Bartolomé is a small volcanic island off the coast of Santiago, and its famous view, the pointed tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock rising from a curve of golden sand between two bays, is the image most people have in mind when they picture the Galápagos. A wooden staircase of a few hundred steps climbs the volcanic cone to a summit lookout across a moonlike landscape of red and black lava, spatter cones and hardy pioneer plants. Below, the sheltered beaches are ideal for snorkeling, with reef fish, sea turtles and playful sea lions, and the rock itself is a place where Galápagos penguins sometimes appear in the water or on the shore. A day trip from Puerto Ayora crosses to the island by boat in the morning, usually lands for the climb with a naturalist guide, then moves to a beach for snorkeling and lunch before the return crossing. It is one of the longer day trips but also the most scenic, and the kind of excursion that makes a land-based stay feel like a cruise without the cabin.
The landscape tells a geological story. Bartolomé is young, and its barren slopes show how life colonises fresh lava: lava lizards, tiny lava cactus and tiger-striped flowers grow first, long before anything larger can survive. The climb is steady rather than steep, with rest platforms, and the top gives a wide view over Sullivan Bay and the rocky outcrops of Santiago. At the base, the beach on the north side is a good place to see marine life from the sand, while the south side is where visitors snorkel around the rock.
Planning
Crossing times are longer than for the closer islands, so expect an early start and a full day. Wear sturdy shoes for the stairs, a hat, sunscreen and a rash vest or wetsuit if you feel the cold, and bring water. The staircase is open and exposed, so go slowly in the heat. Snorkeling gear and sometimes wetsuits are provided by most operators, but ask in advance if you need a specific size. Boats are usually small enough that the swells can be noticeable, so take motion sickness tablets if needed.
Scheduling and costs
The national park regulates which islands each operator may visit on which days, so Bartolomé trips run only on certain days and sell out in busy months, which means booking a few days ahead is wise. The park entry fee, paid in cash on arrival at the island airport, is separate from the trip price, and you should confirm the amount before you travel.
Prices are higher than for the closer islands because the crossing is longer. For many travellers the view from the top, with the turquoise bays on both sides, is the single best photograph of the trip.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day boat trip with a landing, a staircase climb to the summit viewpoint and a snorkel stop with lunch on board.
Best time
Choose a morning departure on a day your operator runs Bartolomé; the light on the summit view is best earlier in the day.
How long
About nine to ten hours including the crossing, climb, snorkeling and lunch.
Tips
Bring sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water and motion sickness tablets, and go slowly on the exposed staircase.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the classic Galápagos view and a snorkel in the same day.
- Families
- Good for older children who can handle a long boat day and a few hundred steps, with snorkeling a highlight.
- Couples
- A scenic, romantic day with the best view of the trip and a quiet snorkel stop.
- Pair with
- North Seymour or Santa Fe on another date, plus Tortuga Bay on a rest day.
- Time needed
- A full day; book a few days ahead because operators run this island only on certain days.
Good questions
What is the famous view on Bartolomé?+
It is the panorama from the summit stairs of Pinnacle Rock rising between two curved bays, over a landscape of red and black lava.
Can I snorkel there?+
Yes. Most day trips include snorkeling at the sheltered beach by the rock, where you may see reef fish, turtles, sea lions and occasionally penguins.
How hard is the climb?+
It is a wooden staircase of a few hundred steps with rest platforms. It is steady rather than steep, but it is exposed, so go slowly in the heat.
Does the trip run every day?+
Not always, because the park assigns islands and days to operators. Check which days your operator runs Bartolomé and book a few days ahead.
What is not included in the price?+
The national park entry fee, paid in cash on arrival at the island airport, is separate, as are tips and drinks beyond what the operator provides.
