• Flexible Cancellation
The Grand Circle:
180° Santa Cruz Island Tour
A full-day boat tour from Puerto Ayora following a semi-circular route around Santa Cruz Island. Snorkel with whitetip reef sharks and sea turtles at Pinzón, land on a remote white-sand beach, and sail past the volcanic cone of Daphne Major.
What to Expect on the 180° Santa Cruz Tour
The 180° Santa Cruz tour is the most varied day trip you can book from Puerto Ayora. Instead of sailing out to a single island and back, this semicircular navigation strings together the contrasting landscapes of the central archipelago: the deep blue water around the volcanic cone of Daphne Major, the sheltered wildlife-rich bays of Pinzón and Dum islet, and a remote beach landing on the north coast of Santa Cruz. Expect close encounters with whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, sea lions and marine iguanas, with blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds working the air above the boat.
Comparing routes? The 180° stays within the central islands and puts most of the day in the water, which makes it the better pick if snorkeling is your priority. The 360° San Cristóbal tour circles a different island entirely and leans more toward coastal scenery and seabird colonies. If you only want the single best snorkeling site, book the Pinzón Island snorkeling tour on its own.
180° Santa Cruz Tour Itinerary, Hour by Hour
08:20 AM — Meeting Point in Puerto Ayora
Meet our team at the central office in Puerto Ayora. We transfer you to the pier for boarding, and the day opens with a one-hour scenic sail toward the central archipelago.
10:00 AM — Snorkeling at Pinzón & Dum Islet
Snorkel the clear water of Penguin Bay or Dum Islet, a hotspot for sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks and playful sea lions. Underwater visibility here is among the best in the central islands.
12:30 PM — Lunch & Beach Landing
Fresh lunch on board, then a landing at a pristine site — Playa Edén, Bahía Borrero or Playa Palmitas, depending on the day’s conditions. Time on white sand and a look at the coastal flora.
02:30 PM — Daphne Major & Return to Puerto Ayora
Navigate around the iconic Daphne Major cone for seabird watching. Between August and November manta rays often surface here before we turn back toward Puerto Ayora.
What’s Included
- ✓ Certified Naturalist Guide (Eng/Esp)
- ✓ Onboard Lunch & Refreshments
- ✓ Professional Snorkel Gear
- ✓ Wetsuit & Fresh Towels
- ✓ Pier Transfers in Puerto Ayora
Not Included
- ✕ Alcoholic Beverages & Sodas
- ✕ Tips for Crew and Guide
- ✕ Personal Souvenirs
What to Bring on the 180° Tour
This route spends roughly 90% of the day on or in the water, so pack accordingly:
- Underwater Camera – Highly recommended for the shark and turtle sightings.
- Sun Protection – Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Swimwear – Better worn under your clothes for quick transitions.
- Sandals or Water Shoes – For the beach landing sessions.
- Windbreaker – Useful for the longer navigation stretches.
180° Santa Cruz Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 180° and the 360° tour?
Where does the 180° Santa Cruz tour depart from?
What makes the 180° tour different from other Galápagos day trips?
Can I see manta rays on this tour?
Is this tour suitable for beginner snorkelers?
Which beach will we visit for the landing?
What wildlife is the highlight of Pinzón Island?
Cancellation Policy for the 180° Tour
• Full Refund: Guaranteed for cancellations made at least 15 days before departure.
• Last Minute: Cancellations within 14 days or “No Shows” incur a 100% penalty.
• Maritime Alerts: In case of port closure due to weather, we offer rescheduling or a 100% refund.