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9 Available Tour Excursions in Baltra
Explore the rugged Black Rock Trails and snorkel off the coast of North Seymour Island on this guided full-day tour from Puerto Ayora. If you're heading to the Galapagos to experience wildlife up close and enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, this adventure is perfect for you. North Seymour Island is teeming with life—get up close to sea lions, land iguanas, nesting blue-footed boobies, seagulls, and the iconic frigatebirds. This tour offers incredible photo opportunities and unforgettable encounters with native wildlife. Your full-day excursion includes round-trip transportation from Puerto Ayora, lunch, snorkeling gear, a knowledgeable local guide, and a visit to either Bachas Beach or Mosquera Islet.
Price: $320.00
Duration: 8 hours
The Galapagos Islands boast a remarkable array of wildlife, from penguins and iguanas to sea lions and giant tortoises, uniquely unafraid of humans. This budget-friendly land-based tour offers an immersive experience, including swimming, snorkeling alongside marine life, hiking, birdwatching, and walking among the legendary Galapagos tortoises. For diving enthusiasts, the Galapagos offers world-class dive sites: Gordon Rock—Known as the "washing machine", it features strong currents and thrilling hammerhead shark encounters. Kicker Rock—A massive volcanic formation with mild currents, perfect for seeing eagle rays, hammerheads, and Galapagos sharks. North Seymour—A hotspot for manta rays, reef sharks, and bustling schools of fish, offering stunning underwater biodiversity. An unforgettable way to explore this extraordinary ecosystem, both on land and underwater! Would you like any refinements?
Price: $1,941.00
Duration: 192 hours
The Galapagos Islands are home to distinct species and populations of animals, including penguins, iguanas, sea lions, turtles, and more. Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands are uniquely unafraid of humans. This program is a more economic way to explore the Galapagos Islands, a land based tour. Activities in this program include swimming, snorkeling, with marine animals, hiking, bird watching, and walking among giant Galapagos tortoises.
Price: $1,545.00
Duration: 144 hours
A once in a lifetime experience both on the trails and onboard! Cruising the Galapagos islands is an unforgettable experience because of its unique and close encounters with its amazing wildlife. Experiencing the Galapagos Islands on a small 20 passenger yacht is an added value that will make your cruise unforgettable. In a more intimate setting, you will be sharing your Galapagos adventure with few other guests that share the same belief that cruising on a small cruise boat has less impact on the Galapagos ecosystem while benefiting from a more personalized service. Our 11 crew members will go above and beyond to make your experience of the Galapagos unforgettable. Our naturalist guide/passenger ratio is amongst the best in the Galapagos with 1 guide for every 10 passengers. Through our commitment to personalized service and attention to detail, Monserrat Galapagos Cruises aims to create the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience on the enchanted islands.
Price: $2,596.75
Duration: 120 hours
Begin your Galapagos adventure with a seamless assisted transfer from Baltra Airport to Santa Cruz. This journey includes a shared shuttle across Baltra Island, a ferry ride over the Itabaca Channel, and a final private shuttle to your hotel all escorted by your local driver. Along the way, visit the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you can witness these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat and explore lush trails and lava tunnels with a local guide. In the afternoon, your private driver will drop you off at your hotel in Puerto Ayora. - All-inclusive transfer from Baltra Airport to Santa Cruz assisted by your driver - Visit the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve and learn about conservation with a local guide - Enjoy scenic views and explore natural landscapes along the way
Price: $250.00
Duration: 4 hours
Dive into the wild heart of the Galápagos with Isabela Active, a 4-day adventure designed for travelers who crave close encounters with nature above and below the water. Paddle your kayak across turquoise bays to Las Tintoreras, where penguins, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions await. Snorkel in the surreal lava channels of Los Túneles, gliding past giant sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, rays, and schools of vibrant fish. Explore Isabela’s volcanic origins with a hike to the otherworldly landscapes of Sierra Negra and its sulfur fumaroles, where steam and mineral colors reveal the living geology of the islands. Evenings are yours to relax in the laid-back charm of Puerto Villamil, watching sunsets over pristine beaches. With expert naturalist guides, small groups, and activities that keep you close to the action, this is the ultimate way to experience the wildlife, landscapes, and spirit of Isabela Island. Book now and turn your Galápagos dream into an unforgettable adventure.
Price: $1,350.00
Duration: 96 hours
Designed by local experts, this five day land based program gives you the variety of a cruise with the comfort of a first class hotel in Puerto Ayora. Sail on a first class yacht to uninhabited islands off Santa Cruz, visiting Bartolome, North Seymour and South Plaza, plus sites like Sullivan Bay, Las Bachas and Punta Carrion. Walk among giant tortoises in the highlands and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Certified naturalist guides lead all outings; nights are spent on shore for restful evenings. Included are airport and island transfers, four nights accommodation, breakfasts and lunches, dinners on tour days, hotel to pier shuttles and snorkel gear.
Price: $2,100.00
Duration: 120 hours
This tour is perfect if you want to have an incredible and active experience in Galapagos. Here you will visit different spots that you won´t find them in other places such as, tortuga bay, tintoreras and wetlands so, Join the adventure! In this programs of 6 days you will explore two island like Santa Cruz and Isabela, in all this program you will do activities like snorkeling, hiking, birdwatching and swiming. Taking time in explore this magic world
Price: $1,230.30
Duration: 144 hours
Great tour, Galápagos Natural Life direct tour operator designed this tour to know the better places to see wildlife in Galápagos Island, 7 days with 3 islands, you Will see the most representative animals in Galápagos islands as Giant tortoises, blue-footed booby, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, corral sharks, flamingos, darwin finches and more, we included in our Budget tourist class accommodation but you can ask for upgrade to superior or first class accommodation, we can open new departures any day with minimum one passenger, your rates don't include galapagos flight
Price: $1,650.00
Duration: 168 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: Spanish, English
- Climate: Tropical
- Timezone: America/Guayaquil
- Population: Approximately 1,500 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Baltra is during the dry season from June to December for comfortable weather and wildlife activity.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Baltra, located in Ecuador, generally follow Ecuador's visa policies. Citizens from the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days. Others may require a visa obtained prior to travel. Ecuador does not typically offer visas on arrival or e-visas for most tourists, so it is advisable to check specific requirements before travel. A valid passport with at least six months validity is required.
About Baltra
Baltra is a small island in the Galápagos archipelago of Ecuador, known primarily as a gateway to the Galápagos National Park. Its strategic location makes it the main entry point for travelers arriving by air to explore the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. Unlike other islands, Baltra itself is relatively flat and dry, with limited vegetation, but it offers essential infrastructure such as the airport and some visitor services. The island’s proximity to Santa Cruz Island allows easy access to the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes that define the Galápagos. Visitors often appreciate Baltra for its convenience and as a starting point for their Galápagos adventure. The island’s unique appeal lies in its role as a transit hub combined with the opportunity to witness the remarkable conservation efforts and endemic species that make the Galápagos a world-renowned destination.
Baltra Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Galapagos Islands
- Duration Range: 2 to 10 hours
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Baltra is during the dry season from June to December for comfortable weather and wildlife activity. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes. Respect local wildlife and follow park regulations strictly. Carry cash in small denominations as card acceptance can be limited. Stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the environment. Safety is generally good, but always follow guidance from local authorities and guides. Booking flights and accommodations in advance is recommended due to limited availability.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $180
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Seymour Airport – The main airport serving the Galápagos, notable for its role in connecting visitors to the islands. 2. Salt Flats – Located on Baltra, these are shallow pools where flamingos and other bird species can often be seen. 3. Galápagos National Park Entrance – Baltra serves as a key entry point to the protected areas of the archipelago. 4. Wildlife Viewing Areas – Despite its small size, Baltra offers opportunities to see land iguanas, sea lions, and various bird species. 5. Nearby Santa Cruz Island – Easily accessible from Baltra, it features the Charles Darwin Research Station and vibrant local culture.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Baltra typically engage in wildlife observation, especially birdwatching at the salt flats. The island serves as a transit hub for excursions to other islands, where snorkeling, diving, hiking, and guided nature tours are popular. Cultural experiences include visiting nearby Santa Cruz Island to learn about conservation efforts and local traditions. Recreational options are limited on Baltra itself, but its proximity to other islands makes it an ideal base for adventure activities in the Galápagos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Baltra’s cuisine reflects Ecuadorian coastal flavors with an emphasis on fresh seafood such as ceviche, grilled fish, and shrimp dishes. Local specialties include encocado (seafood cooked in coconut sauce) and arroz con mariscos (seafood rice). Dining options are modest but include small restaurants and lodges offering traditional Ecuadorian meals. Visitors should try fresh tropical fruits and local coffee. Noteworthy places often focus on simple, fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding ocean and mainland Ecuador.
Getting Around
Baltra is primarily accessed by air through Seymour Airport, with regular flights from Quito and Guayaquil. Upon arrival, visitors typically take a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. Local transportation on Baltra is limited; taxis and shuttle services connect the airport to ferry terminals. Most visitors rely on boats and tours for island hopping. Costs are moderate but can be higher due to the remote location. Walking is common for short distances, and organized tours provide transportation for excursions.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Baltra is during the dry season from June to December for comfortable weather and wildlife activity. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes. Respect local wildlife and follow park regulations strictly. Carry cash in small denominations as card acceptance can be limited. Stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the environment. Safety is generally good, but always follow guidance from local authorities and guides. Booking flights and accommodations in advance is recommended due to limited availability.
Culture & Customs
Baltra’s culture is closely tied to the Galápagos Islands’ conservation ethos. Residents are friendly and accustomed to tourists. Social customs emphasize respect for nature and wildlife protection. Important etiquette includes not touching animals, staying on marked trails, and following park rules. Local festivals often celebrate Ecuadorian national holidays and environmental awareness. Visitors should greet locals politely and be mindful of the fragile ecosystem that defines the islands.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..