Bartolomé Island
Isla Bartolomé
The Galápagos' most classic postcard view. Climb a volcanic cone to look over Pinnacle Rock and the twin crescent beaches, then snorkel alongside Galápagos penguins.
Bartolomé Island lies east of Santiago Island and is a young volcanic island. Its surface is covered with red, orange and black cinder cones and lava flows, looking like the surface of the moon. After landing, follow a wooden boardwalk with 372 steps up to the summit, about 114 meters above sea level. The climb takes about 30 minutes. From the top, you can see curved beaches on either side and the towering Pinnacle Rock, the most famous scenic photo in the archipelago. After descending, snorkel at the beach beneath Pinnacle Rock to see Galápagos penguins (the only penguins that live on the equator), sea lions, whitetip reef sharks and many tropical fish. The island can only be reached by a cruise ship or by day-trip boat from Santa Cruz (about USD 200–250 per person, including guide, lunch and snorkeling gear, with a one-way boat trip of about 2 hours). Spaces are limited, so book in advance. Note: There is no shade at the summit, so wear a hat and sunscreen. Stay on the boardwalk, since the sides are protected areas.
Opening hours
Boat time slots only, with a licensed guide
Nearby sights
- Sullivan Bay
- Dragon Hill
- North Seymour Island
- Las Bachas Beach
- Black Turtle Cove
- El Chato Tortoise Reserve
- Los Gemelos
- Cerro Crocker