Santiago Island Day Trip by Boat from Santa Cruz

Yes, you can see part of Santiago Island in a day from Santa Cruz, but it takes a full day and a boat. The trip leaves from the Puerto Ayora side of Santa Cruz, crosses to the central islands and lands you on Santiago’s Sullivan Bay lava field with a naturalist guide. Santiago itself has no town and no lodging, so you return to Santa Cruz at night.

Questions travellers ask

How long is the journey? Plan on a pickup at your hotel at about 6:00. Santa Cruz is crossed by road in around 40 minutes to reach the Itabaca channel, and the boat takes about 2 hours from there. Boats are usually back between 17:00 and 18:00.

What do you see? Most day trips are built around Bartolome, and Sullivan Bay on Santiago is the add-on. At Sullivan Bay you walk over lava from the late 19th century, with ropey textures, hornitos and tree molds about 150 m from the start of the path.

Is there a beach to swim from? Sullivan Bay is a lava field visited on a guided walk, so it is not a swimming beach. Snorkeling happens at designated stops on certain tours, with a guide.

Can I go alone? No. Landing is only possible with a licensed naturalist guide on an organised trip.

What does it cost? Local agencies in Puerto Ayora quote about $250 per person, and booking platforms list $296 to $364. One international platform shows as much as about $550. Wetsuits are usually extra. Prices are 2026 listings, so confirm with the seller.

Dive version of the day

Dive centres also run a day outing to Bartolome and Cousins Rock. The sites are about 1.5 hours from the Itabaca channel. The tour is priced at $270. Divers should be intermediate level because of moderate currents, and sharks and rays are commonly seen.

Packing list

  • Closed, sturdy shoes
  • Hat, sunscreen and water
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • US dollars in cash, in case the park fee needs paying in cash

Fees and rules

The park fee is $200 for foreign visitors aged 12 and over and is collected by rangers at the airport. The Transit Control Card is $20. Keep 2 m from wildlife and use no flash. See the Galapagos fee tables and the park rules .

Look for departures on Viator .

Read more: attraction tours , multi-day trips and sightseeing .