Adventure Tours Santiago Island

Adventure Tours on Santiago Island

Santiago Island, in the Galapagos of Ecuador, offers guided adventure rather than rentals. Its tours are lava walks, snorkel stops, dives and panga rides, and they depart on a ship or on a day boat from Santa Cruz.

Reaching Santiago

There is no airport or ferry on Santiago. A full-day tour starts at a Puerto Ayora hotel around 6:00. It takes about 40 minutes by road to the Itabaca channel, then about 2 hours by boat. Local agencies quote about $250 per person.

What the tours include

• Lava walking at Sullivan Bay, across a flow from the late 19th century.
• Coastal walking at Puerto Egas, among fur seals and young sea lions.
• Snorkeling at Puerto Egas, Sullivan Bay and Espumilla.
• Diving at Cousins Rock with a dive centre, for intermediate divers.

Top tips

• Choose a licensed operator with park-authorised guides.
• Wear sturdy closed shoes and sun protection.
• Ask whether a wetsuit is included.

Safety reminders

• Stay within the 2 m wildlife distance.
• Follow the guide and the park rules.
• Drones are not allowed.

See adventure sports and day trips .