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Santa Fe Island 2023-03-07T23:04:35-05:00

SANTA FE ISLAND

The visitor site on Santa Fe lies behind a pretty, sheltered bay on the northeastern corner of the island: a perfect anchorage and a good snorkeling spot. This small island is formed from uplifted, submarine basaltic lava, formed around 4 million years ago. Much of it is a faulted plateau covered with a forest of giant Opuntia cacti.
The bay with a white sandy floor and turquoise waters is an impressive place to arrive. Along the natural harbor, you can snorkel with young sea-lions, schools of yellow-tailed surgeonfish, sergeant majors, damsel – and parrotfish, plus the odd grouper, sting rays and white-tip reef shark (these are harmless).
Behind the beach lie a small natural saltbush and Maytenus garden. There are two trails. The first is a tough walk (1.5 km) along a dried up watercourse, to a high steep embankment on the southeast which is great for views; the second is a short, fruitful loop (800 meters) that climbs through the arid vegetation to a giant Opuntia forest where land iguanas may be seen.

As you walk through the dense bushes on the short trail, watch out for the Croton bushes, an endemic plant with an indelible stain. The most spectacular plants are the giant prickly pear cacti, unique to Santa Fe (Opuntia echios barringtonensis). Listen carefully for rustling sounds; they could be made by the endemic rice rat, these are extremely rare; the only other island with endemic rodents is Fernandina. The Galapagos dove is common on the trail, as are painted locusts, often pursued by a snake or two. The park monument is often a vantage point to spy a Galapagos hawk. The highlight is the land iguana, a lighter yellow-colored iguana that is endemic to Santa Fe.

Contact us for more information

WHAT TO SEE ON SANTA FÉ ISLAND LAND TOUR

  • Galapagos Sea Lion
  • Sand Dollar
  • Ghost Crab
  • Galapagos Rice Rat
  • Central Galapagos Racer
  • Santa Fe Land Iguana
  • Galápagos Hawk
  • Muyuyu
  • Galapagos Lantana
  • Leatherleaf
  • Prickly Pear Cactus
  • Heller’s Scalesia
  • Saltbush
  • Spiny Bush
  • Galapagos Croton
  • Velvet Shrub
  • Feather Fingergrass
  • Ground Finches
  • Cactus Finch
  • Palo Santo

DETAILS OF THE SANTA FÉ LAND TOUR

The departure times can vary upon the operator we will finally book for your Santa Fé land tour. The reason is that the Galapagos National Park gives different time frames to different operators. Thus, they can avoid having too many boats on one spot at the same time. This helps us to make your experience even more unique and exclusive.

Price: from $205.00 per person (incl. taxes / without transaction fees)

Departure Time: 7:00-8:00
Departure Location: Depends on the operator – Either hotel or close to the peer in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

Arrival Time: Around 16:00
Arrival Location: Peer of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

Once we got your inquiry about this land tour knowing your travel dates and other details, we can give you more information about specific times and details on this tour.

We are really much looking forward to your questions and inquiry.

  • Lunch onboard
  • Naturalist Guide (English and Spanish speaking)
  • Towels
  • Snorkeling Equipment (Mask, snorkel, fins)
  • Beverages
  • Snacks / Fruits
  • Wetsuit

Most operators still have them onboard and if you would like to you can rent them for around $5.00 per person

Although most things are included in our tours we would like to give you some advice on what to bring to your Santa Fé Land Tour.

  • Sun Protection (Sun cream and a cap or hat)
  • Wind-proof jacket or sweatshirt
  • Light hiking boots / sport shoes
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Swimsuit

If you are just interested in this land tour, just fill out the little box to the right (on mobile below) and click on “Enquire now“. If you are interested in other land tours as well as in diving, then please fill out the following reservations form. This will help us to directly design a first offer for you.

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CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRAVEL PACKAGE

Diving

What land tours do you want to include?

Santa Cruz Island Tours
San Cristobal Island Tours
Isabela Island Tours
Or do you want to book one of our three pre-designed tour packages?
Not sure yet? No problem, we can surprise you

Accomodation

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Transfers

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THE SCUBA IGUANA DIFFERENCE

Get a free custom quote for your dream Galapagos diving trip.

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