Bartolomé Island

Bartolomé Island Galápagos Travel Guide

Bartolomé Island is one of the most iconic and photogenic locations in the Galápagos Islands. Located off the eastern coast of Santiago Island, Bartolomé is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape, panoramic summit views, and the striking Pinnacle Rock that juts from the shoreline like a stone spear. Though small in size, this uninhabited island offers visitors a perfect blend of scenic beauty, geological wonder, and underwater adventure.

Highlights of Bartolomé Island Galápagos

• Pinnacle Rock: This towering basalt formation is the island’s most recognizable feature and a favorite backdrop for Galápagos photos. It also serves as a habitat for Galápagos penguins, one of the smallest penguin species in the world.
• Summit Trail: A boardwalk-style path with wooden stairs leads to the island’s highest point, offering a panoramic view over volcanic cones, lava fields, and surrounding turquoise waters. The 30- to 45-minute hike is moderately challenging but rewarding.
• Snorkeling: The calm waters around Pinnacle Rock are a top snorkeling destination, where you can swim with sea lions, penguins, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish.
• Lava Landscapes: Explore Bartolomé’s surreal terrain of lava tubes, spatter cones, and ash-covered formations that showcase the volcanic origin of the Galápagos.

Best Time to Visit Bartolomé Island Galápagos

Bartolomé Island is a year-round destination, but the experience may vary by season:

• December to May (Warm Season): Warmer water temperatures and calmer seas make this an ideal time for snorkeling. The landscape is more green due to seasonal rains.
• June to November (Cool Season): Cooler, nutrient-rich waters support greater marine life activity, especially for those interested in spotting penguins and sea birds.

For the best photos, visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight creates dramatic shadows across the volcanic terrain.

Getting to Bartolomé Island Galápagos

Bartolomé Island is accessible only by guided boat tour. Most day trips depart from Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora) and take 1.5 to 2 hours by speedboat. It’s also a popular stop on multi-day Galápagos cruises.

• Landing Type: Dry landing—boats pull up alongside the dock and you step directly onto a platform or rocks.
• Tour Duration: Full-day tours typically include a hike to the summit, snorkeling, and lunch on board the boat.

Ticket Information for Bartolomé Island Galápagos

• Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee: $200 USD per adult, $100 USD per child under 12 (paid upon arrival in the islands).
• Transit Control Card: $20 USD per person, required before departure from the mainland.
• Tour Cost: Day trips to Bartolomé generally range from $200–$350 USD per person depending on the operator, and include transportation, guide services, snorkeling equipment, and meals.

Note: All visits must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide. Independent access is not allowed.

Tips for Visiting Bartolomé Island Galápagos

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The summit trail includes about 370 steps. Lightweight hiking shoes or athletic sneakers are recommended.
• Bring a Hat and Sunscreen: There is no shade on the trail, and the equatorial sun is strong.
• Pack a Waterproof Camera: Snorkeling around Pinnacle Rock offers some of the best underwater photography opportunities in the Galápagos.
• Take Seasickness Medication: The ride to Bartolomé can be choppy—consider motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive to rough seas.

Nearby Attractions

• Santiago Island: Located just west of Bartolomé, Santiago features lava flows, tide pools, and wildlife-rich sites like Sullivan Bay.
• North Seymour Island: Home to blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds, accessible via day tours from Santa Cruz.
• Santa Cruz Island: The tourism hub of the Galápagos, offering accommodations, dining, and additional excursions.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Bartolomé Island Galápagos

Bartolomé Island is a postcard-perfect destination that captures the essence of the Galápagos—unreal landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable views. Whether you’re climbing to the summit for sweeping vistas or snorkeling through clear waters below Pinnacle Rock, the island delivers an experience that’s as educational as it is awe-inspiring. Don’t miss this stop on your Galápagos itinerary!