Santa Fe Island

Land excursion

Once on Santa Fe you will take a Land Excursion along a short, fruitful, loop that climbs through arid vegetation to a forest of giant Opuntia cacti (different species and varieties).

As you walk, watch out for Croton bushes (Croton scouleri), endemic plants with an indelible stain, and the spectacular Giant Prickly Pear Cacti unique to Santa Fe (Opuntia echios barringtonensis).

Around you on your journey will be the Land Iguana (Conolophus subcristatus), also endemic to Santa Fe and, the extremely rare endemic Rice Rat (Oryzomys bauri). Listen carefully for rustling sounds! Other animals you might spot include the Galapagos Dove (Zenaida galapagoensis), the Painted Locust, perhaps pursued by a Galapagos Snake (Pseudalsophis biserialis) and, as you reach the vantage point provided by the park monument, a Galapagos Hawk (Buteo galapagoensis).

Snorkeling

To cool down, your next activity will be a snorkeling excursion in the pretty, sheltered, turquoise-coloured waters of Barrington Bay. Located on the northeastern corner of the island, this provides a perfect anchorage and a good spot for playful with young Sea Lions (Zalophus wollebaeki). While snorkeling, expect to also see: schools of Yellow-tailed Surgeonfish, Sergeant Majors, Damsels, Parrotfish, Sting Rays, White-tipped Reef sharks and the odd Grouper. Behind the beach, is to be found Maytenus and Saltbush the latter with heart-shaped, puckered leaves. That even look and taste salty