Bartolomé Island (Spanish: Isla Bartolomé) is the smallest island in the Santiago Island group inside the Galápagos Archipelago, overlaying a place of 1.2 square kilometers (0.74 rectangular miles). Its maximum factor reaches an elevation of 114 meters (374 ft) above sea degree. The iconic Pinnacle Rock, a staggering pointed obelisk rising from the sea area, serves as an image of Bartolomé Island.
This island turned shaped like a dormant volcano, showing various layers of crimson, orange, black, and even green colorations in its geological formations. Visitors ascend to the volcano's summit through stairs (taking 30 to 40 mins), in which they can experience one of the island's best panoramic views. They additionally get to explore a small but lovely seashore surrounded by unique flora, making it a really perfect spot for snorkeling and gazing at Galápagos penguins.
Bartolomé Island Map
| Name | Bartolomé Island (Spanish: Isla Bartolomé) |
| Country | Ecuador |
| Privince | Galápagos |
| Coordinates | 0.285°S 90.549°W |
| Area | 1.2 km2 (0.5 square miles) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 |
| Population | 0 |
| Airport | N/A |
History of Bartolomé Island
The island's name derives from a friend of Charles Darwin's, who accompanied him aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. Sir Bartholomew James Sullivan served as the chief surveyor and lieutenant during this renowned voyage. Sir Bartholomew was also honored by having Sullivan Bay (on Santiago Island) named after him.
How to Get to Bartolomé Island
Unfortunately, while theoretically viable, navigating to Bartolomé Island is fraught with challenges and setbacks because of numerous nearby restrictions, which include lets, guides, and specific vessel standards.
Due to the complete Galápagos Archipelago being an included country-wide park space, even locals can not visit Bartolomé Island without a professional park guide.
Reaching Bartolomé Island is the simplest possible way, as it involves day trips departing from Santa Cruz or as part of island-hopping cruises across the Galápagos Archipelago. Therefore, it's advisable to book a day trip from inhabited Santa Cruz Island, where your number one vacation spot ought to be.
To reach the Galápagos Archipelago, you first have to fly to Ecuador, as there are no direct global flights to the Galápagos Islands—leading airlines, including LATAM and Avianca, provide flights to this vacation spot.
Flights departing from Guayaquil arrive at the Galápagos Ecologic Airport located on Santa Cruz Island, with a flight time of approximately 2.5 hours. This airport, considered one of serving the Galápagos Islands, has earned the distinction of being the world's first "inexperienced" airport, predominantly powered through wind and solar power. The airport's designers have incorporated sustainable substances and included renewable strength sources to meet operational needs.
Day trips to Bartolomé Island start at $250 if booked locally in Santa Cruz, while online bookings may additionally begin at $340. Prices locally can exceed $350, depending on availability and vessel class.
As one of the most famous day trips from Santa Cruz, tours to Bartolomé frequently sell out days or maybe weeks in advance. Additionally, the Galápagos National Park strictly limits the number of daily site visitors to Bartolomé, along with the ones on cruise ships.
Best Activities on Bartolomé Island
Bartolomé Island sticks out as one of the most visited and photographed locations. Visitors can explore significant areas: a perfect panoramic viewing platform accessible through a wood boardwalk and a seashore perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Bartolomé warmly welcomes guests to experience the incredible natural richness of the Galápagos Archipelago, in which lush landscapes and captivating natural world anticipate. It serves as a fantastic backdrop for personal and organizational photography, showcasing charming penguins, crabs, and marine iguanas in opposition to jewel-toned hues.
Bartolomé Panoramic Viewing Platform offers a leisurely walk along a wood boardwalk, followed by a climb of 372 steps. The ascent to the 114-meter summit might also pose demanding situations in hot climates, so enough water is critical. At the pinnacle, traffic is treated to postcard-ideal views of the Galápagos Islands, with Pinnacle Rock and golden sands below. Volcanic formations, which include spatter cones and ash cones, are observable alongside the barren yet lovely lunar landscapes fashioned by historic lava flows. Pioneer vegetation, just like the endemic Tiquilia necrotic, lava cactus, and Scalesia, can also be seen.
Pinnacle Rock. A unique and without problems recognizable landmark inside the archipelago is the result of underwater volcanic eruptions where magma cools upon contact with seawater, leading to explosive lava bursts and the eventual formation of a massive rock comprised of skinny layers of basalt. Along the manner, different splendid viewpoints dot the panorama.
Beach and Snorkeling. Adventurers will begin snorkeling with quick Galápagos penguins in the bay. The fundamental snorkeling website is around Pinnacle Rock, wherein lucky site visitors can proportion the sea with darting penguins, playful sea lions, curious reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
Animals. Galápagos penguins, the sector's 2d smallest penguin species, have mounted a small breeding colony in a cave at the back of Pinnacle Rock. In July 2008, a malarial parasite became located within the penguins. For protection motives, Bartolomé's penguin populace is being monitored to ensure their fitness and survival. A short walk through plants leads to the southern beach (where swimming is not authorized), where eagle rays, spotted eagle rays, and blacktip sharks may be spotted. White-tip sharks are also commonplace close to each seashore.
Best Time to Bartolomé Island
Bartolomé Island has a hot season, additionally called the dry season, from December through early May and June. During those months, the weather is commonly sunny with slight climates and low breezes. While rainfall is minimal, there is mostly a mild wind. This duration takes into consideration the quality time to tour Bartolomé Island. It is ideal for diving due to the calm seas and excellent underwater visibility for watching the species residing there.
In summary, the best time to visit Bartolomé Island is from December to May. During these months, you can revel in sunny climates and navigate calm seas. If you desire to experience superior weather and wave conditions for all of your outside sports, those components have to be taken into consideration.
The Galápagos Archipelago is an international visitor destination, attracting lots of traffic for 12 months. However, the peak season in the Galápagos is generally from June to August, with a massive increase in tourists at some stage in December, Christmas, New Year, and Ecuadorian holidays. Conversely, October and November are taken into consideration shoulder or off-height seasons, with fewer vacationers due to rougher seas across the islands.
