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The best time to visit Santa Fe Island in the Galapagos is during the dry season, from June to December, when the weather is cooler and wildlife activity is at its peak. Sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds are especially active during this period. The warm season from January to May offers calmer seas and excellent snorkeling conditions, with lush vegetation across the island.

Top tours to Santa Fe Island include guided day trips from Santa Cruz, featuring hikes to see the endemic Santa Fe land iguana and snorkeling with playful sea lions. Boat excursions allow visitors to explore hidden coves, while naturalist guides provide insight into the island’s unique ecosystem.

On Santa Fe Island, visitors can hike through cactus forests, observe diverse bird species, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish. Swimming with sea lions is a highlight, along with spotting turtles and rays. Photography and wildlife observation are main activities for travelers.

Santa Fe Island experiences a dry season (June–December) with cooler, windy weather and nutrient-rich waters, and a warm season (January–May) with higher temperatures averaging 25–30°C. Rain is more common in the warm season, making the island greener.

There is no airport on Santa Fe Island. Travelers arrive via day tours by boat from Santa Cruz Island, which is accessible through Seymour Airport on Baltra Island. Transfers between islands are arranged by tour operators.

There are no hotels on Santa Fe Island due to its protected status. Visitors typically stay in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, where accommodations range from luxury eco-hotels to budget guesthouses, all offering easy access to day tours.

No restaurants exist on Santa Fe Island. Dining options are found in Puerto Ayora, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Ecuadorian dishes, and international cuisine before or after day trips to the island.

The US dollar is the official currency in the Galapagos. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants on Santa Cruz, though cash is recommended for tours, small purchases, and tips. ATMs are available in Puerto Ayora.

While Santa Fe Island itself does not host festivals, the Galapagos region celebrates events such as San Cristóbal’s annual festivities in June and Isabela Island’s cultural celebrations. Visitors in Puerto Ayora can also enjoy local events and markets.

Santa Fe Island is one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago, known for its giant prickly pear cactus forests and endemic species like the Santa Fe land iguana. Its crystal waters and diverse marine life make it a prime destination for nature lovers and snorkelers.

Highlights of Santa Fe Island include Barrington Bay, where snorkeling with sea lions is unforgettable, and the cactus forest that provides habitat for land iguanas. Its pristine beaches and turquoise waters make it a jewel of the Galapagos.