Santa Fe Island Tour

Tour Highlights

• Arrival and Orientation
• Panga Ride: Begin your tour with a scenic panga (dinghy) ride to Santa Fe’s beautiful bay. The crystal-clear turquoise waters set the stage for the adventure that lies ahead.
• Snorkeling in the Bay
• Marine Life Exploration: Dive into the clear waters for a snorkeling experience. Encounter a vibrant array of marine life including sea lions, rays, and colorful fish. The bay is also home to the occasional sea turtle and white-tipped reef sharks.
• Kelp Forests: Swim through underwater kelp forests, a unique feature of Santa Fe, providing habitat for various marine species.
• Sea Lion Colony
• Close Encounters: Visit the playful sea lion colony. The young sea lions are curious and often approach snorkelers, making for an unforgettable experience.
• Landing at Playa Escondida
• Pristine Beach: Disembark on Playa Escondida, a secluded white sand beach. Take in the serene beauty and get ready for a guided hike.
• Guided Nature Hike
• Santa Fe Land Iguanas: Trek through the island’s arid zone to observe the unique Santa Fe land iguanas. These iguanas are larger and paler than their relatives on other islands.
• Prickly Pear Cactus Forest: Explore the extensive cactus forest, home to the towering Opuntia cacti. These cacti are a primary food source for the land iguanas.
• Scenic Views: Hike to viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the bay and surrounding landscape. These spots are perfect for photography and appreciating the island’s natural beauty.
• Wildlife Observation
• Birdwatching: Spot a variety of birds including the Galapagos hawk, blue-footed boobies, and shearwaters. The island is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with many species often seen nesting.
• Other Wildlife: Look for Galapagos doves, lava lizards, and marine iguanas basking on the rocks.
• Ecological Insights
• Flora and Fauna: Learn about the island’s unique ecology from your guide. Santa Fe’s flora and fauna have adapted uniquely to the island’s conditions, making it a living laboratory of evolution.
• Return to Yacht
• Lunch on Board: Enjoy a delicious lunch on your yacht, featuring fresh local ingredients. Relish the meal while reflecting on the morning’s adventures.
• Scenic Cruise: As you depart Santa Fe, take in the beautiful coastal scenery. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds.
  

Unique Experiences

• Santa Fe Land Iguanas: This island is the only place where you can see the endemic Santa Fe land iguanas.
• Exclusive Snorkeling: The protected bay provides an excellent, calm environment for snorkeling, with a diverse array of marine life.

Tour Information

• Getting There: Santa Fe Island can be visited on a day tour from Santa Cruz Island. Boats typically depart in the morning and return by late afternoon.
• Best Time to Visit: The Galapagos Islands offer great conditions year-round, but the warm season (December to May) provides the calmest seas and the best snorkeling conditions.
• Guided Tours: Ensure you book a tour with a certified naturalist guide to enhance your experience with detailed ecological and historical insights.

A tour of Santa Fe Island is a journey into the heart of the Galapagos’ natural wonders. From snorkeling with playful sea lions to hiking among unique iguanas and towering cacti, Santa Fe offers a diverse and enriching experience that captures the essence of this remarkable archipelago. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking adventure, Santa Fe promises unforgettable moments and lasting memories.