Full Day Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay

Set out on a captivating adventure to Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay, where nature’s wonders await. This full-day tour offers a chance to hike to the volcanic summit, snorkel amid vibrant marine life, and relax on the stunning Playa Dorada. With a small group size and knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience while savoring local Ecuadorian cuisine. Round-trip hotel pickup ensures a seamless journey, but the true allure of this excursion lies in the opportunity to learn about the breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems that make this region so captivating.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Full-Day Tours In Santa Cruz.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the volcanic landscapes of Bartolome Island and the marine life of Sullivan Bay through hiking, snorkeling, and visiting Playa Dorada.
• Participants can enjoy panoramic views from the top of Bartolome’s volcanic cone and potentially spot lava lizards and Galapagos hawks during the moderately challenging hike.
• Snorkeling at Sullivan Bay provides opportunities to encounter sea lions and schools of colorful fish in the shallow, vibrant waters.
• The tour includes a visit to Playa Dorada, a pristine beach home to resident penguins, offering chances to observe the delicate ecosystem.
• Transportation, a satisfying local lunch, and a small group size of 10 or fewer participants are provided for a personalized Galapagos experience.

Tour Overview

The full-day Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay tour takes explorers on a captivating journey through the scenic landscapes of Santa Cruz, Ecuador.

Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews, this tour boasts a limited group size of 10 participants to ensure a personal experience.

Spanning the full day, the tour begins at 6:00 am and includes activities such as hiking to volcanic viewpoints, snorkeling at Sullivan Bay, and visiting the penguin-populated Playa Dorada.

Lunch is provided, and while snorkeling equipment is included, wetsuits can be rented at an additional cost.

With round-trip hotel pickup and a professional guide, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s natural wonders.

Hiking to Volcanic Top

Hiking to the volcanic top offers visitors a unique vantage point to admire Bartolome Island’s dramatic landscape. The trail winds its way up the volcanic cone, providing sweeping views of the surrounding islands and the turquoise waters of the Galapagos.

Along the way, hikers may spot small lava lizards and Galapagos hawks soaring overhead. The hike is moderately challenging, with some steep sections, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort.

Visitors can take their time exploring the volcanic landscape, snapping photos, and taking in the serene beauty of this remarkable natural wonder.

Snorkeling at Sullivan Bay

After exploring the volcanic terrain, the tour moves on to the next highlight – snorkeling at Sullivan Bay. The shallow waters of Sullivan Bay offer the perfect opportunity to take in the vibrant marine life of the Galapagos. Snorkelers can expect to encounter a variety of species, from playful sea lions to schools of colorful fish. The provided snorkeling equipment, including masks and fins, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable underwater experience. However, wetsuits are not included and must be rented at an additional cost.

Inclusions	Details
Snorkeling Gear	Mask and fins provided
Wet Suits	Rental available at additional cost
Marine Life	Sea lions, fish, and more
Location	Shallow waters of Sullivan Bay

Visiting Playa Dorada

Playa Dorada, a pristine beach on Bartolome Island, beckons visitors to witness the captivating presence of resident penguins.

This unique geological formation, shaped by volcanic activity, offers an enchanting opportunity to observe these remarkable seabirds in their natural habitat.

The tour’s itinerary includes a visit to this remarkable location, where guests can:

• Observe the penguins as they bask in the sun or dive into the turquoise waters
• Capture stunning photographs of the picturesque beach and its iconic inhabitants
• Appreciate the delicate balance of the ecosystem that sustains these remarkable creatures

Witnessing the penguins of Playa Dorada is an unforgettable highlight of the Bartolome Island adventure.

Included Lunch Experience

During the Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay tour, participants are treated to an included lunch, providing a welcomed respite from the day’s activities.

The tour operator ensures a satisfying midday meal, served on board the boat or at a designated location. Guests can expect a variety of local Ecuadorian dishes, often featuring fresh seafood and seasonal produce.

The lunch offers a chance to refuel and recharge before the afternoon’s snorkeling and hiking adventures.

Transportation and Pickup

Convenience and accessibility are priorities for the tour operator, who arranges round-trip hotel pickups within the urban perimeter of Puerto Ayora.

Guests have the option to meet at a designated meeting point:

• 7M2P+VF6, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
• Details provided by the tour operator upon booking

The tour returns to the original meeting point at the end.

This streamlined pickup and drop-off process ensures a smooth start and finish to the day-long adventure on Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay tour is straightforward, with confirmations received at the time of booking. However, the cancellation policy is strict, as the tour is non-refundable with no refunds for cancellations.

Booking	Cancellation
Confirmation provided upon booking	Non-refundable
No special booking requirements	No refunds for cancellations
Can be booked online or through operator	Strict policy in place
Small group size limited to 10 participants	Lack of flexibility for changes

The clear booking process and firm cancellation policy ensure the tour operator can provide a personalized experience for the small group. Guests should be aware of the cancellation terms when reserving their spot on this Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay adventure.

Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about the Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay tour? The reviews paint a mixed picture.

On the positive side, customers praise the knowledgeable guide, enjoyable wildlife sightings, and the provided lunch. As one reviewer notes, "Good crew and lunch; informative guide; enjoyable wildlife sightings." Others found the tour fun with great photography opportunities.

However, some felt the experience was predominantly a boat ride with choppy waters, and that the tour was overpriced compared to in-person booking options. As one customer commented, "Experience described as predominantly boat ride with choppy waters."

Recap

The Full Day Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay tour offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Guests can experience a moderate hike, snorkel in vibrant waters, and relax at stunning Playa Dorada, all while enjoying delicious local cuisine. With round-trip hotel pickup and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises memorable wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive Galapagos experience.