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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

Santa Fe land iguana

Santa Fe Island

1 Day from $265
Embark on an unforgettable one-day trip aboard the Galaxy Daily to discover the natural beauty of Santa Fe Island in the Galapagos. Enjoy a wet landing, and a walking tour to see unique species, swim, and snorkel in Encañada's warm waters to observe marine life. An unforgettable experience awaits.
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Wildlife in the Galapagos

Finch Bay Eco-Hotel

5 Days from $3,410
Set the pace of your Galapagos adventure with a 5-day stay at the Finch Bay Eco-Hotel. Spend your time exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of the islands or relax in the comfort of your seaside hotel. Additional excursions can also be arranged if you wish.
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Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands

Wild Galapagos Escape

7 Days from $6,864
Discover the vibrant islands of the Galápagos through fascinating activities such as walking and trekking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. The National Geographic Islander II, an all-suite vessel, elevates the Galápagos experience with new levels of style and comfort. 
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Private Charter - Southern Islands aboard Calipso

4 Days from $39,450
This 4-day Southern Islands Private cruise on the Calipso explores the islands of South Plaza, Santa Fe, Floreana, and Santa Cruz. Encounter orcas, sea lions, land iguanas, giant tortoises, abundant bird life and more as you hike, snorkel and kayak.
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Sea lions on Fernandina Island

Southern Islands

4 Days from $2,845
The Calipso's Southern Islands voyage visits the islands of South Plaza, Santa Fe, Floreana, and Santa Cruz in four days. Hike, snorkel, and kayak your way through orcas, sea lions, gigantic tortoises, land iguanas, and an abundance of birdlife. Spectacular vistas, vibrant snorkeling spots, as well as secluded beaches greet you on your Galapagos excursion.
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South Plaza Island

Central East Islands

5 Days from $8,195
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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Pinnacle rock in Bartolome

Galapagos Luxury Catamaran Cruise

5 Days from $6,845
This unique small ship adventure on the Cormorant II visits the Central Islands of the Galapagos. Over the course of 5 days, discover the unique wildlife and landscapes of this fascinating island chain.
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South Plaza Island

Northeast Islands

5 Days from $4,050
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Top 10 Luxury Cruises & Tours Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Private Charter - Footsteps Back in Time Aboard Evolution $321,400 8 Mar 29, 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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Central East & Southern Islands $12,995 8 Apr 10, 2025 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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Footsteps Back in Time $9,400 8 Mar 29, 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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Western & Eastern Islands $14,495 9 Apr 06, 2025 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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Private Charter - Eastern Islands Aboard La Pinta $287,358 5 Apr 03, 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 Mar 30, 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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Eastern Islands $5,870 5 Apr 03, 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 Mar 30, 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 - Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise Aboard Ocean Spray $93,290 6 Mar 27, 2025 Board the Ocean Spray, a 16-passenger luxury catamaran, on this 6-day private cruise aboard one of the best yachts in Galapagos. 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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Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise $6,190 6 Mar 27, 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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10 Best Cruise Ships Visiting Santa Fe Island for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Aida Maria $1,936 Mar 23, 2025 No matter which part of the Galapagos Islands you'd like to experience, this boat has an itinerary for you. Balancing efficiency, comfort, and economy, the Aida Maria's 16 passengers will enjoy great food and good service all for reasonable prices.
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Anahi $3,150 Mar 28, 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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Beluga $4,400 Mar 26, 2025 The Beluga is a lovely, 110 foot, single steel-hulled motor yacht. It is fully air-conditioned and accommodates 16 passengers in double staterooms, each with private bathroom and hot water shower.
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Cachalote Explorer $3,300 Mar 26, 2025 The Cachalote Explorer is one of the Galapagos' premier motor yachts. 16 guests sail the islands in 8 stylish cabins, hiking on the Islands and snorkeling in the pristine waters of Galapagos on 6, 8 and 15-day tours of the Galapagos Islands.
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Corals $1,959 Mar 23, 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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Evolution $9,400 Mar 29, 2025 Named for Darwin's famous theory, the Evolution is a comfortable motor yacht ideal for families or travelers hoping to get in some diving on their Galapagos vacation. The itineraries focus on the natural experience and give you engaging ways to experience what the Islands' first explorers did centuries ago.
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Fragata $2,137 Mar 24, 2025 The Fragata is a spacious and comfortable motor yacht that accommodates 16 passengers in cozy double, matrimonial and single cabins, all decorated and equipped to provide guests a relaxing cruise in the Galapagos islands.
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Galapagos Legend $2,020 Mar 24, 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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Grace $10,450 Mar 25, 2025 Explore the Galapagos in one of the most elegant yachts in the Islands. This boat lives up to its prestigious name with both comfort and service, featuring a sun deck with a Jacuzzi, delicious meals served either inside or in the al fresco dining area, comfortable staterooms, & even a kids' area. Plus, the itineraries highlight the best of nature.
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Samba $5,000 Mar 25, 2025 Enjoy the Galapagos Islands aboard this charming motor sailer, offering its 14 guests the a unique experience. With safety and courtesy as the number one priority, a highly trained bilingual crew will lead you on navigations to all corners of this island paradise as passengers appreciate the spacious cabins and several social areas.
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Santa Fe Island Stories

Beautiful Emerald Valley

Santa Fe and South Plaza Islands
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Me and a gentle giant

Sea Lions, Sharks, and Snorkeling at Santa Fe
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Other Galapagos Island Guides:

More Galapagos Island Guides: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Chinese Hat, Rabida, Bartolome, Genovesa, Baltra, Espanola, South Plazas, Mosquera, Daphne Islands, and Wolf & Darwin Islands.

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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