Postcard photo from Galapagos!
Bartolomé is only 1,2 km2 small and still one of the most visited islands in the Galapagos. Lava formations, lava lizards and lava cacti. On Bartolomé you can find everything you would expect from a volcanic island. However, this is not the reason for the large number of visitors. The islet owes its fame to the fantastic viewpoint. Red volcanic rock, white beaches and turquoise blue water make every photographer's heart beat faster. And the famous Pinnacle Rock sits enthroned in the center of the scenery. This rock needle is the symbol of Bartolomé and a perfect photo opportunity. The fantastic view itself is even considered a landmark for the Galapagos.
Bartolomé Island this view is a landmark of the Galapagos Islands - a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ecuador
Lava formations on Bartolome Island, Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Male lava lizard on Bartolome Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Lavakaltus Bartolome Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador UNESCO World Natural Heritage
Path on Bartolome Island Galapagos National Park Ecuador UNESCO World Natural Heritage
Volcanic crater underwater Bartolome Island with Pinnacle Rock Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Pinnacle Rock Bartolome Island Galapagos Ecuador UNESCO World Heritage Site
Galapagos penguin in the background Santiago Island Galapagos UNESCO World Natural Heritage Ecuador
Rugged, bare and almost hostile to life. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of it, the island is surrounded by an aura of indescribable beauty. A lonely cactus clings to the rock on the slope, a lizard scurries over bare rock and the dreary brown makes the ocean shine even bluer. I hurry up the steps and leave a couple of puffing tourists in slippers behind me. Then see it in front of me: the picture-perfect view of the Galapagos. The rock flows red-orange and gray-brown, in shaded waves, towards the deep blue sea. Bright beaches nestle their bays against soft green and nature creates a perfect still life of tender hills and angular rocks.
Rugged, bare and almost hostile to life. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of it, the island is surrounded by an aura of indescribable beauty. A lonely cactus clings to the rock on the slope, a lizard scurries over bare rock and the dreary brown makes the ocean shine even bluer. I hurry up the steps and leave a couple of puffing tourists in slippers behind me. Then see it in front of me: the picture-perfect view of the Galapagos. The rock flows red-orange and gray-brown, in shaded waves, towards the deep blue sea. Bright beaches nestle their bays against soft green and nature creates a perfect still life of tender hills and angular rocks.
Bartolomé was named after Sir Bartholomew James Sulivan, a friend of Charles Darwin. Geologically, the island is one of the younger ones in the archipelago. The volcanic origin can be experienced particularly well in this barren landscape. Only a few pioneer plants survive, such as the Galapagos endemic lava cactus (Brachycereus nesioticus).
Bartolomé Island panorama view Landmarks of the Galapagos Islands - UNESCO World Natural Heritage Ecuador
Interesting lava formations and of course the famous view over the postcard panorama of the Galapagos make a trip to Bartolomé unforgettable. A snorkel at Pinnacle Rock also gives visitors a chance to cool down, get new perspectives, colorful fish, sea lions and, with a bit of luck, even penguins.
Snorkeling with sea lions Bartolome Island Sullivan Bay Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Fish and shark snorkeling off Bartolome Island in the Galapagos National Park, Ecuador
Sea lion snorkeling at Pinnacle Rock Bartolome Island. Swimming with sea lions Underwater wildlife viewing
Starfish while snorkeling in Sullivan Bay Galapagos National Park Ecuador
School of fish and lava rock snorkeling in Sullivan Bay Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Sea lion in front of Bartolome Island Pinnacle Rock Galapagos National Park Ecuador
After a successful snorkeling trip at Pinnacle Rock with photogenic sea lions and a cute young penguin on the rocks, I let myself drift relaxed in the shallow shore area of Sullivan Bay. Interestingly shaped lava rocks can also be discovered underwater here. Soon I am surrounded by many small fish. The lively hustle and bustle feels like a trip to the aquarium - only better, because I'm in the middle of nature.
After a successful snorkeling trip at Pinnacle Rock with photogenic sea lions and a cute young penguin on the rocks, I let myself drift relaxed in the shallow shore area of Sullivan Bay. Interestingly shaped lava rocks can also be discovered underwater here. Soon I am surrounded by many small fish. The lively hustle and bustle feels like a trip to the aquarium - only better, because I'm in the middle of nature.
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Bartolomé Island
AGE ™ has visited the Galapagos Island Bartolomé for you:
How can I contact Bartolomé?
Bartolomé is an uninhabited island and can only be visited in the company of an official nature guide. This is possible with a cruise as well as on guided excursions. The excursion boats start in the port of Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. Bartolomé has its own small landing stage so that visitors can get to the island without getting their feet wet.
What can I do on Bartolomé?
The main attraction of Bartolomé is the viewpoint at 114 meters above sea level. An approx. 600 meter long boardwalk with steps makes the ascent easier. Sun protection and a water bottle are compulsory. On the way, the guide explains volcanic rocks and pioneer plants. A snorkeling stop at Pinnacle Rock or in Sullivan Bay on the neighboring island of Santiago is also part of the daily program.
What animal sightings are likely?
For Bartolomé, the landscape is the highlight and the wildlife is more of a bonus. Small lava lizards can be seen on the way to the lookout point. Snorkelers can look forward to schools of fish and, with a little luck, spot sea lions, white tip reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.
How can I book a tour to Bartolomé?
Bartolomé is featured on many cruises. Usually you have to book a south-east route or a tour through the central islands of the archipelago. If you travel to the Galapagos individually, you can book a day trip to Bartolomé. The easiest way is to ask your accommodation in advance. Some hotels book excursions directly, others give you the contact details of a local agency. Of course there are also online providers, but booking via direct contact is usually cheaper. Last minute spots on site are rarely available for Bartolomé.
A wonderful place!
5 reasons for a trip to Bartolomé
Famous lookout point
Volcanic landscape
Rare pioneer plants
Chances of penguins
Galapagos landmark
Characteristics of the island of Bartolomé
 Namur | Spanish: Bartolomé English: Bartholomew |
 Size | 1,2 km2 |
 Age | estimated according to the neighboring island of Santiago: about 700.000 years (first surface above sea level) |
 vegetation | very barren, pioneer plants such as lava cactus |
 Wildlife | Galapagos sea lions, lava lizards, Galapagos penguins |
 Protection status | Uninhabited island Visit only with the official guide of the national park |
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Bartolomé Island
Where is Bartolomé Island located?Bartolomé is part of the Galapagos National Park. The Galapagos Archipelago is a two-hour flight from mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The tiny island of Bartolomé is located next to the large island of Santiago in Sullivan Bay. From Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz, Bartolomé can be reached by boat in around two hours.
How is the weather in Galapagos?Temperatures are between 20 and 30 ° C all year round. December to June is the hot season and July to November is the warm season. The rainy season lasts from January to May, the rest of the year is dry season. During the rainy season, the water temperature is highest at around 26 ° C. In the dry season it drops to 22 ° C.
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Bartolomé Island
Bill White & Bree Burdick, edited by Hooft-Toomey Emilie & Douglas R. Toomey for a project of the Charles Darwin Research Station, topographical data compiled by William Chadwick, Oregon State University (undated), Geomorphology. Age of the Galapagos Islands. [online] Retrieved on July 04.07.2021th, XNUMX, from URL: https://pages.uoregon.edu/drt/Research/Volcanic%20Galapagos/presentation.view@_id=9889959127044&_page=1&_part=3&.html
Galapagos Conservancy (oD), The Galapagos Islands. Bartolome. [online] Retrieved on June 20.06.2021, XNUMX, from URL:
https://www.galapagos.org/about_galapagos/about-galapagos/the-islands/bartolome/