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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 2023-2024

Top 10 Luxury Cruises & Tours Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise$59496Jun 22, 2023On this 6-day luxury Galapagos cruise aboard one of the best yachts in Galapagos, the Ocean Spray catamaran, you'll see giant Galapagos tortoises, …
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Private Charter - Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise Aboard Ocean Spray$887906Jun 22, 2023Board 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 …
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Private Charter - Beyond Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace$1470008Jun 13, 2023Close encounters with nature highlight this 8-day private Galapagos cruise onboard the Grace. The islands are teeming with animals that are eager to …
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Beyond Darwin's Footsteps$85008Jun 10, 2023This 8-day adventure aboard Grace offers close encounters with wildlife. The islands are full of creatures that love to interact with visitors. …
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation - West Aboard Ocean Spray$1186908Jun 3, 2023Circumnavigate the Western Islands of the Galapagos on this 8-day private charter cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Explore striking volcanic landscapes …
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Southern Islands$44006Jun 3, 2023Discover all the magic the Southern Galapagos Islands have to offer on this 6-day cruise. Sail through one of the most mind-blowing ecosystems on …
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Private Charter - Central & Southern Islands Aboard Petrel$887906Jun 7, 2023Travel to the Central and Southern Islands of the Galapagos on this 6-day private cruise aboard the Petrel. Enjoy wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and …
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Alya$668806Jun 3, 2023Discover all the magic the Southern Galapagos Islands have to offer on this 6-day private cruise. Sail through one of the most mind-blowing …
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Central & Southern Islands$59496Jun 7, 2023Travel to the Central and Southern Islands of the Galapagos. This 6-day adventure aboard the Petrel offers wildlife viewing, snorkeling and swimming. …
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Galapagos Luxury Catamaran Cruise$69455Jun 24, 2023This unique small ship adventure on the Cormorant II visits the Central Islands of the Galapagos. Over the course of 5 days, discover the unique …
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10 Best Cruise Ships Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2023-2024

Ship NameMax PassengersFromSummary
Alya16$4400New in 2017, the Alya catamaran offers luxury cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Accommodating just 16 passengers, the Alya boasts 9 spacious cabins …
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Santa Cruz II90$10374Combining luxury, amenities, and many social areas, the recently remodeled 90-passenger Santa Cruz II reigns in the Galapagos as one of the most …
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M/Y Passion14$2790Previously a private family vessel, the M/Y Passion accommodates 14 guests and has been completely refurbished to meet the highest standards and …
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Anahi16$3885Now known as the Journey I, this catamaran travels to the remote islands and features exciting activities. Guests will enjoy ample social areas both …
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Corals36$1787These twin motor yachts will take you on an authentic Galapagos adventure in comfort and style. Panoramic windows, a sun deck, and a shadow deck …
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Galapagos Legend100$1842With four decks, this cruise ship is one of the biggest boats in the Galapagos, offering plenty of amenities and features onboard, but still managing …
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Ocean Spray16$5949Ocean Spray offers the best performance and comfort for a Galapagos cruise. With an elegant design, the Ocean Spray carries 16 guests on luxurious …
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M/C Galapagos Endemic16$5650Cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/C Endemic, a glamorous catamaran that provides guests the style and comfort they need to have an adventure …
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EcoGalaxy16$3200The beautiful EcoGalaxy is a new, eco-friendly Galapagos catamaran. Built in 2014, she provides leisurely excursions, optimal comfort, attentive …
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Mary Anne16$5290Mary Anne is a fast sailing yacht with a square rigger design. Although it has 14 staterooms, this yacht normally sails with just 16 passengers, …
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Santa Fe Island Stories

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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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