Santa Fe Island, Galápagos

Home to two unique species

What you need to know about Santa Fe Island, Galápagos

Santa Fe is a small, flat island right in the center of the Galápagos archipelago, and is thought to be one of the oldest volcanoes here. Dating of the rocks below the water estimate they were formed almost 4 million years ago.

Santa Fe had it's own breed of Giant Tortoise that became extinct at some point in the 1800s due to being hunted for meat. There are two species that are unique to the island still present here - the Santa Fe Land Iguana, and the Santa Fe Rice Rat.

The Santa Fe iguanas live in the giant Opuntia forest that grows densley in the interior, and they feed on the fleshy parts of this cactus. Among other species common on Santa Fe are Galápagos Hawks, Darwin's Finches, and Galápagos Mockingbirds. Galápagos Sea Lions and Galápagos Sharks are often seen off the eastern coast.

Interesting facts about Santa Fe

Santa Fe is currently free of invasive rats. These are the biggest threat to the endemic Rice Rat

Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful and sheltered coves in the Galápagos

If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of a Galápagos Snake, rarely seen on Santa Fe

There are several colonies of Galápagos Sea Lions on the beaches around Santa Fe

Pictures of Santa Fe

Highlights in Santa Fe

A walk on Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a small, flat island right in the center of the Galápagos archipelago, and is thought to be one of the oldest volcanoes here. Dating of the rocks below the water estimates they were formed almost 4 million years ago.

Santa Fe had its own breed of Giant Tortoise that became extinct at some point in the 1800s due to being hunted for meat. There are two species that are unique to the island still present here - the Santa Fe Land Iguana, and the Santa Fe Rice Rat.

There is one visitor site on Santa Fe, and you will have a panga ride to a wet landing on the beach at Barrington Bay on the island's north coast. From here there are two hiking trails. One is a short loop close to the beach that takes you into an Opuntia forest filled with these massive cactus. This is the best opportunity to see the Santa Fe land iguanas and also other species such as Galápagos Hawks.

The second trail is a tougher proposition as it climbs quite steeply to the top of a cliff from where you will enjoy stunning views over the island's unspoilt interior.

Back on the beach you can join the Galápagos Sea Lions who often play in the waves and you can enjoy some wonderful snorkeling in the clear blue-green waters here.