Bartolome Island Full-Day Tour: Snorkeling and Hiking Trip

Bartolome Island Full-Day Tour: Snorkeling and Hiking Trip

Explore Bartolome Island with a full-day tour from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island). Navigate to one of the most iconic spots in Galapagos. The volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island holds one of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago. Hike to the breathtaking viewpoint on the top of the island and cool-off afterwards snorkeling in the water around Bartolome. Swim with penguins, sea lions, marine Iguanas, Galapagos Sharks. The day-trip includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, box lunch and professional guidance.  

Group Maximum: 2 travelers

IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to fulfill this tour, you must be at Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora) one day prior to departure.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

The tour starts early to catch the best views of the island, between 5:30am to 6:30am. We will inform you the exact timing as soon the tour is confirmed.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Canal de Itabaca, Ecuador

Afterwards, you will take a 45-minute bus or truck ride towards Canal Itabaca, to board a motor yacht to sail from the Itabaca Channel to Bartolome Island (2 hours approx.)

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Isla Bartolome, Ecuador

Once at Bartolome, you will take a short hike to the island’s highest viewpoint (approximately 115 meters above sea level), a spectacular 360º view of the archipelago. The hike is short and easy and offers plenty of nature to admire.

Some of the vegetation in Bartolome includes Chamaesyce spp, Tiquilia nesiotica and Tiquilia fusca. From the top and east part of the viewpoint you can catch a sight of some spatter cones, formed by drops of thick lava. These cones are known as parasite cones and add a dream-like appearance to the island. Two beaches joined by a walking path adorn the islands on the side.

After enjoying the panoramic view, you will descend to enjoy the Lunch Box. Once ready the tour continues with a swimming and snorkeling activity around the Pinnacle Rock; the underwater experience is really impressive. Snorkelers are surrounded by the local marine fauna (penguins, marine turtles, white-tipped sharks, and other tropical fish). The bay is also an excellent place to swim.

After the snorkel activity, you will ride the motor yacht again and will be back Puerto Ayora around 4:30pm.

Duration: 6 hours