Couple Activities Santiago Island

Santiago Island as a Couple

Santiago Island, in the Galapagos, has no beach bars, no spa and no hotel. A couple shares it through a boat outing or a cruise, with a naturalist guide always in the group.

Wildlife and scenery:

• Puerto Egas: a black-sand beach and lava shelf where Galapagos fur seals and young sea lions rest. Some tours include snorkeling from the beach.
• Espumilla Beach: reddish-gold sand with nesting green turtles and a lagoon behind.
• Sullivan Bay: a quiet lava field walk, shadeless and very hot in full sun.
• Sombrero Chino: a conical islet off Santiago’s south-east tip, with sea lions and, sometimes, penguins.

In the water:

• Snorkel together at the stops your guide picks. A wetsuit is worth renting between June and November.
• Certified divers can dive Cousins Rock, where sharks and rays are commonly seen.

Tips for two:

• Accommodation: a cruise cabin is the practical choice, because there is no lodging on Santiago. Day-trippers stay in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz.
• Pack: closed shoes, hats, sunscreen and water.
• Respect wildlife: keep 2 m back and never touch or feed animals.
• Money: foreign adults pay a $200 park fee, plus $20 for the Transit Control Card.

Read more: romantic getaways and group activities .