Full Day Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay

The Full-Day Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay tour offers visitors a chance to discover the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Hikers will climb to the volcanic summit of Bartolome, enjoying breathtaking views and possible sightings of the endangered Galapagos penguin. The adventure continues with snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Sullivan Bay, where vibrant marine life and extraordinary lava formations await. With a limited group size, this immersive experience ensures an up-close exploration of this unique ecosystem. What secrets might the Galapagos hold for adventurous travelers?

About Your Stay

• Explore the volcanic landscapes of Bartolome Island, including hiking to panoramic viewpoints and observing Galapagos penguins at Playa Dorada.
• Snorkel in the pristine waters of Sullivan Bay, where you can encounter diverse marine life and marvel at the unique lava formations.
• Enjoy a full-day tour with round-trip transportation from Puerto Ayora, led by a professional guide.
• Savor a tasty lunch and have access to snorkeling equipment, with wet suits available for rent.
• Experience a personalized tour with group sizes limited to 10 participants for an intimate Galapagos adventure.

Tour Overview

This full-day Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay tour from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Ecuador offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

The tour includes hiking to the volcanic top of Bartolome Island for scenic views and visiting Playa Dorada, home to resident penguins.

Snorkeling in the waters of Sullivan Bay is also on the agenda. Group sizes are limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience.

Travelers can expect round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and lunch included in the tour.

Inclusions

The Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay tour includes round-trip transportation from hotels within the urban perimeter of Puerto Ayora.

The tour also provides a professional guide and a tasty lunch. Plus, the following are included:

1. Snorkeling equipment, including mask and fins.

2. Opportunity to explore the volcanic top of Bartolome Island.

3. Visit to Playa Dorada, home to resident penguins.

Wet suits are available for rent, but not included in the tour price.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts with pickup from the hotel lobby or a designated meeting point in Puerto Ayora. The pickup time is 6:00 AM, and the tour ends back at the same location.

This full-day excursion takes visitors to Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay. The guided tour group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Guests can expect round-trip transportation from their accommodations within the urban perimeter of Puerto Ayora. The tour includes a professional guide, lunch, and snorkeling equipment, but wetsuits are available for rent.

Hiking Bartolome Island

After boarding the boat, visitors hike to the volcanic top of Bartolome Island, where they can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hike is a highlight of the tour, offering:

1. Panoramic vistas of the island’s unique volcanic formations and the turquoise waters of the Galapagos.

2. Opportunities to spot wildlife like Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, and lava lizards along the way.

3. A chance to learn about the island’s geological history and the forces that shaped its dramatic landscape.

The guided hike provides a chance to immerse in the Galapagos’ natural wonders and appreciate the island’s stunning beauty.

Visiting Playa Dorada

After exploring the volcanic landscapes of Bartolome Island, the tour then takes visitors to Playa Dorada, a picturesque beach known for its resident Galapagos penguins. At Playa Dorada, guests have the opportunity to observe these charismatic seabirds in their natural habitat. The following table provides key details about the Galapagos penguin:

| Characteristic | Description |

|—————-|————-|

| Size | Small, about 14-18 inches tall |

| Appearance | Black back, white belly, orange beak |

| Habitat | Coastal areas, lava fields, rocky shores |

| Diet | Fish, crustaceans, small squid |

| Conservation | Endangered, with fewer than 2,000 remaining |

Observing the Galapagos penguins in their natural setting is an unforgettable highlight of the tour.

Snorkeling in Sullivan Bay

Following the exploration of Playa Dorada and its captivating Galapagos penguins, the tour moves on to the highlight of the day – snorkeling in the pristine waters of Sullivan Bay.

Guests can look forward to:

1. Encountering a diverse array of marine life, including colorful schools of fish, graceful sea turtles, and even the occasional playful sea lion.

2. Marveling at the volcanic landscape, with its unique lava formations and black sand beaches, visible from the surface of the water.

3. Experiencing the thrill of swimming alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, immersed in the tranquility of the Galapagos ecosystem.

Group Size and Experience

To ensure a personalized and immersive experience, the tour group sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 participants. This smaller group size allows for more attentive service from the guide and better opportunities to interact with the local wildlife. The group dynamic also fosters a sense of camaraderie among fellow travelers. Whether you’re admiring the volcanic landscape of Bartolome Island or snorkeling in the pristine waters of Sullivan Bay, the intimate group setting promises a truly memorable Galapagos adventure.

| Group Size | Personalized Experience | Attentive Guide | Wildlife Interactions | Traveler Camaraderie |

|————|————————-|—————–|———————|——————–|

| 10 max | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

The tour has received mixed reviews from previous participants, with both positive and critical comments.

Positive reviews have praised the knowledgeable guide, the quality of the provided lunch, and the expert guidance during the wildlife-spotting and snorkeling activities.

Knowledgeable guide, quality lunch, and expert guidance during wildlife-spotting and snorkeling activities received praise from positive reviews.

However, some travelers have voiced concerns about the pricing, questioning the value for money.

Common highlights mentioned in the reviews include:

1. Memorable wildlife sightings, such as resident penguins.

2. Enjoyable snorkeling experience in Sullivan Bay.

3. Stunning views from the volcanic summit of Bartolome Island.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear. The tour provides masks and fins, but you’re welcome to use your own equipment if you prefer. This allows for a more customized and comfortable snorkeling experience.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the tour. Partial refunds or rescheduling may be available for last-minute cancellations, but this is at the tour operator’s discretion.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour offers a provided lunch, but there’s no mention of dietary restrictions. Travelers should contact the tour operator prior to the tour if they have any special dietary needs that require accommodation.

Can I Store My Belongings During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide storage for personal belongings during the trip. Participants should bring a small bag or daypack to carry essentials like cameras, snacks, and any extra layers. Valuables should be left at the hotel for safekeeping.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The minimum age requirement for the tour is not specified, but children must be accompanied by an adult. This tour may not be suitable for very young children given the hiking and snorkeling activities involved.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Full-Day Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay tour provides a remarkable opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Participants can hike to the volcanic summit, spot endangered Galapagos penguins, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, offering an immersive and personal experience in this unique ecosystem. With limited group sizes, this tour ensures an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.