Giant Turtle Watching and Lava Tunnels Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Are you ready to live an unforgettable adventure in the wonderful Galapagos Islands? We invite you to discover the Galapagos Frontier reserve, a natural paradise where you can meet face to face with the legendary giant tortoises and explore the mysterious lava tunnels in their natural state.
Our naturalist guide, with more than 30 years of experience, will take you on a fascinating journey through the endemic forest of the Galapagos. Breathe the fresh air and let yourself be enveloped by the exuberant flora and fauna that surrounds you. At each step, you will witness the unique beauty of endemic species such as owls, canaries and the famous Darwin's finches.
But that is not all. Immerse yourself in an amazing underground world as you enter the lava tunnels. Marvel at the impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites that have been forged over thousands of years. Discover the geological secrets of the Galapagos Islands as you come across the graceful Tito Alva owl.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Would you like to meet the incredible Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat and explore the lava tunnels? Come discover the Galapagos Frontier reserve, where an experienced naturalist guide will accompany you on a tour of the endemic Galapagos forest! At the Galapagos Frontier reserve, we will welcome you with a natural fruit juice. During the tour, we will cross the transition forest of the Galapagos, home to a wide variety of endemic plants and where you can observe giant tortoises in their natural environment. You will also have the opportunity to spot various endemic bird species, such as owls, canaries and different types of Darwin's finches. Afterwards, we will enter the impressive lava tunnels with their formations of stalactites and stalagmites. We will learn about the formation of the Galapagos Islands and you will have the chance to observe the tito alba owl. In addition, we will walk along paths surrounded by fruit trees such as tangerines, oranges, avocados, soursop, plums and many other seasonal fruits. We will also learn more about the local fauna. Don't miss out on this incredible experience at the Galapagos Frontier!
What‘s Included
Coffee and/or Tea
Options
Giant Turtle Watching and Lava Tunnels Tour
Reviews
56 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
So many tortoises!
Cassandra A,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a beautiful experience. They also had just opened a restaurant on the ranch- so now you can enjoy dining with a view of these gorgeous animals.
Highly recommend this tour!
rernar,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a unique place! The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. We really enjoyed learning about the turtles, walking through the lava tunnels and we even got to see some birds.
Tortoises and lava tunnels
Mobile167805,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, where do we start. Firstly I need to say, this is definitely a must do experience. We booked online and received a message the same day. Communication was excellent. We arrived by taxi and were greeted by Cecil our guide. We walked through the tortoise enclosure which was full of lush green grass, fruit trees, and heaps of tortoises. Some were young, but quite a few were over 150 years. As we walked, we had a chorus of bird song, while our guide explained many aspects of what we were seeing. We walked through orange trees, Avacodos, manderine, etc whick is also a favorite for the tortoises. As the walk continues, we enter the National park, dodging tortoise as we follow the track to the Lava tunnels. Another Wow, these tunnels are massive and once again our guide was very informative and answered all of our quesrions. The tunnels go all the way down to the sea,although access for us was around 600 metres. Make sure you look up at the ceiling, as the iron minerals glisten from the light of your headtorch, and the roof is amazing. I was really looking forward to seeing the tunnels, but they exceeded my expectations. The size of the passageways were wide in places, and low or narrow in others. After the tunnels we headed back up to the center, via the tortoise park and were given a beautiful cold freshly squeesed orange juice. This trip was around 3 hours long, but the time goes by so quickly. We had our own guide, and a wonderful experience. Many thanks to Cecil our guide, for a wonderful morning in you park.very appreciated, Thanks
Amazing experience seeing the giant tortoise frontier and lava tunnels
R999VTemilyb,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cesar and the new (just arrived that morning) volunteer, who helped translate, were wonderful in both knowledge and hospitality! Highly recommend this family operated business! Side note, it is worth it to pay a taxi to take you out there and wait for you for the duration of the tour ($60).
Great experience
kimm e,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Wonderful couple of hours. This is on a private farm (less crowds) that butts up to National Park. Hike around to see various tortoises about a mile and see lava caves at the end then hike back. Very muddy yesterday. We had a fabulous American volunteers guide, Keefe.
Tortuga Nature Reserve
ninamelero21,,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Galapagos Frontier is a nature reserve for tortoise and fauna. Lots of scientists visit this ranch cause it's an endemic forest. You will see many tortoises of all sizes, but some very large and old ones. I highly recommend this tour as it's only been open to the public for the last 2 years. You also will go through a huge lava tunnel.
Make this top of your list to visit on Santa Cruz. Led by an expert Cesar. Wonderful!
Shags64tracey,,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is absolutely worth the money we paid. We were led by an expert Cesar and translated by the lovely Kief around some of the 4 acres of his land. To be able to get close but not touch the Tortugas and see all the wildlife that abounds was something very special. Then to top it off the tour through the lava tunnels was a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you for your knowledge and enthusiasm and the lovely juice after the tour. Also being able to catch the local bus right outside to property was an absolute bonus.
Informative 3 hour hike
Mihaela V,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00I went with an open mind. I did learn something new about turtles, different species of plants (endemic and invasive) and about formations located in a cave on the farm. If you choose this tour, I would not pay extra at the Darwin Center. Some information is repetitive. Enjoy your stay in Galapagos!
Wonderful experience, repeatable a thousand times!
adrianamP62KG,,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. Come with appropriate shoes for mud and long walk. Wonderful tour and excellent tour guide!
Turtles and more turtles...
Julie B,,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Turtles and more turtles Lava caves ensure you have the ability to hike a distance on uneven surfaces for a distance
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