The Galapagos Giant Tortoise Experience + Los Gemelos | Shared
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The Giant Tortoise Experience is the most iconic tour in Santa Cruz. This must-do experience offers a unique blend of natural wonders, educational insights and personal encounters with iconic species.
Guided by the experience of our certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide, you will:
Visit the stunning Los Gemelos sink holes and hike the magical Scalesia Cloud forest.
Meet the most iconic Galapagos species at the Giant Tortoise Reserve.
Travel through thousands of years of intense volcanic activity in an impressive Lava Tube
The Giant Tortoise Experience is available in English or Spanish, and has two departures available every day:
In the morning 8 AM
In the afternoon 2 PM
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Not infant seats available
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
Not service animal allowed
Not stroller accesible
Not wheelchair accessible
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Travelers can arrive on foot or taxi to our meeting point.
Valid from the time of first use, for the duration selected.
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Los Gemelos
The Giant Tortoise Experience begins at the pick up point 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. Discover Los Gemelos twin sink holes, the most impressive sink holes in The Galapagos Islands. Hike along this scenic 1-mile loop trail and observe these amazing volcanic formations that make Santa Cruz so special. Walk through the magical Scalesia Cloud Forest, an endemic humid environment where local plants, giant tortoises and birds thrive. Take opportunities to spot and photograph the iconic Darwin’s finches.
Reserva El Chato
Continue to the Giant Tortoise Reserve and meet the largest living tortoises in the world and the most iconic species of Galapagos! Gain exclusive insights into their habits and ecology, and take incredible pictures with hundreds of giant tortoises wandering around in their pristine natural habitat.
What‘s Included
Entrance fee
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Options
GTE | Shared
Standard Pricing: Adult + Children
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great guide and driver. Great experience.
helencox1118,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Turned out to be a private tour for just the two of us. A naturalist guide and driver were provided. Both were excellent. The guide was very knowledgeable about all the plants and birds. Highly recommend.
We ended up having...
Maria K,,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We ended up having private experience. It was fantastic! I highly recommend Andres, it seems that he knows every plant and bird on the island. And of course, all about giant tortoises. We saw probably 50 of them. The tour also included visiting sinkholes and lava tubes and walking through a cloud forest. Great memories!
An amazing experience!
iuanniec,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! Our tour guide, Rafaella, was very knowledgeable, personable, and easy to be with! We would highly recommend this tour and our guide!!
An unforgettable tour
maA7039DN,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a wonderful tour! Our guide was incredibly kind and knew so much — everything was explained clearly and with heart. I learned a lot and had a great time. Thank you!
Huge and impressive
almagF1773IW,,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really amazing. Most extraordinary thing I've ever seen. Thank you Andres for such a beautiful experience with nature.
Awesome guide & loved the tortoises
Gena M,,Jun 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was ended up being just my husband and me, the driver, and the tour guide. We loved the tortoises, the lava tube, and the interesting things she told us.
Great Tour
Jill W,,Jun 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an AMAZING tour! It was a very personal experience, just my husband, myself, a driver and Stephanie our guide. We saw "The Twins" and she gave us lots of information as well as information on the animals and the foliage. Then we moved on the the tortoises. The tortoises were spectacular! It was a half day tour which left time for other activities. I would highly recommend this tour.
Excellent way to see the giant tortoises
01skigal,,May 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was wonderful being able to walk around the ranch to see the giant tortoise roaming free in an ideal habitat. Lunch was excellent at tge ranch. We also enjoyed the lava tunnel walk. Highly recommended tour. Ruben was our guide.
Excellent experience
luaner2014,,Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andres was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He gave us an informative history of the islands, impact of human interaction with the environment and conservation efforts. We saw many tortoises and even tortoises mating. Highly recommend
Great tortoise tour
T3106FAjacquelined,,Jan 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andres was very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Walking among giant tortoises and observing their natural behaviors was truly astounding!
From US$150.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Galapagos Outdoors CL