Top things to do & see at Bartolomé Island

Pinnacle Rock is not only one of Bartolomé Island’s most iconic sights, it has become a symbol of the Galapagos as a whole! Jutting from the water like a jagged shark’s fin, Pinnacle Rock was formed primarily by wind and water erosion, but also shaped by human involvement when Allied soldiers stationed in the Galapagos during the Second World War used the rock formation for target practice.

Today the stone spire serves as a perfect photo opportunity, while its submerged base can be explored via snorkeling. Behind Pinnacle Rock, a small cave serves a penguin breeding colony

Hiking on Bartolomé Island is the best way to explore this unique landscape. Visitors in search of adventure activities on the island will need look no farther than the 114 metre climb to the top of the volcano and to Overlook Point. Though it involves a hike, the climb is done over 378 wooden steps, making it accessible to most visitors.

Overlook Point offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and, far below, the shore and your adventure cruise ship bobbing in the water. This point also offers some of the best views of Pinnacle Rock and the island’s fantastic lava flows, offering a crash course in volcanology.

Snorkeling can be done from the white sand beach just to the east of Pinnacle Rock. Bartolomé Island underwater wildlife encounters include rays and reef sharks and the occasional penguin, in addition to candy-coloured tropical fish darting about the spectacular rock formations.

Despite its near lunar landscape, Bartolomé Island offers plenty of notable wildlife sightings, from the dragon-like marine iguanas and playful sea lion, to cruising reef sharks and regal lava herons. The island is also one of the best places to see the colorful Sally light-foot crab and spot the Galapagos penguin, the only penguin species found north of the equator.

Top Tips for visiting Bartolomé Island

• A good camera will be worth the extra weight on your hike to Overlook Point. You’ll want to shoot Pinnacle Rock from every possible angle.
• Despite the wooden steps leading to the top of Bartolomé Island’s volcano, a good pair of hiking shoes is recommended.

Best time to cruise Bartolomé Island

Anytime is the best time to visit Bartolomé Island, given that its geological highlights are unaffected by seasonality, while penguins nest and breed year round. Visitors should still plan ahead, however, there are better times of year to see wildlife and snorkeling conditions, in particular, may vary.

Bartolomé Island in January to March offers the best water visibility and excellent snorkeling conditions, while water temperatures are highest from February to April.

January to April on Bartolomé Island also brings intense sun and high temperatures, so bring sunblock, a good hat and plenty of water for your hike.

July to November bring more nutrient rich waters and a greater chance to see marine wildlife around the base of Pinnacle Rock.

Where do Bartolomé Island cruises depart from?

Galapagos small ship cruises that include Bartolomé Island on their itineraries usually depart from Baltra, Puerto Ayora or San Cristobal Island. Galapagos cruises departing from Baltra or Puerto Ayora are serviced by the airport on Isla Baltra. Puerto Ayora is approximately one hour from the airport, using public transport.

If your cruise is leaving from San Cristobal Island, you will be flying into San Cristobal Airport, near the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Either airport is reached via flights from mainland airports in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Our reservations team are available to help arrange your next Galapagos Adventure Cruise to Bartolomé Island. Contact us today.