Bartolomé Island & Sullivan Bay: volcanic landscapes, panoramic views and marine life in one day
The Bartolomé Island and Sullivan Bay tour from Santa Cruz combines two of the most photographed volcanic landscapes in the Galápagos: the summit viewpoint over Pinnacle Rock and the black lava fields of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Along the way you can snorkel in crystal-clear water, cruise the coast by zodiac when conditions allow, and learn how these islands were born from your certified bilingual naturalist guide.
What makes this tour special?
Few places in the archipelago show the volcanic origin of the islands as clearly as Bartolomé and Sullivan Bay. From the top of Bartolomé you see Pinnacle Rock, golden beaches, volcanic cones and the deep-blue waters of the central Galápagos. Across the channel, Sullivan Bay offers broad pāhoehoe lava formations where black rock meets turquoise water, an almost lunar scene that shows how lava cools into rope-like folds and how plants and animals begin to colonize new land.
Bartolomé Island: the route to the summit
After a safe landing, a guided walk follows the boardwalk and wooden staircase to the summit viewpoint, about 114 meters above sea level. The climb has between 395 and 400 steps and is manageable for travelers with moderate fitness, although the sun and heat can make it more demanding. Along the way your guide explains the island’s volcanic history and the geological formation of the Galápagos, and points out tuff cones, spatter formations, small lava tunnels and volcanic craters. The dry terrain is home to pioneer and endemic plants such as lava cactus and tiquilla, often visited by Darwin’s finches. At the top, take a moment to photograph Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island and Sullivan Bay. Did you know that Pinnacle Rock was formed from volcanic ash?
Coastal exploration around Pinnacle Rock
After the walk, and depending on seat availability and sea conditions, the crew may take you along the coast by zodiac. With a little luck you may spot the Galápagos penguin, the only tropical penguin in the world and the second smallest penguin on the planet. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on the season, conditions and the natural behavior of the animals.
Sullivan Bay: snorkeling and lava fields
Sullivan Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the Galápagos to snorkel thanks to its clear, relatively shallow water, where marine life can sometimes be seen close to the surface. Depending on the day’s authorized itinerary, the visit may also include a walk or coastal exploration over the pāhoehoe lava formations. The guide and crew choose the safest activity according to sea state, water conditions and visibility. Lunch is served on board.
Wildlife you may see
- Birds: Galápagos penguin, blue-footed booby, brown pelican, frigatebirds, lava gull, Darwin’s finches and other seabirds
- Marine life: green sea turtles, sea lions, reef sharks, rays, spotted eagle rays and tropical fish
- Reptiles: marine iguanas along the coast
Your day, step by step
- Pick-up in Puerto Ayora and land transfer to the Itabaca Channel.
- Boarding of the authorized vessel, crew safety briefing and navigation toward Bartolomé.
- Bartolomé Island: guided landing, volcanic interpretation and climb to the summit viewpoint.
- Coastal exploration around Pinnacle Rock, depending on the day’s authorized operation and sea conditions.
- Sullivan Bay: snorkeling and/or coastal volcanic exploration, with lunch on board.
- Navigation back to the Itabaca Channel and transfer to Puerto Ayora.
The sequence of activities can change with weather, sea conditions, safety considerations or Galápagos National Park instructions.
What’s included
- Round-trip transportation between Puerto Ayora and the Itabaca Channel
- Round-trip navigation on an authorized tourist vessel
- Certified bilingual naturalist guide (English-Spanish)
- Visit to Bartolomé Island and guided walk to the summit
- Visit and exploration of Sullivan Bay
- Snorkeling activity and equipment (mask and snorkel)
- Wetsuits and fins (if the size is provided at least 72 hours before the trip)
- Lunch on board
- Coffee and tea station, snacks and drinking water
- Towels
- Local tax
What’s not included
- International flights to/from Ecuador
- Round-trip flights to the Galápagos Islands (Quito or Guayaquil)
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per person)
- Transit Control Card (TCT) (USD 20 per person)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional services not listed
Practical information
Duration: full day.
Physical level: moderate. The walk is not technically difficult, but it includes 395 to 400 steps and sun exposure; you should be comfortable climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain. Snorkeling is optional, but you should feel comfortable entering the water and swimming.
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, beach sandals, swimsuit, hat or cap, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a light long-sleeve shirt, a dry bag, a camera or phone case, seasickness medication if you need it, and a light jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel?
Snorkeling is optional. You should feel comfortable in the water, and the guide and crew will decide the safest activity according to sea conditions.
Will I see penguins?
Bartolomé is one of the places where Galápagos penguins can be seen, but sightings depend on the season, conditions and the animals’ behavior, and are never guaranteed.
How do I book?
Book online or message us on WhatsApp at +593 98 976 7063 (US: +1 423 833 4470) and we will gladly confirm availability and guide you through the booking.
