Day Cruises and Boat Excursions
Staying on an inhabited island does not mean remaining close to town. Day cruises and organised boat excursions allow visitors to reach uninhabited islands, snorkelling sites and wildlife areas that cannot be visited independently.
Day cruises from Santa Cruz
Santa Fe — an approved photograph is still required.
Each destination has a different emphasis. Some are particularly strong for landscapes and geology, others for seabirds, land animals or snorkelling. Routes, operating days and availability vary, so the best choice depends on interests, sea conditions and the wider itinerary.
Excursions from other inhabited islands
Isabela and San Cristóbal also offer important local boat excursions, including Los Túneles, Tintoreras, Kicker Rock and the 360° Tour. These are described within their respective island sections because they normally form part of a stay on that island.
Sites normally visited on longer cruises
These remote sites should not be confused with ordinary day cruises. They are generally reached as part of a multi-day navigable cruise, and can be an important reason for choosing a cruise or combining one with a land-based stay.
For help choosing a navigable cruise itinerary, visit GalapEx.com.
Choosing the right excursion
The most famous island is not automatically the best choice for every visitor. Wildlife priorities, walking ability, snorkelling interests, tolerance of boat travel and the time of year all matter. GalapEx can help match excursions to the people travelling, rather than simply producing a list of popular names.
Availability and booking
Spaces on day cruises are limited, especially on the most sought-after routes to uninhabited islands. Finding availability does not normally mean that a seat is being held: the required deposit needs to be paid promptly before the operator can confirm it. Last-minute spaces sometimes appear, particularly in quieter periods, but travellers risk having little choice or finding nothing suitable.
Read more about how the planning process works, or see the frequently asked questions.