Top 5 things to do in Santiago Galapagos Island

cosas que hacer en isla santiago ecuador tour crucero

If you are looking for things to do in the Santiago Island , here we tell you the top 5 things to do in this place, one of the many wonderful islands of the Galapagos archipelago.

To anyone who likes a lot of the geology or volcanoes, va a salir fascinado de este lugar, Santiago tiene algunas de las formaciones volcánicas más impresionantes y flujos de lava basáltica surrealistas de todo el archipiélago.

Arguably one of the most interesting and diverse islands in Galapagos, it has many stories to tell, from the ancient pirates who used this island as a resupply base, to the visit of Charles Darwin in 1835.

Visit Santiago Island and its volcanic landscapes 🛳️🦭⛴️ Contact us!!!

cosas que hacer en isla santiago ecuador tour crucero
Isla Santiago – Galápagos – Ecuador / Foto archivo RT

Santiago is one of the islands of the Galapagos archipelago whose entry is quite restricted, you need to visit it through an authorized cruise ship that includes it in its itinerary.

It should be noted that the minimum number of days you can spend in the Galapagos for this type of cruise adventure is 8 days, so making sure to check the islands visited by each cruise ship is crucial for your trip to go as planned.

cosas que hacer en isla santiago ecuador tour crucero
cosas que hacer en isla santiago ecuador tour crucero
cosas que hacer en isla santiago ecuador tour crucero
cosas que hacer en isla santiago ecuador tour crucero
Pelicans and crabs on rocks of Santiago Island / RT file photo
  • This island undoubtedly has a historical name, it used to be called San Salvador Island, but later it was changed to Santiago Island, in honor of Santiago, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.
  • In 1897, a submarine volcanic eruption occurred near the island that had a significant impact on the marine life in the area.
  • Espumilla Beach is one of the largest beaches in Galapagos and is known for its fine white sand. It is an important place for sea turtles that come to nest in the right season.
  • The island has a giant tortoise reserve at the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where the conservation and reproduction of these majestic creatures is carried out.
  • That island is home to a subspecies of endemic sea lion known as the “Galapagos fur seal”.

Santiago also known as Isla San Salvador, is one of the main islands of the Galapagos archipelago, and offers a variety of attractions and natural wonders for visitors, we leave you a list of the top 5 things you can do on this wonderful island.

cosas que hacer en isla santiago ecuador tour crucero
Santiago Puerto Egas Wavey Shoreline / Foto archivo RT

The Galapagos are famous for their unique biodiversity and this island is no exception, you will see a large number of bird species, marine iguanas, sea lions, giant tortoises and other animals native to the region.

Explore the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island to discover an exciting underwater world. You will see colorful tropical fish, sharks, rays and other sea creatures.

This is one of the most photogenic areas of the island, with impressive lava formations and surreal landscapes that seem to be taken from another planet.

Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, where you can also watch seabirds and if you are lucky you can even swim with some sea turtles.

This is an extinct crater that offers a hike through volcanic terrain with breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings.

cosas que hacer en isla santiago ecuador tour crucero
Iguana marina en Isla Santiago – Galápagos / Foto archivo RT

This island is formed by two superimposed shield volcanoes. Repeated lava flows fused the volcanoes together to form the single island we see today. The shield volcanoes are flat and wide, hence the large size of Santiago, making it the fourth largest island in the Galapagos National Park.

The outstanding geologic feature of Santiago is the enormous flow of basaltic lava In Sullivan Bay, note that this is the largest and longest flow in all of the Galapagos Islands, visitors can walk on the lava to get a close look at the swirls and patterns. The more observant among you may see lava bubbles and petrified tree trunks.

Is it possible to swim in the beaches of Santiago Island?

It is totally possible to swim in some beaches of Santiago Island, however, it is always important to follow the indications of the local guides and respect the protected areas.

What are the main activities on Santiago Island?

Popular activities in Santiago include diving , snorkeling, bird watching, hiking on volcanic trails, visits to lava formations and black sand beaches.

Is it safe to visit Santiago Island?

Yes, the Galapagos are generally a fairly safe destination for tourists and visitors, however, it is important to follow the conservation and safety guidelines.

Is it necessary to hire a guide to visit Santiago Island?

Yes, it is mandatory to visit Santiago Island and other islands with an authorized guide. The guides are trained to ensure the safety of visitors and protect the wildlife of the archipelago.

5/5 - (3 votes)

This content was made by

Picture of domenica
Domenica

Galapagos travel specialist

Suggested articles

Islands
nixon

Daphne Major Island

While the smaller trail is not open to visitors, you can explore the larger trail that climbs up a steep path to the 120 m high peak.

en_US

CONTACT INFORMATION

Use the form below to complete your travel interests. One of our Ecuador Galapagos travel specialists will contact you by email and/or phone with information and travel proposals.