Floreana’s appeal is the way its human past and unusual wildlife sit close together: at Asilo de la Paz, you can visit a pirate cave and freshwater spring before looking for signs of life in the surrounding Scalesia forest. I like that the day pairs these distinct stops, and that a tortoise corral near Asilo offers a chance to see Galapagos giant tortoises up close.
One thing to check before booking is the snorkeling plan. Gear is included, and an account of the outing describes a memorable swim near Point Cormorant, with hammerhead sharks, manta rays and turtles at the beach. But the scheduled description focuses on Asilo and the forest, so ask the operator which stops your date includes.
- What to know before you go
- A Floreana day with two different sides
- From Puerto Ayora to Asilo de la Paz
- Asilo de la Paz and its pirate cave
- The Scalesia forest and a rare petrel
- A tortoise corral, with a useful distinction
- What the snorkeling reports tell you, and what they do not
- Is 0.25 good value?
- Who should book this Floreana tour?
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- How long is the Floreana tour?
- Where does the tour depart from?
- Is hotel pick-up included?
- Does the tour return me to my hotel?
- What languages does the guide speak?
- Is lunch included?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- What is the minimum age?
- Is the tour wheelchair- or stroller-accessible?
- What is the cancellation policy?
What to know before you go
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5 / 5- Asilo de la Paz is the main land-based stop: Expect a visit focused on the site’s historical features, including a pirate cave and freshwater spring.
- The cave and spring are listed at 450 meters high: The tour description gives this elevation but does not spell out the route or how much walking is involved.
- Scalesia forest brings a wildlife focus: The forest is noted as a nesting area for the rare peg-legged petrel.
- Giant tortoises are viewed at a National Park corral: These are tortoises in captivity, not a promise of wild sightings.
- Snorkeling gear is included, but the stop needs confirming: A reported outing included Point Cormorant, but it is not in the scheduled itinerary.
- The day runs from 7:00 to about 14:00: Lunch, a guide and a drop-off at Puerto Ayora dock are included; hotel drop-off is not.
A Floreana day with two different sides
Floreana gives you a change of pace from Santa Cruz: this excursion brings together an inland visit to Asilo de la Paz and a chance to see the island’s wildlife. The listed schedule runs seven hours, with departure at 7:00 and return at 14:00. That makes it a fairly compact day trip, though weather and traffic can shift the timing.
The outline is simple, but the stops have different kinds of appeal. Asilo de la Paz is the anchor for history and island scenery. The Scalesia forest and tortoise corral add wildlife interest. Snorkeling gear is part of the package, and a reported outing included Point Cormorant, but the published schedule does not say where or when snorkeling takes place. If the water matters most to you, get a clear answer before paying.
The tour is operated by BMTours SA INC and includes an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. You also get lunch, admission to attractions, hotel pick-up only and snorkeling equipment. You return to the dock in Puerto Ayora, rather than to your hotel.
From Puerto Ayora to Asilo de la Paz
The day begins at 7:00. If you are not using a pick-up, the meeting point is at Malecon in Puerto Ayora; arrive 15 minutes early. Pick-up is shared, so the operator may collect you a little earlier or later than the stated time and will reconfirm the time in advance.
The tour description does not provide details about the crossing or the vehicle, nor does it give a group size. That makes it wise to ask about the day’s transport arrangements if you want to plan around motion sickness or need to know how much time you will spend moving between stops. The schedule can also change with weather and traffic, so treat 14:00 as an expected return time, not a guarantee.
Lunch is included, which is useful on a seven-hour outing. There is no menu information, so bring any food or drink you know you will need, especially if you have dietary requirements. The tour does not specify the length of the walk or the ground conditions at Asilo. You can ask the operator for those details if you have mobility concerns.
Asilo de la Paz and its pirate cave
Asilo de la Paz is the tour’s most distinctive historical stop. Its name is tied here to a collection of features rather than a single attraction: the site includes a pirate cave and freshwater spring, both listed at 450 meters high. That combination gives the visit a practical as well as historical angle. The cave hints at the island’s past, while the spring makes clear why a source of fresh water matters in a remote place.
The tour description does not explain the cave’s history in detail, name specific people associated with it or say how long you spend there. Your guide is the person to ask for local context as you explore. That is one reason the guided format matters: the site is more than a scenic stop if you can connect its features to Floreana’s story.
Do not assume the stated elevation means the tour involves a 450-meter climb. It refers to the location of the cave and spring, but no route or elevation gain is specified. Ask about walking time and effort if these will affect your decision.
The Scalesia forest and a rare petrel
From the historical stop, the tour description turns to the surrounding hills and Scalesia forest. The forest is noted as a nesting place for the rare peg-legged petrel, giving the walk a wildlife purpose beyond taking in the scenery. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the tour does not promise a sighting, but the habitat itself is part of what makes the stop worthwhile.
I like that this part of the outing is not framed only around headline animals. A forest that supports nesting birds gives you a different sense of the island than a quick photo stop does. Still, the amount of time spent here, the walking route and the odds of spotting a petrel are not specified. Bring patience and follow the guide’s directions, especially around nesting areas.
The operator asks you not to feed wild or marine animals or do anything that could damage the ecosystem. That is sensible guidance in a place where the wildlife is part of the reason for the visit. Keep your distance and let the guide set the pace around animals.
A tortoise corral, with a useful distinction
Near Asilo de la Paz, the Galapagos National Park has built a corral where you can see giant tortoises in captivity. That is a worthwhile opportunity to observe these remarkable animals, but it is not the same as encountering a tortoise roaming freely in the wild. The distinction matters if you are choosing the tour mainly for wildlife.
The corral also gives you a more reliable chance to see tortoises than a search in the forest would. The tour description does not say how long you spend there or how many tortoises are present, so keep expectations measured. Your guide can help explain what you are seeing, but no specific interpretation or talk is promised.
What the snorkeling reports tell you, and what they do not
Snorkeling equipment is included, and one account of the excursion describes snorkeling as a high point, with hammerhead sharks and manta rays, as well as a special turtle beach at Point Cormorant. Those are striking encounters, and they suggest the trip may include a marine component on some departures.
But the scheduled itinerary describes Asilo de la Paz and Scalesia forest, not a named snorkeling stop. It does not guarantee sightings of sharks, rays or turtles. Treat those encounters as possible, not promised, and ask BMTours SA INC whether your date includes Point Cormorant, how much time is allotted to snorkeling and what the plan is if conditions change. That one question will help you decide whether this is the right trip for your priorities.
If snorkeling is the main reason you are considering the excursion, compare it with a dedicated snorkeling trip. If you want a mix of island history, forest and the possibility of time in the water, this tour may offer a broader day, provided the operator confirms what is included on your date.
Is $270.25 good value?
The listed price starts at $270.25, while the package option also shows US$235.00. Those figures do not match, so check the price at checkout and confirm what applies to your date before booking. I would not judge the value using the lower figure until you know the total you will pay.
For the price, the package includes a guide, lunch, attraction admission, snorkeling equipment, hotel pick-up and a drop-off at the Puerto Ayora dock. A guided visit to multiple Floreana sites can be good value if you want someone else to coordinate the day and interpret what you see. It is less compelling if your main aim is a specific snorkeling encounter that is not confirmed in the scheduled plan.
Hotel drop-off is not included. If you arrange pick-up, remember it is shared and the exact collection time can vary. The tour also has a minimum participant requirement; if it is not met, the activity is cancelled and you receive a full refund. Extreme weather can also lead to cancellation, with the choice to reschedule or request a full refund.
Who should book this Floreana tour?
I would consider this trip if you want a guided introduction to several sides of Floreana: a historic site, a forest habitat, a National Park tortoise corral and possibly a snorkeling stop. It suits people who value context and variety more than a long, unhurried stay at one location. It may also work well if you have only one day available for the island.
It is a less certain choice if your priority is swimming with specific animals. The account of hammerhead sharks, manta rays and turtles is tempting, but the published schedule does not promise these encounters or even name Point Cormorant. Confirm the water itinerary first, then compare the price with tours focused specifically on snorkeling.
The activity is open to participants aged three and up. Children aged three to eight must be accompanied by a paying adult. It is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and the route details are not provided, so ask about walking demands before booking if that affects your group. Bring your passport, dress for the day’s weather and consider accident or travel insurance. Keep personal belongings with you; they are your responsibility.
Should you book it?
Book if you want a varied, guided day centered on Asilo de la Paz, with forest and tortoises adding a wildlife element. The strongest practical reason to pause is the unclear snorkeling plan, especially if Point Cormorant is the main draw. Confirm that detail and the final price before you commit. If both check out, the mix of history, habitat and possible marine life makes this a compelling way to spend a day on Floreana.
Floreana Island Full Day Tour in Galapagos
“the snorkeling was fabulous, the hammer heaf sharks out of this world, the manta rays exceptional. however Point Carmoran turtles beach is a very s…”
FAQ
How long is the Floreana tour?
The tour is listed as seven hours, with departure at 7:00 and an expected return at 14:00. The schedule can change with weather and traffic.
Where does the tour depart from?
If you do not choose a pick-up, meet at Malecon in Puerto Ayora. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Is hotel pick-up included?
Hotel pick-up is included, but it is shared, so the collection may be early or late. The operator will reconfirm your pick-up time.
Does the tour return me to my hotel?
No. The included drop-off is at the dock in Puerto Ayora. Hotel drop-off is not included.
What languages does the guide speak?
The tour includes an English- or Spanish-speaking guide.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, though no menu or dietary details are provided.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. The schedule does not name a snorkeling stop, so confirm with the operator whether your departure includes snorkeling at Point Cormorant.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least three years old. Children aged three to eight must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Is the tour wheelchair- or stroller-accessible?
No. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the activity date, using destination local time. If extreme weather or too few participants cause cancellation, you can request a full refund or reschedule in the case of extreme weather.