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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 Next Departure Summary
Central East Islands $8,195 5 Jun 19, 2025 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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Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise $6,190 6 Jun 19, 2025 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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Footsteps Back in Time $9,400 8 Jun 21, 2025 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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Private Charter - Footsteps Back in Time Aboard Evolution $321,400 8 Jun 21, 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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Eastern Islands $5,870 5 Jul 24, 2025 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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Southern Islands $6,190 5 Jun 22, 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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Private Charter - Eastern Islands Aboard La Pinta $287,358 5 Jul 24, 2025 Familiarize yourself with the Galapagos Eastern Islands on a private cruise aboard La Pinta. This 5-day voyage takes you to the islands of San Cristobal, Espanola, and Santa Cruz Island. Swim with playful sea lions, take coastal and inland hikes, and admire the famous giant tortoises and red-footed boobies.
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard M/C Galapagos Endemic $92,390 5 Jun 22, 2025 Sail through the Southeastern Galapagos Islands on a 5-day private cruise. Embark the M/C Endemic in Baltra making your way through Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Española, Santa Fe, and South Plaza. Overflowing with wildlife, volcanic wonders, and breathtaking landscapes, this is the perfect vacation choice.
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Islands Circumnavigation - West $8,290 8 Jun 28, 2025 Circumnavigate the Western Islands of the Galapagos aboard the Ocean Spray. Spend time viewing wildlife, birds and volcanoes on this 8-day adventure.
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Galapagos Outer Loop $11,500 8 Jun 21, 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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10 Best Cruise Ships Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Archipel I $2,325 Jun 16, 2025 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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Galapagos Legend $2,019 Jun 16, 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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Corals $1,959 Jun 15, 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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Anahi $3,150 Jun 20, 2025 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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Infinity $3,945 Jun 17, 2025 Exceeding every prospect the Infinity Luxury Yacht offers high performance, unrivaled comfort, respect for the environment and stunning style to make your cruise unforgettable. Sail through the Galapagos Islands and delight your senses with one of the world´s most desired destinations.
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Ocean Spray $4,190 Jun 14, 2025 Ocean Spray offers the best performance and comfort for a Galapagos cruise. With an elegant design, the Ocean Spray carries 16 guests on luxurious Galapagos cruises of 4, 6, 8 and 15-days.
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Seaman Journey $3,516 Jun 16, 2025 The Seaman Journey is a first class catamaran offering luxurious cruises of the Galapagos. With superior comfort, style and stability, her 16 guests will enjoy the numerous on board amenities in addition to the exploration of these islands.
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Galaxy $2,600 Jun 16, 2025 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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Galapagos Angel $2,745 Jun 15, 2025 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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Treasure of Galapagos $4,050 Jun 14, 2025 This classic catamaran features both standard and master suites to accommodate up to 16 guests in absolute luxury. Its modern design maximizes use of the space, including closets, queen beds, private bathrooms, and air conditioning throughout. Social areas include a sundeck and indoor dining room, lounge, and bar.
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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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