Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe Island was formed by lava flows that emerged under the sea and were subsequently uplifted (although recent evidence suggests later subaerial activity). The island, 24 square kilometers, is crossed by a series of parallel reefs formed by fault activity. This island has lava that is 3.9 million years old, making it the oldest island in the archipelago. Santa Fe offers one of the most beautiful and protected bays of the islands. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of islets that form an ideal anchorage.

Santa Fe Island is located southeast of Santa Cruz Island , within spotting distance from Puerto Ayora Geologically, it is one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. and for many years it was thought to be the product of an uplift. Through satellite images it was possible to determine the volcanic origin of the island.

curiosidades de santa fe

A wet landing on a white sandy beach brings visitors into contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Males fight for the right to own the beach, while smaller males pose as females to indirectly mate. Galapagos hawks are often easy to approach, high in the salt bushes, an uphill trail leads to the cliffs, where dense thickets remain on the inland side. The cliff edge offers an expansive view of the ocean. The Giant Cactus lives up to its name with its tree trunks. Beneath the cacti, some of which are subspecies endemic to the island, are endemic species of land iguanas that wait in the shade of falling flowers or fruits to become a delicious part of their diet.

Enjoy a full board cruise in the Galapagos through Santa Fe. Contact us now!

Activities to do in Santa Fe Island

On Santa Fe Island in the Galapagos you can enjoy many things such as hiking, diving, seeing giant tortoises, observing giant cacti, and snorkeling on the beaches of Santa Fe. From the experience of our travelers, we recommend that you visit Santa Fe Island with a Cruise through the Galapagos. Below we present the best cruises to visit Santa Fe Island:

• Stella Maris Cruise
• Isabela II Cruise
• Cormorant II Cruise

Each of these cruises offer you a magnificent experience and events that you can enjoy in Santa Fe Island and other islands such as the Santa Cruz Island , San Cristobal Island, Rábida Island among others.

Actividades en santa fe

Here are some activities you can do on Santa Fe Island:

1. Iguana Observation: Santa Fe is known for having a unique population of endemic land iguanas. You can watch them as they move around the island and discover their unique behaviors.
2. Snorkel: Explore the island's surrounding waters to discover the rich marine life of the Galapagos. You can encounter sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, and maybe even reef sharks while snorkeling.
3. Trail Walks: Santa Fe offers trails that take you through its landscape, where you can encounter giant cacti, native birds such as finches, and other endemic species. Be sure to follow the guides' instructions to minimize your environmental impact.
4. White Sand Beach: Enjoy the white sand beach and crystal clear waters that surround the island. It is a perfect place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy the natural beauty.
5. Seabird Watching: The island is home to various seabirds, such as blue-footed boobies and Galapagos gulls. Observe these birds in their nesting and feeding areas.
6. Nature Photography: The island provides exceptional opportunities for photography, from wildlife to landscapes. Remember to respect distance regulations and not interfere with the natural behavior of wildlife.

Requirements to enter Santa Fe Island

The requirements to enter Santa Fe Island are similar to those requirements to enter the Galapagos Islands. We leave you a brief summary here.

For Ecuadorian travelers:

1. ID or Passport: Ecuadorian nationals can enter the Galapagos Islands by presenting their identity card or passport.
2. 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:

1. Valid passport: Foreigners must present a valid passport when entering Galapagos.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Accommodation reservation: Similar to nationals, some places may require an accommodation reservation as part of the documents required for entry.

Touristic spots in Santa Fe Island

We present the tourist places you can visit in Santa Fe Galapagos and discover everything you can do here below:

Barrington Bay

This bay and the beach of Barrington Bay in Galapagos is located in position number 17 of the 34 best beaches in Galapagos. This place is characterized for being a protected beach, with crystalline waters and clear sand. The main activities are hiking, swimming and bird watching. The extension of Barrington Bay is 24 square kilometers.

Hidden Beach

Playa escondida in Galapagos is one of the favorite destinations for travelers because you can snorkel and meet all the wildlife present on the beach. This beach is characterized by a great variety of iguanas, giant cactus and an impressive unique ecosystem since there is no infrastructure inside this island. The entrance to Playa Escondida is totally free and you can go every day of the year.

Weather in Santa Fe Island

The climate on Santa Fe Island is tropical, with average temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. The dry season lasts from June to December, with warmer temperatures and clear skies. The rainy season lasts from January to May, with cooler temperatures and cloudy skies. You can see a live map of the weather in Galapagos here .

Temperature

The average temperature on Santa Fe Island is 23 degrees Celsius. The average maximum temperature is 25 degrees Celsius, and the average minimum temperature is 20 degrees Celsius.

Rain

Santa Fe Island receives an average of 200 mm of rain per year. The rainy season lasts from January to May, with an average of 100 mm of rain per month. The dry season lasts from June to December, with an average of 100 mm of rain per year.

Humidity

The average humidity on Santa Fe Island is 80%. Humidity is highest during the rainy season, and lowest during the dry season.

Winds

Winds on Santa Fe Island are generally light, with average speeds of 10 to 15 kilometers per hour. Winds can be stronger during the rainy season, when storm systems can generate gusty winds.

The perfect time to visit

The ideal season to visit Santa Fe Island is during the dry season, from June to December. During this time, temperatures are warmer and skies are clear, making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities. You can consult all the information about the climate in the Galapagos here .

Fauna in Santa Fe Island

The fauna de la Isla Santa Fe in Galapagos is very varied and is divided into mammals, birds, fish and endemic species. Here is a complete list:

Recommendations for Santa Fe Island

Suppose you have already decided to travel to the Island. In that case, we recommend you bring comfortable clothes, to have a tour or cruise with activities previously thought out since your time here is very short to discovering everything and above all that you do it in the best season to travel since you will take advantage of a good weather to make all the desired tours. Remember that if you want to enjoy a cruise to Galapagos and visit all the islands of the National Park you should contact us and we will help you with the best travel packages to Galapagos.