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Santa Fe

Santa Fe Island - Galapagos Travel Guide

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Though not a small island, Santa Fe, in the central-eastern part of the archipelago, has only one visitor site. A dry landing offers two different trails – one leads to the top of a cliff, where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the islands; the other takes you along a small beach with prickly pear cacti and eager land iguanas waiting to feast on their fruit. In fact, this is the only island where the sub-species Conolophus pallidus can be found, identified by its paler color and larger size. There is also evidence that indicates that it’s possible that Santa Fe features the oldest volcano in the archipelago.

8 Best Cruises & Tours Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2025-2026

South Plaza Island

Central East Islands

5 Days from $8,195
Set sail on a 5-day cruise from Baltra to San Cristobal aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Central East Galapagos Islands. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands and lava tunnels, Rábida's red sand beach, Bartolomé's volcanic panoramas, and South Plaza's land iguanas. Discover more flora and fauna while enjoying up-close wildlife encounters.
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Santa Fe land iguana

Santa Fe Island

1 Day from $265
Embark on an unforgettable one-day trip aboard the Galaxy Daily to discover the natural beauty of Santa Fe Island in the Galapagos. Enjoy a wet landing, and a walking tour to see unique species, swim, and snorkel in Encañada's warm waters to observe marine life. An unforgettable experience awaits.
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Sea Lion resting on Red Sesuvium

Central East & Southern Islands

8 Days from $12,995
Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts.
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sally lightfoot crab

Southern Islands

5 Days from $4,050
This 5-day Southern Galapagos Islands cruise on the Treasure of the Galapagos yacht explores the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Santa Fe and more.
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Iconic wildlife of the Galapagos sunning themselves

East & Central Islands

8 Days from $6,745
Cruise through the Eastern and Central Galapagos Islands on the Calipso. Spend time learning about the history of the islands and watch as sea birds soar and sea lions play on this 8-day tour.
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Lounging iguana on South Plaza Island, Galapagos

Western & Eastern Islands

9 Days from $14,495
Explore the Western & Eastern Galapagos Islands on this 9-day cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Discover Bachas Beach, Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay, Espinoza Point, Santiago Island, and more. Witness unique wildlife, hike, snorkel, and savor the stunning natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
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Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Escape

7 Days from $6,864
Discover the vibrant islands of the Galápagos through fascinating activities such as walking and trekking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. The National Geographic Islander II, an all-suite vessel, elevates the Galápagos experience with new levels of style and comfort. 
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Flamingos

Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise

6 Days from $6,190
On this 6-day luxury Galapagos cruise aboard one of the best yachts in Galapagos, the Ocean Spray catamaran, you'll see giant Galapagos tortoises, playful sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and if traveling the right time of year, waved albatrosses on Espanola Island.
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Top 10 Luxury Cruises & Tours Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Private Charter - Western & Eastern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $275,405 9 May 04, 2025 Embark on a private 9-day Western & Eastern Galapagos Islands trip aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Discover Bachas Beach, Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay, Espinoza Point, Santiago Island, and more. Witness unique wildlife, hike, snorkel, and savor the stunning natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
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Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $246,905 8 Apr 24, 2025 Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts.
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Private Charter - Central East Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $155,705 5 Apr 24, 2025 Set sail on a 5-day private cruise from Baltra to San Cristobal aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Central East Galapagos Islands. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands and lava tunnels, Rábida's red sand beach, Bartolomé's volcanic panoramas, and South Plaza's land iguanas. Discover more flora and fauna while enjoying up-close wildlife encounters.
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Private Charter - Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise Aboard Ocean Spray $93,290 6 Apr 24, 2025 Board the Ocean Spray, a 16-passenger luxury catamaran, on this 6-day private cruise aboard one of the best yachts in Galapagos. See giant Galapagos tortoises, playful sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and if traveling the right time of year, waved albatrosses on Espanola Island.
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Private Charter - Beyond Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace $180,600 8 Apr 22, 2025 Close encounters with nature highlight this 8-day private Galapagos cruise onboard the Grace. The islands are teeming with animals that are eager to meet visitors. Explore Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, and other nearby cities! Scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are all popular pastimes in this area.
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Beyond Darwin's Footsteps $10,450 8 Apr 22, 2025 This 8-day adventure aboard Grace offers close encounters with wildlife. The islands are full of creatures that love to interact with visitors. Travel around Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz and more! Enjoy snorkeling, swimming and kayaking in the crystalline waters of this area.
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation - West Aboard Ocean Spray $123,790 8 May 03, 2025 Circumnavigate the Western Islands of the Galapagos on this 8-day private charter cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Explore striking volcanic landscapes and spot incredible wildlife with your expert guides on this unforgettable voyage.
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Galapagos Outer Loop $11,500 8 Apr 26, 2025 Embark the luxurious Silver rigin on an 8-day adventure from San Cristobal to San Cristobal. Get to know the islands of Genovesa, North Seymour, Santiago, Fernandina, Isabela Santa Cruz, and Española. 
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Private Charter - Footsteps Back in Time Aboard Evolution $321,400 8 Apr 26, 2025 Experiencing the depth and breadth of what the Galapagos Islands offer at top-notch landing sites on this 8-day Private voyage through the Galapagos. Visit the most remote islands and experience true Galapagos exploration aboard the M/V Evolution.
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Southern Islands $6,190 5 Apr 27, 2025 Sail through the Southern Galapagos Islands, exploring their biodiverse and magical landscapes. Starting in Baltra making your way through Española, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, South Plaza and back to Balta.
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10 Best Cruise Ships Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $6,195 Apr 24, 2025 Hermes Mega Catamaran defines the future of Galapagos’ luxury cruising through a perfect balance of comfort, unparalleled service, and memorable experiences aboard, on land, and in the water. It challenges the notion that you must compromise comfort on a large cruise ship for intimacy on a small vessel.
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Santa Cruz II $17,744 Apr 30, 2025 Combining luxury, amenities, and many social areas, the recently remodeled 90-passenger Santa Cruz II reigns in the Galapagos as one of the most comfortable large cruise ships in the archipelago. Featuring all new a fitness room, gift shop, al fresco BBQ area, restaurant, bar, & lounge, as well as other social areas to get to know your fellow passengers.
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Silver Origin $11,500 Apr 26, 2025 Silver Origin is the height of experiential travel in the Galapagos. This 100-passenger destination-specific ship offers an extraordinary voyage for extraordinary people sailing to Galapagos.
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Alya $4,200 Apr 21, 2025 Alya catamaran offers luxury cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Accommodating just 16 passengers, the Alya boasts 9 spacious cabins with private facilities and a private balcony in each. Inside are the library, lounge, and dining areas, and outside guests can enjoy an ample sun deck and Jacuzzi.
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National Geographic Islander II $6,864 Apr 24, 2025 Launched in Galápagos in 2022, the sleek National Geographic Islander II sails year-round in the islands. A best-in-class expedition ship, expertly refitted to facilitate the active exploration at the heart of the Lindblad experience, and has the spirit and soul of a private yacht.
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EcoGalaxy $3,800 Apr 22, 2025 The beautiful EcoGalaxy is a new, eco-friendly Galapagos catamaran. Built in 2014, she provides leisurely excursions, optimal comfort, attentive guides, and upgraded, modern social areas. With capacity for just 16 passengers in 8 well-appointed cabins, this is an ideal vessel for your Galapagos cruise.
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Corals $1,959 Apr 23, 2025 These twin motor yachts will take you on an authentic Galapagos adventure in comfort and style. Panoramic windows, a sun deck, and a shadow deck allow you to experience the Islands in the most intimate way possible. Guests enjoy air- conditioned cabins with private bathrooms.
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M/C Galapagos Endemic $4,990 Apr 24, 2025 Cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/C Endemic, a glamorous catamaran that provides guests the style and comfort they need to have an adventure of a lifetime! The outer design is sleek, streamlined and attractive: the gentle curves of the hull and decks of the Endemic mimic the unique Galapagos ecosystem.
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Galapagos Legend $2,020 Apr 21, 2025 With four decks, this cruise ship is one of the biggest boats in the Galapagos, offering plenty of amenities and features onboard, but still managing to balance that with a feeling of intimacy and proximity to the natural charms of the Islands. Guests enjoy a casual atmosphere, with only the highest standards of comfort and service.
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Isabela II $4,256 Apr 24, 2025 This 40-guest vessel, with 20 outside cabins plus an owner's suite, offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere for experiencing the Galapagos Islands. The yacht is fully air-conditioned; all cabins are spacious and have private bathrooms.
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Santa Fe Island Stories

Beautiful Emerald Valley

Santa Fe and South Plaza Islands
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Me and a gentle giant

Sea Lions, Sharks, and Snorkeling at Santa Fe
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Other Galapagos Island Guides:

More Galapagos Island Guides: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Chinese Hat, Rabida, Bartolome, Genovesa, Baltra, Espanola, South Plazas, Mosquera, Daphne Islands, and Wolf & Darwin Islands.

Santa Fe Island Facts and Highlights

Santa Fe is a small, uninhabited island located in the center of the Galapagos archipelago, between the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Here are some interesting facts about it:
  • The island is known for its unique and diverse wildlife, including the Santa Fe land iguana, which is endemic to the island. It's one of the largest and most colorful species in the Galapagos, with vibrant yellow and green markings.
  • Santa Fe is also home to a variety of bird species, including Galapagos hawks, blue-footed boobies, and frigatebirds. The Galapagos hawk is considered the archipelago's apex predator. There is evidence that giant tortoises were once native to Santa Fe, but they seem to have gotten extinct when whaling expeditions haunted them for food.
  • Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands of the archipelago, geologically speaking. Rock formations below the water surface date back 3.9 million years.
  • The island's beaches are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, with clear waters and abundant marine life, including sea lions and sea turtles.
  • Santa Fe's rugged terrain can be explored by foot. Hiking trails take visitors through rocky landscapes and cactus forests. The island has a relatively flat surface, unlike the other Galapagos Islands.
  • Observe one of the most famous landmarks on Santa Fe, the impressive Opuntia cactus, which can grow up to 33 feet tall and is a vital food source for the island's land iguanas.
  • Santa Fe has four major visitor sites including Barrington Bay, the only land site on the island, and the marine sites of El Fondeador, La Encanada and Costa Este that are only accessible through diving.
  • The island was first discovered by European explorers in the 16th century, and was later used as a base for whaling and fishing expeditions.

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