Bartolome Galapagos | Full-day Tour

Bartolome Galapagos Day Tour from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Bartolome is a volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island.
• The island holds some of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago.
• It has a volcanic cone that is easy to climb and provides great views of the other islands.
• The Pinnacle Rock is the distinctive characteristic of this island, and the most representative landmark of the Galapagos.

Tour Description – Galapagos Bartolome Island.

The tour starts early to catch the best views of the island. Between 5:30 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. we will either pick you up at your hotel of stay during your Galapagos Trip or at the meeting point asigned (we will inform you as soon the tour is confirmed).

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

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

Aside from its beauty, Bartolme is so enticing beacause the exact age of the formation of this island is unknown,  its geological composition and characteristics are believed to be very young.  Some of its vegetation includes  Chamaesyce spp, Tiquilia nesiotica and Tiquilia fusca. From the top and east part of the veiewpoint we 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. On the south beach you can take walks with the possibility of observing rays and the Galapagos white-tipped sharks (endemic Galapagos shark), activities like swimming or snorkelling on this beach are forbidden. Bartolome Galapagos is one of the most young islands in the Galapagos it has a volcanic cone that is easy to climb and provides a great view of the landscape. It has two iconic places, in the first one you can swim and snorkel 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. The twin bays are separated by a narrow path.

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

What to Expect:

Location: Eastern side of San Salvador (James) and at 2 hours Northwest of Santa Cruz Island approximately.
 Wildlife – Land: Lava Herons, Sally Light-foot Crabs, Galapagos Hawks, Lava Cacti.
Marine Wildlife: Sea Lions, Galapagos Penguins, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Sharks, White-tip Sharks, Sea Turtles, Rays, Pelagic and Reef Fish.
Difficulty Level: Moderate – some hiking – slope.
Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Swimming.