Although officially known as Santiago, the island is also variously known as James (its English name), Olmedo, Gil, and York. It covers a total surface area of 585 square kilometres, and its highest point is 907 metres above sea level.
Some of the potential landing sites and highlights around Santiago Island are shown below. There are two kinds of landing: a “dry” landing, where you step from the panga (dinghy) that takes you ashore directly onto rocks or a jetty, and a “wet” landing, where the panga edges into a sandy beach, and you step out into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
Buccaneer Cove
This cove bears testament to the fact that Santiago was once a refuge for British buccaneers, who would anchor in the sheltered bay to repair their ships and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch overlooking the beach of dark red sand, are a magnificent site.
Location highlights: Historical site, Rock formations
Activities: Snorkelling, Walking (Approximately 1km hike along the beach)
Landing conditions: All times: Wet
Physical demand: Gentle
Playa Espumilla
This beach is a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs, which attract herons in search of food. Snorkelling here is highly recommended – the abundance of marine life includes octopus, moray eels and sharks.
Activities: Snorkelling, Swimming
Landing conditions: All times: Wet
Physical demand: Gentle
Puerto Egas
Also known as James Bay, this site is home to Galapagos hawks and nimble Galapagos lava lizards. The visitor trail leads to a coastline with tidal pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos sealions bathe in the sun. It’s also a great place for snorkelling.
Ideal for viewing: Galapagos penguin, South American fur seal, Galapagos hawk, lava lizard, American flamingo, Sally Lightfoot crab, marine iguana, brown pelican
Where: Central islands, Galapagos Islands
Wildlife trips
This
wildlife location
is featured in the following itineraries:
Combine two of South America’s finest wildlife destinations – the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. View the outstanding variety of wildlife on walking trails and by boat from a luxury eco-lodge in the Amazon jungle, and cruise the unique Galapagos archipelago for close-up wildlife encounters.
Find out more about Wildlife of Ecuador & the Galapagos
This 7-night luxury expedition voyage, uncovers the delights of the eastern islands, combining unparalleled natural beauty, exotic wildlife, and remarkable history. Your companions on the trip include endemic giant tortoise, Galapagos penguin, dense colonies of land iguana and the rare waved albatross.
Find out more about East Galapagos Luxury Expedition
Travelling aboard the exclusively chartered MV Beluga in the company of broadcaster Mark Carwardine and Founder Chris Breen, we have designed a comprehensive itinerary to experience and photograph the famed wildlife of the Galapagos gaining a fascinating insight into the ecology of the archipelago.
Find out more about Galapagos Exclusive with Mark Carwardine
Boasting an astonishing array of wildlife, this bucket-list expedition combines the very best of the east and west Galapagos islands, in search of exotic marine life, a wonderful array of bird species, and fascinating terrestrial animals, all from the comfort of a luxurious, expedition superyacht.
Find out more about Ultimate Galapagos Luxury Expedition
Journey through two of the most wildlife-rich destinations on Earth - the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest. From the remote volcanic landscapes of the Galápagos to the vibrant jungles of the Ecuadorian Amazon, this adventure offers the opportunity to witness rare and extraordinary species up close.
Find out more about Unforgettable Galápagos & Amazon Rainforest Retreat
Explore the west Galapagos Islands, on board a luxury expedition superyacht. Home to large colonies of marine iguana, sea lions basking in the sun, and iconic blue-footed boobies displaying their legendary mating dances, these enchanting islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Find out more about West Galapagos Luxury Expedition
Spend a week cruising some of the larger islands in the Galapagos, including Isabela, the largest of the archipelago and home to flamingos, Galapagos penguins, green turtles and land iguanas. Discover a host of unique bird species, including magnificent frigatebirds and iconic blue-footed boobies.
Find out more about Western Galapagos Highlights
This intimate and luxurious superyacht boasts custom-designed interiors, a sun deck with outdoor dining, a panoramic indoor lounge and a lower deck swim platform. With seven individually designed cabins and a timeless, yet contemporary, style throughout, Aqua Mare is a superb luxurious choice.
Find Out More about Aqua Mare
This charming vessel provides comfortable accommodation for your exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With a maximum of 16 passengers, in eight well-appointed cabins, this small-ship offers an intimate sailing experience and all the amenities you would expect of a high-quality motor vessel.
Find Out More about Cachalote Explorer
The Santa Cruz II is an elegant vessel, which carries 90 passengers in 50 modern cabins. Air conditioned throughout, facilities across the five spacious decks include indoor and outdoor dining, a lounge bar, library, a gym and two hot tubs overlooking the ocean. Activities include kayaking and snorkelling.
Find Out More about Santa Cruz II
LUXURY VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
