Things to do in Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands

Discover the Magic of Bartolome Island: Day Trip with Hiking and Snorkeling Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Bartolome Island, starting with a scenic boat ride from Puerto Ayora. Upon arrival, you will ascend a trail to the top of the island, where you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the iconic Pinnacle Rock and volcanic landscapes. After the hike, dive into the crystal clear waters of Sullivan Bay for a unique snorkeling experience, swimming alongside colorful fish, sea turtles and playful sea lions. This tour combines the best of hiking and snorkeling in the incomparable natural environment of the Galapagos Islands. Includes: Round-trip boat transportation from Puerto Ayora. Certified naturalist tour guide Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) Lunch and snacks on board Entrance fees to the national parks What to bring: Comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for hiking Bathing suit and towel Sunscreen and hat Camera Duration: Approximately 8 hours Book your adventure today and discover the unparalleled beauty of Bartolome Island with Enchanted Islands - explore, enjoy and create unforgettable memories!

Discover the Magic of Bartolome Island: Day Trip with Hiking and Snorkeling Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Bartolome Island, starting with a scenic boat ride from Puerto Ayora. Upon arrival, you will ascend a trail to the top of the island, where you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the iconic Pinnacle Rock and volcanic landscapes. After the hike, dive into the crystal clear waters of Sullivan Bay for a unique snorkeling experience, swimming alongside colorful fish, sea turtles and playful sea lions. This tour combines the best of hiking and snorkeling in the incomparable natural environment of the Galapagos Islands. Includes: Round-trip boat transportation from Puerto Ayora. Certified naturalist tour guide Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) Lunch and snacks on board Entrance fees to the national parks What to bring: Comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for hiking Bathing suit and towel Sunscreen and hat Camera Duration: Approximately 8 hours Book your adventure today and discover the unparalleled beauty of Bartolome Island with Enchanted Islands - explore, enjoy and create unforgettable memories!

Day 1: Santa Cruz Island, Visit Highlands. Highlands: Visit El Chato 1 or 2, Or Primicias Farm, in any of these you can see the Giant Galapagos Tortoises. Day 2: Isabela Island visit Tunnels Tunnels: This is one of the most spectacular snorkeling sites in Isabela, the water is shallow, calm, and very clear, a marine sanctuary. A series of lava flows have produced unique geological formations, a series of arches and tunnels, below and above the water, where a large number of endemic Galapagos species live. Day 3: Isabela Is. Puerto Villamil, Wetlands, Tortoise Breeding Center, and Tintoreras. Wetlands: The Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path that winds through the swamps. Flamingo Lake: To the west of Puerto Villamil there are various salt and brackish lagoons which house an impressive variety of coastal and sea birds. Here, visitors can also find the largest concentration of flamingos in Galapagos. Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center: The Tortoise Breeding Center (also known as the Interpretation Center). A boardwalk connects the town to the Center, stretching across the wetlands and Prickly Pear Cacti shrub. Five sub-species of the Giant Tortoise exist on the island, yet their populations are threatened by introduced animals such as goats and cats. At the Tortoise Breeding Center, eggs are nursed in a hatchery and the giant tortoise adults are observed in supervised corrals. The Center aims to increase the population and secure the survival of these species. Tintoreras: The Tintoreras Islets, located a short distance from Puerto Villamil, are home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully. Day 4: Bartolomé Island or North Seymour or Floreana Island Bartolome: On this island is the famous Pinnacle, which is one of the most representative places of the archipelago. Here you can dive and snorkel with penguins, sea lions, white tip reef sharks, and other tropical fish. Seasonally, Bartolomé is the mating and nesting site of the green turtle. The bay is also an excellent place to go swimming. North Seymour: On this island, there is a large population of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. There are also countless land iguanas, which were introduced from Baltra Island, and which served to repopulate the island with this species. It is also possible to observe a large number of frigates and sea lions with their young. Day 5: Santa Cruz Is. Twins Craters & Transfer to Baltra airport, only driver not guide.

Description Bartolome will welcome our guests to the incredible natural wealth of teeming Galapagos wildlife where they will be amazed with the dramatic views of the luscious landscape. It is a fantastic spot to take personal and group pictures and it is a jewel-toned setting for charismatic penguins, skittering crabs and marine iguanas. At the sandy cove the adventurers will start to snorkel with the speedy Galapagos penguins. Also, hundreds of colorful reef fish, sea turtles and rays are surrounding the island. At the shade of the Pinnacle Rock our excursionist will have the best place to snorkel and to take photograph of the endemic penguins and the rock looks out across pale beaches and blue-green water, their colors offset by the coal-black lava flow at Sullivan Bay. A hot lunch and refreshments are provided on the boat. At the end of the journey the boat will come back to Santa Cruz, after that a bus will take you to the most comfortable and environmentally friendly lodge. It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it is up to 27ºC from December to May. Departure: 6:45 am bus pick up at the Puerto Ayora Pier Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm and it will drop you off at Puerto Ayora Pier Journey Time: 40 minutes ride by bus until Itabaca Channel then comfortable yacht will travel around 2 hours to Bartolome Island. Difficulty Level: Intermediate Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling Transportation: shared bus and yacht Important: A day before to the tour all passengers must be at 6:00 pm in the Galapagos Path for wetsuit fitting.

We will pick you up at the lobby of the hotel in order to take you to the Itabaca Channel The tour starts between 05:30 – 06:00 or 06:30 – 07:00 depending on the dates forecast. A bus picks up passenger at their respective hotels to transfer them ti the Itabaca channel (40 minutes of travel), point from which, we go to Bartolome islet on a journey that can last 2-3 hours depending on the currents. We disembarked and walked around a volcanic cone until you reach its summit to appreciate the beautiful landscape next to the pinnacle. Focused mostly on hiking and landscaping, it takes us to enjoy the view panoramic view and unique formations. After the previous activity, we will have lunch on board the yacht and then go to our next point of visit, located southeast of Santiago Island, we disembark at the Sullivan Bay. A site of great geological interest. We snorkel with a duration of 45 minutes on the site where there may be the possibility of sighting sea and land birds, colonies of double-haired wolves and marine iguanas that have adapted to the terrain. we will get back to the Itabaca Channel in order to get you to Puerto Ayora End of the Excursion

What are Los Túneles / Cabo Rosa? Los Túneles is a must-see destination in the Galápagos Islands, formed by lava platforms sunk into the sea, creating a natural barrier. Its underwater formations provide refuge for a wide variety of marine life. The calm waters allow you to snorkel with species such as penguins, sea lions, white-tipped sharks, sea horses, turtles, rays, and giant manta rays. You may also witness behaviors such as courtship, nesting, or playful interactions. This half-day tour has two schedules: Starts at 8:00 a.m., ending around 1:30 p.m. Starts at 11:00 a.m., ending around 4:30 p.m. Tour description The tour begins at the Puerto Villamil pier, where we will see iguanas and sea lions. On board, the tour guide will provide information while you settle in and put on your life jacket before setting sail for the destination. Roca Unión and the Blue-footed Boobies After 45 minutes, we arrive at Roca Unión, where you can photograph Nazca boobies and sea lions. Then, we head to Los Túneles, where the ocean is calm thanks to the lava formations. We disembark to walk among the rocks, where you will find blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dance. Snorkeling in Los Túneles After 20-30 minutes, the best part arrives: snorkeling! After a brief safety talk, we will be in the water for at least an hour, enjoying the marine life. If you are lucky, you may spot humpback whales between June and October, a sight that will remain etched in your memory.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a unique flying experience that allows you to witness the Galapagos from a bird's-eye view. Imagine soaring above this natural paradise, where each vista reveals the stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique ecosystems that have captivated travelers for centuries. Join a tour that allows you to witness the Galapagos from a bird's-eye view, giving you access to remote locations that are often hard to reach by traditional means. Each day, you’ll have the opportunity to cover more ground and see more of the incredible sights this archipelago has to offer, all while enjoying the convenience and comfort of a state-of-the-art aircraft. As you glide over the islands, you’ll be treated to spectacular aerial views of rugged coastlines, lush highlands, and pristine beaches, all teeming with wildlife that calls this magical place home. From playful sea lions to majestic frigatebirds, the Galapagos is a living laboratory of evolution, and this tour ensures you experience it all in a way that few ever will. ### Itinerary Summary **Day 1:** Arrival in Quito. Explore UNESCO site (Old Town) or relax. Orientation meeting at 6:30 PM. **OVERNIGHT:** Ibis Hotel or similar *** **MEALS:** N/A --- **Day 2:** Early flight to Galapagos. Arrive at Baltra, then fly to Isabela Island. Check in and enjoy a free afternoon at the beach. **OVERNIGHT:** Casa de Marita Hotel Boutique **** **MEALS:** B --- **Day 3:** Visit TUNELES via speedboat. Morning bike ride to tortoise breeding center and wetlands. Afternoon snorkeling and lunch on board. **OVERNIGHT:** Casa de Marita Hotel Boutique **** **MEALS:** B/L --- **Day 4:** Fly to San Cristobal Island. Visit the Interpretation Center and hike Tijeretas Hill. Relax at Playa Mann and snorkel at La Loberia. **OVERNIGHT:** Casa Opuntia **** **MEALS:** B/L --- **Day 5:** Day trip to Kicker Rock for snorkeling with diverse marine life. Enjoy lunch on the boat and beach time. **OVERNIGHT:** Casa Opuntia **** **MEALS:** B/L --- **Day 6:** Short flight to Baltra, then visit Tortoise Ranch and Charles Darwin Research Station. Evening free in town. **OVERNIGHT:** Ikala Hotel **** **MEALS:** B --- **Day 7:** Excursion to Bartolome Island for hiking, snorkeling, and lunch on board. Experience stunning volcanic landscapes. **OVERNIGHT:** Ikala Hotel **** **MEALS:** B/L --- **Day 8:** Visit Santa Fe Island. Snorkel with sea lions and see unique wildlife. Return to Puerto Ayora. **OVERNIGHT:** Ikala Hotel **** **MEALS:** B/D --- **Day 9:** Free morning, check out at 10:00 AM. Flight to Quito in the afternoon, **MEALS:** N/A End of the services

This program is developed in 3 days, for which you will have to stay in Santa Cruz Island during these 3 days. Day 1: - Tour to Bartolome Island: We will visit the most picturesque and photographed island of the Galapagos archipelago. Its majestic landscapes will amaze us and later we will snorkel in Sullivan Bay. This program is a full day tour, and lasts approximately 8 hours. The food service is on board of a comfortable yacht with personalized attention from the crew. During this service you will have: - Assistance from your hotel (pickup) until the end of the tour. - Lunch and soft drinks on board - Snorkeling mask and fins for snorkeling. - Beach towels - Bilingual guide Day 2: - North Seymour Tour: We will visit the home of the most representative birds of the Archipelago such as: Blue-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, Masked Boobies, Brown Pelicans, Darwin's Finch, among others. In addition to terrestrial animals such as: Lava Lizard and Marine Iguana. Later, at Bachas Beach, we will take a walk to the flamingo lagoon and snorkel in its crystalline waters. This program is a full day tour, and lasts approximately 8 hours. The food service is on board of a comfortable yacht with personalized attention from the crew. During this service you will have: - Assistance from your hotel (pickup) until the end of the tour. - Lunch and soft drinks on board - Snorkeling mask and fins for snorkeling. - Beach towels - Bilingual guide Day 3: - Santa Cruz Bay Tour & Highlands This program starts at 8.30 AM, we will pass by your lodging site located in Puerto Ayora. The bay tour includes 4 sites to visit: - Punta Estrada (hike) - Las Grietas (snorkeling) - Los Perros Beach (hike) - Franklin Bay (snorkeling) This program lasts half a day, and includes: - Pickup at your hotel - Snorkel mask - Bilingual guide - The sites mentioned above Once the activity is finished, you will have lunch at one of the best restaurants with ocean view. In the afternoon, pickup at your hotel will be at 3PM, to develop the visit to HIGHLANDS, which includes the following: - Visit to the Ecological Ranch - Tour through the lava tunnels. - Tour of the turtle pools - Visit to Los Gemelos crater. The visit to Highlands includes the following: - Pickup at hotel - Private vehicle - Entrance to the Ecological Ranch - Bilingual guide - Assistance After the tour you will have a tasting of Galapagos organic coffee + traditional empanadas.