Santa Fe Island

Travel Guide

Photo by Jason Karas
Photo by Elizabeth Oates
Marvel at dense forests of prickly pear, pose for a photo next to a sunbathing sea lion and spot endemic iguanas and rats.

Walk amid the striking volcanic rock formations and thick forests of Santa Fé Island (Isla Santa Fé). Get close to amicable sea lions, colorful iguanas and varied birdlife. Santa Fé Island is encircled by sparkling blue-green water between two of the Galápagos Islands’ more tourist-adapted destinations. Featuring 4-million-year-old geological sites, it is one of the oldest islands in the collection. It is sometimes called Barrington Island, after the 18th-century British naval admiral Samuel Barrington.

Start your visit with a short panga boat ride to an isolated beach on Barrington Bay. Colonies of basking sea lions welcome you to the beach and present the opportunity to take memorable photos. Beware of the boisterous bulls, which are known to chase visitors who get too close. Gaze out to sea and watch as the occasional turtle comes up for air and as sea lions surf in the small waves.

Stroll along a short loop trail to see a forest of giant opuntia (prickly pear). This species of cactus is an important source of nourishment for the Galápagos Islands’ endangered giant tortoises. Spot blue-footed boobies, cactus finches and Galápagos hawks. Look for the Barrington land iguana, characterized by its pale yellow skin color, long snout and accentuated spines.

Another trail travels up a cliff to a lookout with views of the island’s low-rising and bushy inland countryside. Good snorkeling and the opportunity to swim with sea lions exist around the peninsula at Barrington Bay. Find three dives sites along the northern and eastern coastal region: Costa Este, El Encañada and El Fondeador. Sea lions are the main attraction, although rays, sea turtles and sharks sometimes visit the waters as well.

Santa Fé Island is a short boat cruise from both San Cristóbal Island and Santa Cruz IslandOpens in a new window. Explore the island’s beauty on a daytrip from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Alternatively, include it on an enthralling multiday island-hopping cruise of this unique archipelago.

Hotel Fiesta
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3.5 out of 5
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The price is S$201 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$201
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (315 reviews)
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Hotel Fiesta
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Barrio Punta Estrada, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The price is S$716 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
S$716
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Playa de los Alemanes and Malecon ...
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Hotel el descanso del Guia
3.5 out of 5
Calle Delfin, Barrio el Mirador, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The price is S$128 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
S$128
includes taxes & fees
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (138 reviews)
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Reviewed on 13 Feb,2025

Hotel el descanso del Guia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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4 out of 5
Indefatigable entre Duncan & Juan, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
Stay at this 4-star condo in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Las Ninfas Lagoon are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
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Del mar del Galapagos
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3 out of 5
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Villa Galapagos
Villa Galapagos
2.5 out of 5
Fragata y Av. Seymour, Puerto Ayora
Stay at this vacation home in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Malecon are located ...
6/10 (1 review)
"着いて早々にダブルブッキングがわかった。これは施設というよりも、貴社のシステムの問題。前回も宿泊名簿に名前がなかったこともあり、強く改善をもとめる。"

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Villa Galapagos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.