Western

Ocean Exploration

Epic Ocean Exploration is a private Galapagos charter for 1 to 6 guests, available from January to June. Choose a 6, 7, or 8-day journey and venture into the remote southwest coast of western Galapagos — one of the richest marine corridors on Earth. With daily boat departures, you’ll have the rare chance to encounter manta rays, whale sharks, orcas, dolphins, and migrating whales, along with the archipelago’s most iconic residents such as penguins, sea lions, flightless cormorants, and marine iguanas.

Guided by marine-certified naturalists and a trained professional crew, every outing is designed with safety, expertise, and an eye for the extraordinary. Whether you’re snorkeling, freediving, or simply watching from the boat, our team ensures you’re always in the best position to enjoy unforgettable wildlife moments.

Tour

Information.

Created for ocean lovers, snorkelers, and wildlife photographers, this expedition provides exclusive access to pristine marine environments and close encounters with the Galapagos’ wildest side. With a small, private group, each day is tailored to your pace and interests — from chasing baitball action to swimming alongside giants of the sea or capturing the perfect shot.

Epic Ocean Exploration is not just a tour — it’s the most intimate and thrilling way to experience the Galapagos ocean frontier, guided by experts who know these waters best.

Who Is This Tour For?

  • Small groups 1- 6 guest
  • Wildlife photographers
  • Adventure travelers
  • Snorkelers and divers
  • Families seeking unique Galapagos experiences

from $3050 pp.

How

We do.

Meeting point / End point
1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters in Puerto Ayora (ideally a validated field, not free text)

Pick-up point
The Giant Tortoise Experience begins 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.

Begin your Galápagos adventure stress-free with our Baltra Arrival & Transfer Experience. From airport welcome and luggage assistance to seamless logistics and transfer to your hotel in Isabela Island, we ensure a smooth and comfortable start to your journey.

Over the course of 4, 5, or 6 days, you will explore the wild and remote southwest coast of western Galapagos — an area known as one of the richest marine corridors on Earth. Here, powerful currents attract an extraordinary variety of marine life: manta rays gliding through the blue, whale sharks cruising past volcanic cliffs, playful sea lions, orcas on the hunt, and vast schools of fish forming dazzling baitballs. Alongside these pelagic giants, you’ll also encounter the archipelago’s unique residents such as Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and marine iguanas. and birds thrive. Take opportunities to spot and photograph the iconic Darwin’s finches.

Your Galápagos adventure stress-free finishes with our Baltra Arrival & Transfer Experience. To the airport – luggage assistance to seamless logistics and transfer for counter assistance

Begin your adventure before sunrise, as we hike into the highlands of Isabela to reach the sulfur fumaroles at first light. Along the trail, the dawn reveals breathtaking panoramas, culminating in a sunrise breakfast overlooking the vast Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. This guided hike immerses you in a living volcanic landscape, where steaming vents, colorful mineral deposits, and the scent of sulfur tell the story of an Earth still in motion. Walking across rugged lava fields, your naturalist guide will share the unique geology, ecology, and history that make this site a natural wonder. Perfect for adventurers, photographers, and geology enthusiasts, this tour combines the raw power of the Galapagos with one of its most unforgettable views. Feel the warmth of the Earth, capture the magic of sunrise, and experience the Galapagos in its purest volcanic form.


DEPARTURES EVERYDAY
8am | 2pm

DURATION:
3 hour tour

Inclusions

  • Accomodation: Land based on 4* Hotels / Double rooms

  • Transfers + Ferries: Arriving to Baltra Island we take care of all details before / after your ocean exploration

  • Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | snacks

  • Snorkel gear: Basic snorkel gear + weight belts

  • Marine Naturalist: GNP Certified Naturalist guide

Exclusions

  • Flights to Galapagos

  • National Park fees: GNP Fee 200 USD + TCT Card 20 USD per person

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Accomodation: Single supplement

  • Wetsuit: 25 USD per day

Our Guests

Reviews

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BAS profile picture
BAS
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The Perfect Tour! Great tour! The guide specifically was very knowledgeable about the tortoises and was patient with all our questions. She made sure we had the next pictures. Very thankful for her and the experience we had! Highly recommend this tour!
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Rick A profile picture
Rick A
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Astrid was the best We booked late and our guide Astrid was extremely accommodating and gave a superb tour! She was extremely knowledgeable and well spoken. We were able to see and learn about everything we wanted to and she even took some incredible photos for us. We were able to do everything quickly since we were pressed for time and even got a great dinner recommendation. I highly recommend anyone staying in Santa Cruz to take this tour.
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Kelsey N profile picture
Kelsey N
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Can't miss tour Had a wonderful time! They were prompt picking me up which meant we got to the tortoises before all the other tour groups. My guide, Astrid, was very friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable about everything Galapagos related. Definitely one of my favorite tours done on the Galapagos, highly recommend!
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TravelingGene2018 profile picture
TravelingGene2018
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worth every penny we had a great time and our guide was very informative and helpful.the main reason to go to the Galapagos is to see the giant tortoise which made the trip exciting
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Jorge profile picture
Jorge
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DO IT! Great experience! Although we booked a "group" tour, it ended up being only two of us which made it feel like a private tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and super welcoming. She was an avid lover of nature and history, we really appreciated her insight. This tour would definitely give you a different perspective of the island. I would highly recommend it!
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benengen profile picture
benengen
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Painless Way to See Santa Cruz Highlights This was a great value for the money. We got to see many of the highlights of the island in a morning including the famous giant tortoises. The stroll through the lava tube was way more interesting than I anticipated as well. Juan is a great guide who knows a lot about the island and, more importantly, has a great appreciation for the nature of the island. I'd recommend to anyone.
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John P profile picture
John P
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Like a Private Tour Enjoyable morning with our of the flora and fauna. The guide, Juan - he's a real character. Only two of us so just like a Private tour. Had a good tour of El Chato and the giant tortoises. Included a short walk through the woods to see a couple of sink holes. Good identification of the flora and fauna. The walk through the lava tube was amazing.
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silvana C profile picture
silvana C
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Good value for the price. Lots to see. We took the afternoon Giant Tortoise Reserve and Lava tube tour. The leader, (I think Edwardo) was very knowledgeable. and gave us interesting facts about what we were doing. We drove through theCloud Forest as well as other parts of the island. Seeing the giant tortoises alongside the road was great!