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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 2024-2025

Top 10 Luxury Cruises & Tours Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Central East Islands$81955Apr 10, 2025Set 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 …
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Central East & Southern Islands$129958Apr 10, 2025Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy …
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Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise$61906Dec 5, 2024On 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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Western & Eastern Islands$144959Apr 6, 2025Explore the Western & Eastern Galapagos Islands on this 9-day cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Discover Bachas Beach, Tagus Cove, Urbina …
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Private Charter - Western & Eastern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise$2754059Apr 6, 2025Embark on a private 9-day Western & Eastern Galapagos Islands trip aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Discover Bachas Beach, Tagus Cove, Urbina …
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Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise$2469058Apr 10, 2025Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy …
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Private Charter - Central East Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise$1557055Apr 10, 2025Set sail on a 5-day private cruise from Baltra to San Cristobal aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Central East Galapagos Islands. Explore …
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Private Charter - Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise Aboard Ocean Spray$932906Dec 5, 2024Board 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$1722008Nov 12, 2024Close 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$99508Nov 9, 2024This 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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10 Best Cruise Ships Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2024-2025

Ship NameMax PassengersFromSummary
Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise20$8195Hermes Mega Catamaran defines the future of Galapagos’ luxury cruising through a perfect balance of comfort, unparalleled service, and memorable …
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Galapagos Legend100$1With 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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Archipel I16$2250The 16-passenger twin-hulled Archipel I catamaran combines comfort and space onboard for the optimal experience on its naturalist and diving cruises …
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Santa Cruz II90$8244Combining 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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Corals36$1881These 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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Seaman Journey16$2181The Seaman Journey is a first class catamaran offering luxurious cruises of the Galapagos. With superior comfort, style and stability, her 16 guests …
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Alya16$4700Alya catamaran offers luxury cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Accommodating just 16 passengers, the Alya boasts 9 spacious cabins with private …
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M/C Galapagos Endemic16$5890Cruise 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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Anahi16$3885Anahí Catamaran Yacht offers a perfect Galapagos exploration with a 16-passenger capacity, personalized service, safety, and comfort in 8 cabins, …
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EcoGalaxy16$3400The beautiful EcoGalaxy is a new, eco-friendly Galapagos catamaran. Built in 2014, she provides leisurely excursions, optimal comfort, attentive …
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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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