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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

Top 10 Luxury Cruises & Tours Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
Central East & Southern Islands $12,995 8 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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Western & Eastern Islands $14,495 9 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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Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise $6,190 6 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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Eastern Islands $5,870 5 Introduce yourself to the Galapagos by taking a 5-day cruise to the Eastern Islands. This quick tour aboard the La Pinta features sea lions, red-footed boobies, and giant tortoises.
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Private Charter - Southern Galapagos Journey $85,450 6 Embark on a 6-day private Galápagos cruise aboard the Galapagos Sea Star. Explore the southern islands’ stunning landscapes and encounter iconic wildlife, from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
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Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise $7,990 6 Sail through the Southern Galapagos Islands on a 6-day cruise aboard Grand Ocean Spray. Explore Santa Fe, Española, San Cristobal, Floreana, and Santa Cruz while spotting giant tortoises, sea lions, and reef sharks. Enjoy walking, snorkeling, kayaking, and dinghy rides across volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and wildlife-rich waters
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Southern Galapagos Journey $5,706 6 Experience the Galápagos Islands on a 6-day voyage aboard the Galapagos Sea Star, exploring San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Fe, and North Seymour. Encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and vibrant marine life while hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking across diverse islands.
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Private Charter - Island Circumnavigation Aboard Galapagos Horizon $126,450 8 This 8-day private cruise offers incredible snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking adventures all around the Galapagos archipelago in style. Gourmet cuisine, the best guides, and spacious & stylish cabins guarantee a top-notch luxury cruising experience second to none.
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Footsteps Back in Time $9,400 8 Have amazing animal encounters while experiencing the depth and breadth of what the islands offer, including top notch landing sites on this 8-day voyage through the Galapagos. Visit the most remote islands and experience the true Galapagos exploration aboard the M/V Evolution.
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Island Circumnavigation $9,445 8 This 8-day cruise offers incredible snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking adventures all around the Galapagos archipelago in style. Gourmet cuisine, the best guides, and spacious & stylish cabins guarantee a top-notch luxury cruising experience second to none.
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10 Best Cruise Ships Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2025-2026

Ship Name Max Passengers From Summary
Galapagos Legend 100 $2,019 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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Corals 36 $2,426 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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Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise 20 $6,195 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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Archipel I 16 $2,325 The 16-passenger twin-hulled Archipel I catamaran combines comfort and space onboard for the optimal experience on its naturalist and diving cruises of the Galapagos Islands. Ocean view cabins with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and hot water couple with various social areas, including the dining room, lounge, and sundeck.
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M/Y Monserrat 16 $2,395 Cruising the Galapagos Islands is an unforgettable experience because of its unique up-close encounters with amazing wildlife. The cherry on top is to enjoy this privilege in a small more personalized cruise setting.
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Anahi 16 $3,150 Anahí Catamaran Yacht offers a perfect Galapagos exploration with a 16-passenger capacity, personalized service, safety, and comfort in 8 cabins, including ocean-view suites, professional crew, jacuzzi, and scenic sunset sailing.
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Galaxy 16 $2,600 The Galaxy is a motor yacht that accommodates 16 passengers and cruises the Galapagos Islands. This yacht boasts beautiful woodwork, air conditioning and spacious cabins featuring exceptionally flexible cruises of 4, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 15-day itineraries touring the best of Galapagos.
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EcoGalaxy 16 $3,800 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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Galapagos Angel 16 $2,745 The Galapagos Angel is a first-class private yacht with the highest navigation standards for the best sailing experience on the sea. Galapagos Angel accommodations are comfortably designed for 16 passengers, who can enjoy breathtaking views through the panoramic windows and top-notch service.
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Galapagos Horizon 16 $4,145 Galapagos Horizon is a luxury trimaran that provides an intimate experience on board with a touch of elegance and comfort. It provides a top-notch experience with one of the smoothest rides in the Galapagos.
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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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