Santa Fe Island

Ever wondered where to find a tropical paradise with unique wildlife? Santa Fe Island in the Galapagos might be exactly what you’re looking for. This ancient island offers incredible opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and spotting rare animals.

Let’s explore why this hidden gem should be on your travel list!

Location and geography

Santa Fe Island, also known as Barrington Island, is in the central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It lies close to Santa Cruz Island. Santa Fe has been around for a long time.

The lava on this island ranges from 750,000 to nearly 3 million years old.

The highest point on Santa Fe reaches about 200 meters above sea level. The lavas here are like those found on nearby Santa Cruz and belong to the Platform Series. Unconfirmed reports suggest that fumaroles might exist on the island.

Along its west coast, a fault has caused land subsidence, shaping much of the landscape.

Visitor Sites

Santa Fe Island offers many exciting places to visit. You can see rare animals and enjoy beautiful views.

Barrington Bay

A calm, turquoise bay perfect for snorkeling and swimming, surrounded by cliffs and clear waters.

Sea Lion Colony

Home to a large colony of playful sea lions, often seen basking on the beaches or swimming nearby.

Cactus Forest

Features towering Opuntia cacti, where land iguanas can often be spotted. This ecosystem is unique to the island.

Hiking Trail

A short but rewarding trail offering views of the island’s volcanic landscape and endemic wildlife like the Santa Fe land iguana.

Snorkeling Spots

Near the bay, you can explore underwater caves and observe a wide variety of fish, rays, and sea turtles.

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List of Wildlife on Santa Fe Island

After exploring the visitor sites, the next exciting part is the wildlife. Santa Fe Island is home to many unique species.

Santa Fe Land Iguana: This iguana is large and bright yellow with big spines.
Galapagos Snake: It is mildly poisonous and can be found slithering around the island.
Frigatebirds: These birds soar high in the sky and have a unique forked tail.
Galapagos Hawks: They are strong predators seen hunting in the area.
Manta Rays: Spot these gentle giants swimming near the coast.
Sea Turtles: These ancient creatures often come to shore to nest.
Sea Lions: Playful and curious, they lounge on rocks and beaches.
Land Iguanas: Besides the special Santa Fe land iguana, other land iguanas also live here.

The island has fewer feral animals. This is due to its lack of fresh water. Minimal human disturbance makes it a haven for wildlife.

Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Santa Fe Island, part of the Galapagos, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Explore rugged landscapes home to the unique Santa Fe land iguana, snorkel with sea lions in crystal-clear waters, and spot Galapagos hawks soaring overhead. It’s a pristine destination for close encounters with iconic Galapagos species.