Adventure Sports Santiago Island

Adventure Sports and Santiago Island

On Santiago Island in the Galapagos, adventure means guided snorkeling, diving and rough lava underfoot. The island is uninhabited, with no rental shops, lodges or hostels, so you travel by boat with a licensed guide.

Snorkeling

Puerto Egas, Sullivan Bay and Espumilla Beach appear as snorkel stops in operator programmes. The water is cool from June to November, so wetsuits are usually needed.

Diving

Cousins Rock, a rock about 10 m high, lies north-east of Santiago. Dive centres in Puerto Ayora run day trips to it with Bartolome, and liveaboards go there too. Intermediate divers should find the moderate currents manageable, and sharks and rays are commonly seen.

Lava hiking

Sullivan Bay’s lava trail runs roughly 1.5 km over a young flow. The surface is uneven and has no shade.

Getting there

The island is reached by a cruise or a full-day boat trip from Santa Cruz, with no ferry or flight to Santiago itself.

Safety reminders

• Go with a park-authorised guide.
• Wear closed, sturdy shoes.
• Give big male sea lions space, because they can be aggressive.
• Stay 2 m from wildlife.

See outdoor activities for more.