Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora
Guided Day Cruise to Bartolomé Island from Santa Cruz Island, with snorkeling in Sullivan Bay
Briefing
Discover Bartolomé Island on a Full-Day Guided Tour from Santa Cruz
Explore one of the most iconic landscapes of the Galápagos Islands on this guided day trip to Bartolomé Island. Known for its dramatic volcanic formations and breathtaking panoramic views, this island is home to the famous Pinnacle Rock. To reach the best viewpoint, you'll climb 400 steps, but the stunning 360° views of the surrounding islands will make it worth the effort.
Afterward, head to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where you may spot Galápagos penguins, hawks, and unique lava cacti. Then, dive into the crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable snorkeling experience alongside sea turtles, tropical fish, and white-tip reef sharks.
Tour Includes:
- Roundtrip transportation from Santa Cruz Island
- Lunch served onboard the yacht
- Snorkeling equipment
Book now and experience one of the most spectacular destinations in the Galápagos!
Tour details
Included
- Bilingual guide
- Land transportation to/from Baltra Canal
- Lunch
- Snorkeling equipment
- Tea and coffee station
- Towels
Not included
- Additional Services
- Tips
Important information
No prior snorkeling experience is required, but you must know how to swim to join the tour.
The water temperature in this area remains warm enough year-round, so a wetsuit is not necessary.
The Bartolomé Island - Galápagos Tour has guaranteed departures on Mondays and Fridays. Departures on other days are subject to availability.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
You can cancel your tour free of charge up to 15 days before departure and receive a 100% refund.
Cancellations made less than 15 days in advance or failure to show up on the day of the tour will result in no refund.
In case of adverse weather conditions or unforeseen operational issues, the local operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary or cancel the tour. If this happens, you will be notified in advance and given the option to:
- Accept the revised itinerary
- Reschedule the tour for another date
- Receive a full refund
Tour itinerary
Day trip to Bartolome Island
- 🕗 Total duration: 10 hours
- 📅 Confirmed departures: Monday and Friday
- 👨👨👧👧 Group: 16 travelers
Santa Cruz Island
At 6:00 a.m., your guide will pick you up from your hotel on Santa Cruz Island. You'll then board a comfortable minibus for the transfer to Itabaca Channel. During the journey, your guide will provide important information and insights about the adventure ahead.
Itabaca Channel
Approximately 45 minutes after departure, you will arrive at Itabaca Channel, where you will board the boat to Bartolome Island. Before setting sail, you will try on the snorkeling equipment, which you will use later at Santiago Island.
The 2-hour boat ride will take you past Daphne Minor and Daphne Major, two renowned diving hotspots in the Galapagos. As you navigate these waters, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species that inhabit these volcanic islands.
✨ Highlight: Birdwatching around the Daphne Islands.
Bartolome Island Galapagos
Upon arrival at Bartolomé Island, you will disembark and set off on an 800-meter guided hike along a scenic trail leading to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Galapagos. To reach the top, you'll ascend 115 meters above sea level, climbing approximately 400 steps—but the effort is well worth it.
From the summit, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the famous Pinnacle Rock, all of Bartolomé Island, and part of Santiago Island. On a clear day, you may even glimpse the distant Marchena and La Pinta Islands, offering you a unique perspective of the archipelago in just one day.
✨ Highlight: Panoramic hike on Bartolomé Island.
Sullivan Bay
After exploring Bartolomé Island, you will return to the boat to enjoy lunch while admiring the volcanic landscapes of the island.
With renewed energy, you will set sail for Sullivan Bay, located on Santiago Island, where you'll dive into its crystal-clear waters. Following your guide’s instructions, you will snorkel alongside sea turtles, colorful fish, and white-tip sharks. You will also have the chance to walk along the bay’s trails, where the striking landscape of solidified lava and resilient cacti creates a truly unique environment.
✨ Highlight: Snorkeling at Santiago Island.
🚨 Alternative Site: If snorkeling at Sullivan Bay is not possible, the visit will be moved to Sombrero Chino.
Return to Santa Cruz Island
After a day full of exploration and adventure, you will gather your snorkeling gear and board the boat once again for the return journey to the Itabaca Channel.
Upon arrival, a minibus will be ready to take you back to Puerto Ayora. From there, you will continue to your accommodation on Santa Cruz Island, marking the end of an unforgettable day tour to Bartolomé Island.
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What to bring to Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora tour
To fully enjoy your adventure to Bartolomé Island, make sure you're prepared for sailing, snorkeling, and hiking through the island’s unique volcanic landscapes. Here’s a list of essential items to bring:
- Swimsuit – You'll need it for the snorkeling session.
- Towel – A quick-drying towel is recommended.
- Reef-safe sunscreen – Protect your skin while preserving the marine ecosystem.
- Hat or cap – Essential for sun protection.
- Sunglasses – Choose a pair with UV protection.
- Light, breathable clothing – Ideal for warm and humid conditions.
- Windbreaker or waterproof jacket – Useful for sea breezes while sailing.
- Comfortable, waterproof footwear – Sandals or water shoes are ideal for walking.
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
- Waterproof camera or GoPro – Capture the stunning marine life and landscapes.
- Small waterproof backpack – To keep your belongings dry.
- Personal medication – If you take medication or are prone to seasickness, don’t forget to bring it.
Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour, but if you prefer to use your own mask and snorkel, feel free to bring them.
Where does the tour Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora start
The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation on Santa Cruz Island. From there, you'll travel to the Itabaca Channel, where you'll board a yacht bound for Bartolomé Island.
At the end of the excursion, you'll return the same way—by boat and then by land transportation—back to your lodging on Santa Cruz Island.
Questions & Answers
What is the group size of this Galapagos boat tour?
The tour is conducted in a group of a maximum of 16 travelers plus the guide.
Does the Bartolome Galapagos Island Tour depart all year round?
Yes, the tour has daily departures and runs throughout the year.Is the Bartolome Galapagos Island Tour from Puerto Ayora suspended due to wind?
Although it is not usual, in case of a weather alert that prevents the navigation between the channel and Bartolome Island and the snorkeling activity in a safe way the tour will be cancelled. We will offer you a change of date or a refund.Is it necessary to have snorkeling experience to do the tour to Bartolome Island?
No, it is not necessary to have previous snorkeling experience, but it is essential to know how to swim. Before the activity, the guide will give you safety instructions and provide you with the necessary equipment.
How long is the boat trip to Bartholomew Island?
The boat trip takes approximately 2 hours from the Itabaca Channel. During the navigation, you will skirt the islands of Daphne Major and Daphne Minor, where you will be able to observe seabirds.
What kind of wildlife can be seen during this tour from Santa Cruz Island?
On the Bartolome Island hike, you will see hawks, lava lizards and endemic cacti. While snorkeling in Sullivan Bay, it is common to see sea turtles, multicolored fish, white tip sharks and sometimes Galapagos penguins.
What does the tour to Bartholomew include and what should I bring?
The tour includes land and sea transportation, naturalist guide, lunch on board and snorkeling equipment. It is recommended to bring light clothing, swimsuit, towel, ecological sunscreen, hat or cap, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.
What happens if it is not possible to snorkel in Sullivan Bay?
If conditions do not permit snorkeling in Sullivan Bay, the activity will move to Sombrero Chino, another spectacular spot to enjoy the marine life of the Galapagos.
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