Bartoloméw Island, or Bartolome Island as we called it, is volcanic in nature, but that didn’t stop my wife and me from finding it a fantastic destination. It’s truly a must-see on any Galapagos adventure.
We initially thought it might be a rocky area constantly shaped by volcanoes, maybe lacking in visual appeal. But we couldn’t have been more wrong. Some of the landscapes were so breathtaking it felt like the green and brown of the land were reaching out to meet the blue sky. Nature created an intentional mosaic here that made the land, sky, and water blend together like the pages of a picture book.
Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island immediately caught our attention with its unique, uneven conical shape. Visible from afar, it feels like a guiding beacon for travelers heading toward the sea—a landmark that’s impossible to miss.
We loved the climb to the island’s peak, a journey that offered an adventure as rewarding as the breathtaking beauty surrounding us. Beyond Pinnacle Rock, the island also reveals its charm underwater, where the stunning landscapes above continue below the surface. My wife and I were eager to explore it all, knowing each corner held something new to uncover.
If you’re planning to visit Bartolome Island, remember to book your tour ahead of time! The Galapagos National Park only allows a limited visitors each day, so getting a tour can be tough once you’re on the islands, especially if you’re staying for less than a week. We really suggest booking your tour online early so you’re sure to get a spot. You won’t want to miss out on seeing Bartolome when you visit the Galapagos!
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How to Get to Bartolome Island
Bartolome Island is conveniently just a two-hour sail from the Itabaca Channel, making it an easy and memorable day trip from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. It’s a must-see on any Galapagos Land Tour itinerary and a favorite stop for many Galapagos cruises. For us, the short journey was well worth it, knowing we were headed for one of the islands’ most iconic sites.
Bartolome Island Visitor Sites and Activities
At Bartolome, we found no shortage of activities to enjoy. We hiked to the summit for panoramic views, soaked in the beauty of its pristine beaches, and had an incredible time snorkeling right from the shore. For those who love diving, there’s even more to discover beneath the surface. There’s truly something for everyone on this picturesque island.
Panoramic Viewpoint
After a dry landing on the concrete pier, we began our climb on a 372-step wooden boardwalk and staircase leading up to Bartolome’s summit.
On a hot day, the ascent can be challenging, so we made sure to carry plenty of water. We took breaks whenever we needed—there’s plenty of space for others to pass, so there’s no rush to reach the top.
At the summit, we were rewarded with a breathtaking, postcard-worthy view of the Galapagos Islands. Below, we could see Pinnacle Rock and the golden sandy beach, framed by the deep blue waters of the bay.
Behind the bay lay the expansive black lava flows of Santiago Island, with the Daphne Major and Minor islands visible in the distance. Looking down, we also spotted our cruise ship docked in the bay’s brilliant waters.
Along the way, we noticed unique volcanic features like spatter cones and tuff cones, as well as patches of pioneer vegetation—the native Tiquilia nesiotica, Lava cactus, and Scalesia shrubs—all contributing to the stark, almost lunar landscape of ancient lava flows. It felt like stepping onto another planet.
Pinnacle Rock Beach
Visitors arrive at a stunning golden sand beach with a wet landing, where we had plenty of time to snorkel, swim, or simply relax in the sun.
For snorkeling, the north beach is the designated entry point, with the main snorkeling area located around Pinnacle Rock. Bartolome Island is renowned as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos, so we were excited to dive in and explore.
While snorkeling, we encountered some incredible marine life—playful penguins, curious sea lions, reef sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish. Each sighting made the experience unforgettable, adding a vibrant underwater world to our Bartolome adventure.
For those on the beach, there’s the option to simply relax and sunbathe or take a refreshing swim. Adventurous visitors can also enjoy a short walk through the mangroves to reach the south shore. From January through March, sea turtles come here to nest, and the shallow waters are a haven for reef sharks and rays.
While swimming isn’t allowed on the north beach, there’s often plenty of wildlife to observe right from the shore, adding a special touch to this unique coastal landscape.
Bartolome Island Dive Site
Due to an upwelling current, the waters around Bartolome are quite chilly. However, these cooler waters are nutrient-rich, making the area a prime feeding ground for Galapagos wildlife.
Blue-footed boobies and other seabirds flock to the region, drawn by the schools of fish. Sharks, sea lions, and Galapagos penguins are also frequent visitors, making it a hotspot for marine activity.
Bartolome’s diving site is set around a rocky platform with underwater cliffs that drop dramatically to the seabed, featuring terraced plateaus. This unique environment supports a wide array of marine life. We were amazed to spot seahorses clinging to black coral “stairs” and reef sharks gathered under the rocky overhangs—a truly fascinating underwater landscape.
Bottom Line
Bartolome is one of the most popular islands for tourists in the Galapagos, and it’s easy to see why. While the island may not have as much land-based wildlife, its incredible marine life more than makes up for it. Plus, the 360-degree view from the summit is truly the best panoramic viewpoint in the entire archipelago.
We highly recommend including Bartolome Island in your Galapagos itinerary—it’s a highlight of any adventure here, offering unforgettable sights both above and below the water.
If you’re planning to visit Bartolome Island, remember to book your tour ahead of time! The Galapagos National Park only allows a limited visitors each day, so getting a tour can be tough once you’re on the islands, especially if you’re staying for less than a week. We really suggest booking your tour online early so you’re sure to get a spot. You won’t want to miss out on seeing Bartolome when you visit the Galapagos!
