Santa Fe Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Jason Karas
Photo by Elizabeth Oates

Marvel at dense forests of prickly pear, pose for a photo next to a sunbathing sea lion and spot endemic iguanas and rats.

Walk amid the striking volcanic rock formations and thick forests of Santa Fé Island (Isla Santa Fé). Get close to amicable sea lions, colorful iguanas and varied birdlife. Santa Fé Island is encircled by sparkling blue-green water between two of the Galápagos Islands’ more tourist-adapted destinations. Featuring 4-million-year-old geological sites, it is one of the oldest islands in the collection. It is sometimes called Barrington Island, after the 18th-century British naval admiral Samuel Barrington.

Start your visit with a short panga boat ride to an isolated beach on Barrington Bay. Colonies of basking sea lions welcome you to the beach and present the opportunity to take memorable photos. Beware of the boisterous bulls, which are known to chase visitors who get too close. Gaze out to sea and watch as the occasional turtle comes up for air and as sea lions surf in the small waves.

Stroll along a short loop trail to see a forest of giant opuntia (prickly pear). This species of cactus is an important source of nourishment for the Galápagos Islands’ endangered giant tortoises. Spot blue-footed boobies, cactus finches and Galápagos hawks. Look for the Barrington land iguana, characterized by its pale yellow skin color, long snout and accentuated spines.

Another trail travels up a cliff to a lookout with views of the island’s low-rising and bushy inland countryside. Good snorkeling and the opportunity to swim with sea lions exist around the peninsula at Barrington Bay. Find three dives sites along the northern and eastern coastal region: Costa Este, El Encañada and El Fondeador. Sea lions are the main attraction, although rays, sea turtles and sharks sometimes visit the waters as well.

Santa Fé Island is a short boat cruise from both San Cristóbal Island and Santa Cruz IslandOpens in a new window. Explore the island’s beauty on a daytrip from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Alternatively, include it on an enthralling multiday island-hopping cruise of this unique archipelago.

Hotel Fiesta

Hotel Fiesta

3.5 out of 5
Calle Moises Brito y Juan Montalvo, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The price is ₹13,323 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹13,323
₹13,323 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 hot tubs and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (343 reviews)
"Beautiful property, helpful staff, and quiet location."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hotel Fiesta
Hotel Cucuve

Hotel Cucuve

4 out of 5
Charles Binford 083 y Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
The price is ₹15,727 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹15,727
₹17,332 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (253 reviews)
"Amazing hotel. Ana and the rest of the staff were very friendly and kind. I greatly appreciate their hospitality and the amenities of the hotel. Very clean and comfortable. Great location right near ocean and short walk from restaurants and nature viewing. Can’t wait to come back!"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Hotel Cucuve
El Barranco Galapagos

El Barranco Galapagos

2.5 out of 5
Los colonos, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The price is ₹17,969 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹17,969
₹17,969 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
Stay at this hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Popular attractions Malecon and Gus Angermeyer Ferry Terminal are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"amazing hotel and the best service the pool is the perfect spot to see seals, sea turtles, sting rays, sharks and pelicans , at night it’s quiet and the room was perfect. loved especially my balcony overlooking the docks."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

El Barranco Galapagos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Galapagos and Beyond

Galapagos and Beyond

4.5 out of 5
Indefatigable entre Duncan & Juan, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury condo in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Las Ninfas Lagoon ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Great stay! The rooms, the service, the breakfast, everything was great. Definitely stay here"

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Galapagos and Beyond
Del mar del Galapagos

Del mar del Galapagos

3 out of 5
calle cucuve, 026, Puerto Ayora, Islas Galápagos
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and climate control. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Gus Angermeyer Ferry Terminal are ...
Del mar del Galapagos
Villa Galapagos

Villa Galapagos

2.5 out of 5
Fragata y Av. Seymour, Puerto Ayora
Stay at this holiday home in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Gus Angermeyer ...
"着いて早々にダブルブッキングがわかった。これは施設というよりも、貴社のシステムの問題。前回も宿泊名簿に名前がなかったこともあり、強く改善をもとめる。"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2019

Villa Galapagos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.