Giant Turtle Watching and Lava Tunnels Tour

Embark on a private tour in the Galapagos Islands to encounter giant tortoises, explore lava tunnels, and uncover the geological secrets of this natural paradise.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Galapagos frontier - 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!\n\nAt 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.\nAfterwards, 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.\n\nDon’t miss out on this incredible experience at the Galapagos Frontier!
What's Included
  • Tea and coffee provided
Additional Information

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.

Location
Galapagos frontier
guayabillos
Located in the town of Guayabillos, 15 minutes from Puerto Ayora, you can take a taxi to the reserve called Galapagos frontier or arrive by bicycle.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(35 Ratings)
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Navigator27430780828
Jul 18, 2024
Enchantment - Besides the turtles, Caesar is one thing to the part. If I want information here. Like an enchantment by nature that is magical, incredible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mairac725
Jun 26, 2024
10/10 recommend - My friends and I loved the tour. Cesar was so knowledgeable about everything. The wild life, plants and animals. You can tell he enjoys teaching people about Galápagos Island and all the beautiful things it has to offer. We loved the fact that we could see the tortoises and birds in their natural habitat. We could ask him what ever questions we had in mind and the lava tunnels were so cool. Be sure to take long socks because of the fire ants, if you don’t have any they provide boots for you to wear so you don’t get bit. (The ants are nothing to be afraid of, I just got bit twice. It doesn’t hurt any more than a mosquito bite and it doesn’t swell or itch like mosquito bites either) 10/10 recommend this tour, you end the tour with a delicious cup of passion fruit juice made by Cesar himself
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nraliegos
Jun 23, 2024
Visit to paradise - Amazing place with lots to know. You can’t miss the tour of the high area, craters, lava tunnel and turtles at the ranch La primicia.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curious763818
May 29, 2024
Give it a go - Caesar was awesome, as was his interpreter. I got to see many different aged tortoises. The lava tunnel was incredible. I've never seen anything quite like it. Caesar has a lot of knowledge of the different species of both animals and plants in the area. Tasty fresh juices from the fruit of the land was offered after. 10/10 would recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bethany_b
May 3, 2024
Fun adventure - This was such a great experience. Cesar did such a great job. We learned so much about the turtles and we got to see and learn a lot in the cave. I would recommend wearing tennis shoes and higher socks because ants bit me a couple of times. Bring water cause you will need it. He does make fresh passion fruit juice that is delicious.
Review provided by Viator
Discover440863
Apr 30, 2024
Wonderful experience - This was a wonderful experience. The guide was extremely knowledgeable. It was very sweet to see the tortoises in their natural habitat. The walk in the forest and the lava tunnel were also interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gesine
Apr 29, 2024
Great experience - Everything’s was perfect! The tour was amazing! Good organization! The reservoir is new and we were alone with a lots of turtles! Great place 👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P9018fbmartinh
Mar 28, 2024
Great Experience - It is a great and informative tour, close to Puerto Ayora, and you can go easy by bike there. It is great to shared the experience of this unique animals and flora here of Galapagos, and to see them in real life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahll4397en
Mar 1, 2024
Many turtles and beautiful reserve - A fantastic day visiting frontier Galapagos. The guide César gave us detailed explanations, he knows everything. Turtles are throughout the reserve. Very friendly team and delicious lunch. Highly recommended to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katherines627
Jun 16, 2024
Frustrating experience  - I was disappointed with my experience at the Galapagos Frontier turtle and lava tunnel tour. Firstly, it was not a private tour (which is fine just don't advertise it as one) and the main guide only spoke Spanish to us and didn't leave enough time for the volunteer, who was wonderful and very kind, to translate. Apparently this is not typical on the tour but since one of the three tourists spoke spanish, the guide basically engaged only with him and ignored the other two of us.  To note, this tour is not one of the main turtle refuges, Charles Darwin or El Chato, that most people visit. Perhaps I should have realized that but it wasn't clear from the Trip Advisor information. Some people might prefer this as the tour is more in intimate (but not private despite the title) but you don't get to see young turtles or the extinct species.  The guide also zipped passed the turtles and didn't give much time for us to take photos. The tour focused much more on the plant and bird species as well as the tunnel formation. If this interests you than I think you would enjoy the tour.  Another point of frustration was that they didn't have enough functional flashlights for the tunnels (only had 2) and the guide gave me the smallest (essentially useless flashlight) and gave the two guys on the tour, who were together, the good ones. I felt ignored and had to use my phone flashlight! I am still giving three stars as the volunteer was really kind and informative, was happy to take pictures and really made the experience for me. Not sure how these tours would work if they don't have volunteers that day. Recommendations:  Wear long socks and long pants. There are biting fire ants and they give you boots but I only had short socks and shorts on so wasn't prepared.  Bring your own flashlight or headlamp if you have one for the tunnels in case they don't have enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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