Solo Activities Santiago Island

Santiago Island on Your Own

Santiago Island, in the Galapagos, cannot be explored alone. Landings are allowed only with a licensed naturalist guide, so solo travellers join a group on a cruise or a day boat. The island has no residents, shops or beaches with facilities.

Visits that suit one traveller

• Day trip from Santa Cruz: a pickup near 6:00, about 40 minutes by road and about 2 hours by boat, with Bartolome and a Sullivan Bay walk. Local agencies quote about $250.
• Cruise: ask the operator how a single traveller is charged, since cabins are priced by class.
• Dive day: Dive centres in Puerto Ayora run trips to Cousins Rock.

What you see

• Sullivan Bay: a lava field, not a beach, where the walk is on a young flow with tree molds.
• Puerto Egas: fur seals and young sea lions on a lava shelf, with a coastal walk of about 2 km.
• Espumilla Beach: reddish-gold sand, nesting green turtles and a lagoon.

Looking after yourself

• Carry water and sun protection.
• Tell your guide if you feel unwell, since the lava is very hot in full sun.
• Keep 2 m from animals.

Foreign visitors aged 12 and over pay $200 at the park entrance.

See group activities and day trips .