Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora

Experience the Best of Bartolome Island on a Private Day Trip from Puerto Ayora

If you’re visiting the Galápagos and want to make the most of your time, a Day Trip to Bartolome Island offers an exceptional blend of wildlife encounters, breathtaking views, and marine adventures—all in about 8 hours. For $370 per person, you get the chance to explore one of the most visually iconic islands, with the comfort and flexibility of a private yacht and guided by knowledgeable naturalists. Your journey begins with hotel pickup in Puerto Ayora, followed by a scenic cruise, and ends with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, hike, and relax.

What we love about this tour is the exclusive experience—it avoids the crowds and hassle of public transportation, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Plus, the guide’s insights and the well-organized itinerary make it a truly enriching day. On the flip side, since it’s a full-day adventure, it requires a moderate level of physical activity, including climbing stairs and walking. This tour suits travelers eager to see the highlights of Bartolome Island with comfort, a bit of adventure, and a good dose of wildlife.

In our view, this trip is ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those who want a curated, hassle-free way to experience the best of Galápagos in a single day. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, this tour offers enough variety to keep even seasoned explorers engaged.

Key Points

• Private yacht ensures comfort, exclusivity, and flexibility
• Wildlife encounters with sea turtles, penguins, and marine species
• Scenic hike to the summit offers panoramic views and photo opportunities
• Snorkeling gear provided for marine exploration
• All-inclusive with lunch, water, towels, and naturalist guide
• Weather-resistant operation, suitable for all conditions

Discovering Bartolome Island: A Full Breakdown

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Canal de Itabaca

Your day starts early with hotel pickup in Puerto Ayora, a thoughtful touch that saves you the stress of organizing transport. From there, it’s about a 50-minute drive to the Itabaca Canal, a scenic stretch where you’ll board your private yacht. This part of the trip is simple—just make sure to bring water and your camera, as you’ll want to capture the lush landscape and the iconic turquoise waters.

Once on board, safety instructions are explained, and the adventure begins. The yacht itself is a comfortable vessel, accommodating up to 20 travelers, which means you won’t be lost in a crowd. Reviews mention that the yacht is in excellent condition, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Climbing to the Summit: My Galapagos Tour

The highlight of your island visit is the trek to the top of the extinct volcano—a wooden trail leading to panoramic viewpoints of the island and surrounding waters. The climb is moderate and well-maintained, making it accessible for most travelers with moderate fitness. The views from the summit are what make it worthwhile—you’ll see sweeping landscapes, volcanic formations, and the famous Pinnacle Rock.

One reviewer noted that the stairs felt worth it, describing the entire experience as “stunning.” The guided hike not only offers spectacular scenery but also plenty of opportunities to learn about the volcanic origins of the Galápagos.

Snorkeling at Sullivan Bay

After the hike, your boat will take you to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, just minutes from Bartolome. Here, snorkeling is the star activity, with the chance to swim alongside sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, white-tip sharks, rays, and an array of colorful fish. The shallow waters are perfect for observing marine life up close, even if you’re not an expert swimmer.

Guests frequently praise the quality of the snorkeling, with many saying it’s the best part of the trip. One review described it as “amazing,” with encounters that felt like swimming in an aquarium. Remember, snorkeling gear is included, but wetsuits are not—they’re available for rent if you want extra warmth.

Return and Relaxation

Your time on Sullivan Bay is about an hour, after which you’ll disembark the yacht and head back to Puerto Ayora. The return trip offers a chance to reflect on the incredible sights and wildlife you’ve encountered. The entire tour is well-paced, with enough time allocated for each activity without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides and Impressive Wildlife Encounters

Guests consistently mention their guides—like Diego and Joselyn—as being informative, friendly, and attentive. They enrich your experience with facts about the geology, flora, and fauna, often pointing out creatures you might miss on your own. For wildlife lovers, the chance to see penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, and even dolphins in their natural habitat is a real highlight.

Comfort and Convenience

The private yacht ensures a smooth, comfortable ride and allows for flexible timing. The included transport, food, towels, and water refills mean you don’t need to worry about logistics. Reviews highlight the excellent food—a surprising feature given the remote setting—with some calling it “a three-course meal.”

Stunning Views and Photography Opportunities

Climbing to the summit on Bartolome offers breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re capturing that perfect shot of Pinnacle Rock or the volcanic landscape, this trip provides ample opportunities for memorable photos. The scenery from the top has been called “amazing” and “worth every step.”

Considerations and Tips for Travelers

While the tour is well-organized and highly praised, keep in mind that it’s a moderate physical activity, suitable for most but not all. Climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain is involved, so comfortable shoes and water are recommended. Weather can vary, so bring appropriate clothing—though the tour operates in all conditions, a light rain jacket might be handy.

Since the tour is non-refundable, ensure your plans are firm before booking. It’s best suited for travelers who value guided, all-inclusive experiences and are keen to see a broad range of wildlife and landscapes in one day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for nature enthusiasts eager to see iconic Galápagos wildlife and landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s also great for those who prefer a private, guided experience with comfort and flexibility. Photographers will appreciate the varied scenery and wildlife opportunities, while travelers with a moderate fitness level will find the activities manageable and rewarding.

Final Thoughts: Our Take on the Bartolome Island Day Trip

This day trip strikes a good balance between structured activities and free exploration, all wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package. The emphasis on wildlife sightings, scenic views, and snorkeling makes it a valuable addition to any Galápagos itinerary. The reviews consistently praise the guides, the food, and the wildlife encounters—which means you’re likely to come away with plenty of memorable moments.

While it’s not a cheap experience, the value lies in the variety of activities, the quality of the transport, and the chance to see so much in one day. It suits travelers who want an immersive, well-rounded Galápagos experience without sacrificing comfort or organization.

FAQ

How early do I need to book this tour?
It’s recommended to book about 68 days in advance, especially if you want a specific date, as it’s quite popular.

Is pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

What’s the duration of the tour?
Approximately 8 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the late afternoon.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling, hiking to the summit, wildlife viewing, and relaxing on the beach are the main activities.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options can be requested at the time of booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult; the physical activities are moderate, so it’s best for kids comfortable with walking and climbing stairs.

What should I bring?
Bring water, camera, sunscreen, hat, and comfortable shoes. Wetsuits are not included but available for rent.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and possibly dolphins.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
It operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for possible rain or sun.

In sum, this Bartolome Island day trip provides a carefully curated, immersive experience for anyone eager to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos in comfort and style. It’s a fantastic choice for wildlife lovers, photographers, and those wanting to maximize their time on these extraordinary islands.