Baltra Island is a small island, with an area of 27 km². Visitors to the Galapagos archipelago often set foot here for the first time, as this is where the main airport, Seymour Airport, is located. The airport was built by the Americans during World War II. This island is located just 1 km off the north coast of the Galapagos. Santa Cruz Island It does not have touristic attractions other than a couple last minute souvenir shops.
However, if you have some free time, you can leave the airport to explore the surroundings and look for the local land iguanas. To reach the island of Santa Cruz it is necessary to cross the Itabaca Channel. The island serves as a small naval base for Ecuador. There is no accommodation available, but public and private transportation is available from the airport to Puerto Ayora.
Those who have booked the tour will often meet their guide at the airport. From here you will be transferred to your yacht or start your first excursion on Santa Cruz Island.
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How to get to Baltra Island?
To get to Baltra Island in the Galapagos Islands, you generally take a flight from the Ecuadorian mainland, either from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or from José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island.
From Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, you can take a taxi or a bus that will take you to the Itabaca pier, from where you can cross to Santa Cruz Island by ferry. Then, you can explore other Galapagos islands using the services of local boats or tour boats. You can also enjoy a Galapagos cruise, find out here all Galapagos cruises available.
Remember that the Galapagos Islands are a protected destination and highly regulated in terms of environmental conservation, so it is important to follow all regulations and respect wildlife during your visit. Learn about the requirements to enter the Galapagos Islands.
Requirements to enter Baltra Island in the Galapagos Islands
The requirements to enter Baltra Island are similar to the Requirements to enter the Galapagos Islands. We leave you a brief summary here.
For Ecuadorian travelers:
- ID or Passport: Ecuadorian nationals can enter the Galapagos Islands by presenting their identity card or passport.
- Lodging reservation and/or letter of invitation: Accommodation reservation and/or letter of invitation: A reservation of accommodation in Galapagos may be required as part of the entry requirements. It may also be useful to have a letter of invitation if you are staying in someone's home.
For foreigners:
- Valid passport: Foreigners must present a valid passport when entering Galapagos.
- Tourist Visa: Most foreigners do not need a tourist visa to enter Ecuador, but it is important to check if your nationality requires a visa and, if so, obtain one in advance.
- Migratory Control Card: Upon arrival in the Galapagos, foreign visitors must complete a Migration Control Card, which is usually provided during the flight or upon arrival at the airport.
- Return air ticket: You may be required to present a return air ticket to your country of origin or departure from the Galapagos Islands as part of the entry requirements.
- Accommodation reservation: Similar to nationals, some places may require an accommodation reservation as part of the documents required for entry.
Flora and Fauna in Baltra Island
Baltra Island, located in the Galapagos Islands archipelago in Ecuador, is known mainly for its airport, but it also has an interesting variety of flora and fauna. Next, I will mention some of the highlights of the flora and fauna on Baltra Island:
Flora in Baltra Island
- Opuntia Cacti Baltra Island has an abundant population of Opuntia cacti, symbol of the Galapagos. These cacti are well adapted to the dry and arid conditions of the island and are an important food source for land iguanas and giant tortoises.
- Palo Santo: Palo Santo is another common tree in the Galapagos, including Baltra. Its branches and leaves give off a distinctive aroma and are used to make incense. This tree is important for conservation as it provides shelter and food for several species.
Fauna in Baltra Island
- Land Iguanas: Baltra Island is home to a population of land iguanas, which are endemic to the Galapagos. These iguanas are dark gray in color and can be seen in various parts of the island.
- Giant Tortoises: Although it is not common to see giant tortoises in the wild on Baltra, it is possible to find some in protected areas or in nearby breeding centers.
- Sea Birds The island is a nesting site for various seabirds, such as blue-footed boobies and pelicans. During the breeding season, colonies of these birds can be observed on the island's cliffs and beaches.
- Sea Lions: Sea lions are a common sight on the beaches and shores of Baltra Island. You can see them resting on the sandy beaches or swimming in the surrounding waters.
- Land Birds In addition to seabirds, you will also find land birds such as gulls and hawks on Baltra Island.
Weather in Baltra Island
The climate of the Galapagos Islands is variable depending on the season. Here is a summary of the climate you will find on Baltra Island.
The climate on Baltra Island, as in the rest of the Galapagos Islands, varies according to the season, although in general, these islands enjoy a tropical climate and are characterized by two main seasons:
- Hot and humid season (December to May):
- During this time, Baltra Island and the Galapagos in general experience a warm and humid climate.
- Temperatures usually range between 25°C and 30°C, making it a pleasant time to visit the islands.
- Rainfall is more frequent during these months, resulting in more exuberant vegetation and the flowering of many plants.
- Marine life is abundant, and it is a popular season for diving due to the warm, clear waters.
- Cool and dry season (June to November):
- This season is known as the garúa season, characterized by cooler and drier days.
- Temperatures drop slightly, averaging 20°C to 25°C, and the weather is cooler and windier.
- Despite the relative dryness, vegetation still remains green in many areas due to residual moisture.
- Marine life is still abundant, and this season is ideal for bird watching and giant tortoise breeding.
It is important to remember that the climate in the Galapagos Islands can vary from one island to another due to ocean currents and local weather patterns.
Sightseeing of Baltra Island
El Garrapatero Wildlife Reserve
Although it is not in Baltra but in Santa Cruz Island, it is one of the closest places. You can enjoy beautiful beaches and observe flamingos, herons and other birds.
Itabaca Canal
You can take a ferry from Baltra to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy the beautiful Itabaca Channel, where you can often see sharks and sea turtles.
Puerto Ayora (en la isla Santa Cruz)
Puerto Ayora It is the largest city in the Galapagos and is located a short ferry ride from Baltra. Here you will find shops, restaurants and the famous Charles Darwin Turtle Breeding Center.
Turtle Trail in Baltra
There is a small trail near the airport where you can observe tortoises and other endemic species of the Galapagos.
Bachas Beach
The Bachas Beach is located on the north coast of Baltra and is known for its white sand and World War II-related history.
We hope you found all the information you needed for your trip to Baltra Island. Remember that at Responsible Travel we have Galapagos cruise tours 100% customized for you, enjoy your adventure!
