Tour to Bartolome Island + Bahia Sulivan

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and diverse array of wildlife, and the tour to Bartolome Island and Bahia Sulivan offers an exceptional opportunity to experience this remarkable destination. Guests can anticipate an unforgettable adventure, complete with a scenic yacht ride, the chance to witness the iconic Pinnacle Rock, and the possibility of encountering playful Galapagos penguins and graceful sea turtles during a snorkeling excursion. The tour also includes a captivating hike to an inactive volcano, rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the unique volcanic landscape. This immersive experience showcases the true essence of the Galapagos Islands, leaving one eager to uncover more about the wonders that await.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Puerto Ayora.

Key Points

• The tour departs from Puerto Ayora, and includes a 2.5-hour yacht ride to Bartolome Island, a hiking trail to an inactive volcano, and snorkeling opportunities.
• Bartolome Island’s main attractions are the Pinnacle Rock, two golden sand beaches, and diverse wildlife such as Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sharks, and sea lions.
• The tour provides snorkeling equipment, lunch, and air-conditioned transportation, with a starting price of $450 per person.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness, with a 365-step hike to the volcano’s summit.
• The tour is operated by GalapagosBKtours, with mixed feedback on booking experiences and an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 16 reviews.

Tour Overview and Itinerary

The tour to Bartolome Island starts at 6:15 AM with a departure from Puerto Ayora, Ecuador.

It’s an approximately 2.5-hour yacht ride to reach the island.

The main attractions include the iconic Pinnacle Rock, two half-moon beaches with golden sands, and opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife viewing, like Galapagos penguins and sea turtles.

Hikers will enjoy a wooden path leading to the top of an inactive volcano, offering spectacular views.

This tour provides the use of snorkeling equipment, lunch, and air-conditioned transportation, starting from $450 per person.

However, the booking is non-refundable, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Inclusions and Pricing

What does the Bartolome Island tour include, and how much does it cost?

The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, a provided lunch, and transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle.

Pricing for this experience starts at $450.00 per person.

It’s important to note that this tour is non-refundable, and any cancellation will result in no refund.

Confirmation for the tour is provided at the time of booking.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required due to the hiking involved.

Wildlife and Activities

Visitors to Bartolome Island can expect a range of wildlife sightings during their tour. Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, and sharks are commonly spotted, along with sea lions and Galapagos hawks.

The snorkeling experience allows travelers to swim alongside diverse marine life, including octopus and rays.

On land, the tour includes a hike up a wooden path leading to the top of an inactive volcano, offering spectacular views. With approximately 365 steps, the hike provides a moderate level of physical activity.

Sunbathing on the island’s two half-moon beaches with golden sands is also a popular activity.

Tour Operator and Booking Insights

GalapagosBKtours operates the tour to Bartolome Island. The company is recommended as booking directly with them can be less expensive than third-party platforms like TripAdvisor.

However, feedback on booking experiences has been mixed, with some travelers reporting they paid significantly more when booking through third-party sites.

The agency’s tours are generally well-organized, with quality equipment and guides, leading to memorable experiences on Bartolome Island.

While the overall rating is 4.5 stars from 16 reviews, some customers suggest booking locally in Santa Cruz may result in better prices.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

The tour to Bartolome Island has garnered an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 16 reviews.

Travelers have praised the tour’s beautiful landscapes, excellent snorkeling experiences, and the friendly and professional guides.

However, some critiques have emerged, with suggestions to book locally in Santa Cruz for better prices compared to third-party platforms like TripAdvisor.

The key customer experiences include:

1. Organized tours, quality equipment, and memorable experiences on Bartolome Island.
2. Occasional reports of feeling overcharged when booking through TripAdvisor.
3. Recommendations to book directly with the tour agency, GalapagosBKtours, for potentially more affordable pricing.

Scenic Highlights of Bartolome Island

Bartolome Island offers a captivating landscape that leaves visitors in awe. The Pinnacle Rock, a striking volcanic formation, stands tall against the backdrop of the island’s two crescent-shaped beaches.

These golden sandy stretches provide the perfect spots for sunbathing and wildlife viewing, with the chance to spot Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and a variety of marine life.

The highlight of the visit is the scenic hike up a wooden path, leading to the top of an inactive volcano. From this vantage point, travelers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s unique volcanic terrain and the surrounding turquoise waters of the Galapagos.

Snorkeling and Marine Life Encounters

During the Bartolome Island tour, visitors can enjoy the rich marine life of the Galapagos.

The snorkeling experience offers the chance to encounter a diverse array of aquatic species, including:

1. Galapagos penguins, known for their playful antics as they glide through the water.
2. Sea turtles gracefully swimming by, their shells glistening in the sun.
3. Curious reef sharks patrolling the underwater landscape, providing an exciting glimpse into the predatory side of this ecosystem.

With the provided snorkeling equipment, travelers can effortlessly explore the vibrant coral reefs and witness firsthand the remarkable biodiversity that makes the Galapagos Islands a truly unique destination.

Hiking and Volcanic Landscape

Atop Bartolome Island, visitors embark on a captivating hike along a wooden path that winds its way up an inactive volcano.

The trek, which spans approximately 365 steps, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s dramatic landscape. As hikers ascend, they’re treated to a stunning display of volcanic formations, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock, a towering spire that juts out from the ocean.

The hike culminates at the summit, where visitors can gaze out over the island’s two crescent-shaped beaches and azure waters teeming with marine life.

This unique experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the Galapagos Islands’ volcanic origins and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Clothing and Gear Should I Bring?

Travelers should bring lightweight, quick-drying clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, towel, sun hat, sunscreen, and water. Plus, they should bring snorkeling gear if not provided by the tour operator.

How Long Does the Hike to the Viewpoint Take?

The hike to the viewpoint takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete, according to the tour overview. It’s a wooden path leading up an inactive volcano, with around 365 steps required to reach the top for spectacular panoramic views.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any restroom facilities on Bartolome Island. However, the yacht used for transportation likely has basic restrooms. It’s best to enquire with the tour operator about restroom access during the excursion.

Can I Visit Bartolome Island on My Own, Without a Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore Bartolome Island on their own without a tour. However, independent travel requires obtaining a permit, arranging transportation, and adhering to Galapagos National Park regulations. Booking a guided tour simplifies logistics and ensures a safe, educational experience.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate in the Snorkeling?

You don’t need to know how to swim to participate in the snorkeling, but it’s strongly recommended. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, and the guides will provide instructions on how to use it effectively during the activity.

Recap

The tour to Bartolome Island and Bahia Sulivan offers an unforgettable adventure in the Galapagos Islands. Visitors can explore Pinnacle Rock, relax on golden sand beaches, and snorkel with Galapagos penguins and sea turtles. Hiking to an inactive volcano rewards guests with breathtaking panoramic views of the unique volcanic landscape. This immersive experience showcases the natural beauty and biodiversity of this remarkable destination.