
Be ready for the last stop and your underground discovery - Get in to a Lava Tube where the Galapagos shows it real origins and let you understand what Charles Darwin came to see - unique lava flows that carved the rock building up amazing structures and shapes !
Duration: 3.5 hour Tour | Level: Moderate