Instagram Facebook Whatsapp

Bartolome & Sullivan Bay

Galapagos' Most Iconic Viewpoint & Volcanic Wonderland

Book from $330 - $450
  • Pinnacle Rock
  • Lava Fields
  • Penguin Sightings

Bartolome Island Tour

The Bartolomé Island Tour takes you to one of the most iconic landscapes in the Galápagos. Hike through a fascinating volcanic world to the archipelago’s most famous viewpoint overlooking Pinnacle Rock, learn how the islands were formed, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters where Galápagos Penguins, sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish are frequently encountered.

Combined with scenic navigation through the central islands, this excursion offers the perfect balance of geology, wildlife, and adventure.

Check for Availability

Best time to Go:

Year Around

Focus:

Volcanic Landscapes & Pinnacle Rock

Availability:

Tusday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 7:00 to 17:00

Duration:

9-10 Hours

Small Groups

Only 16 guests

Experience Level:

Stair climb to panoramic viewpoint & uneven Terrain

What is included:

See here

Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay Day Tour Itinerary: What to Expect

Scenic Navigation Through the Galápagos Archipelago

Your day begins in Puerto Ayora, where you’ll meet your guide and travel through the lush highlands of Santa Cruz toward the Itabaca Channel. Along the way, the landscape changes dramatically—from green scalesia forests and farmland to the arid coastal environments that characterize much of the Galápagos.

After arriving at the channel, you’ll board the excursion vessel and settle in for the journey to Bartolomé Island. As the yacht navigates through the central islands of the archipelago, your guide introduces the day’s activities and provides the safety instructions for the boat.

The approximately two-hour navigation is part of the experience itself. Volcanic islands rise from the ocean on the horizon, seabirds glide alongside the yacht, and dolphins are frequently spotted riding the bow waves or surfacing nearby.

pexels-photo-3354346-3354346.jpg

Bartolomé Island Hike & Pinnacle Rock Exploration

Upon arrival, a dinghy takes you ashore to begin one of the most iconic walks in the Galápagos.

A wooden boardwalk climbs gradually to the summit of Bartolomé Island, leading through a remarkable volcanic landscape shaped by eruptions over thousands of years. Along the route, you’ll encounter lava cactus, Tiquilia plants, and striking geological formations including tuff cones, spatter cones, and cinder cones—each representing different stages of volcanic activity.

The 372-step ascent is rewarded with ever-expanding views over neighboring Santiago Island, ancient lava fields, and the surrounding coastline. At the summit, you’ll reach one of the most celebrated viewpoints in the Galápagos: a breathtaking panorama overlooking Pinnacle Rock, golden beaches, turquoise bays, and the dramatic volcanic scenery that has made Bartolomé world-famous.

After the hike, the excursion continues with a dinghy ride around Pinnacle Rock. This towering volcanic formation is one of the archipelago’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the best places to search for Galápagos Penguins resting on the rocks or darting through the water below.

Back on board, you’ll enjoy a light snack and refreshments while preparing for the next part of the adventure.

Snorkeling with Penguins & Marine Life

The waters surrounding Bartolomé Island offer some of the most exciting snorkeling opportunities in the central Galápagos.

Entering the water from the dinghy, you’ll explore a marine environment rich in both wildlife and volcanic beauty. Galápagos Penguins are frequently encountered here, often swimming at remarkable speed as they hunt small fish through the bay. Sea turtles are common visitors, while schools of colorful reef fish move among rocky formations below.

Depending on conditions and wildlife activity, you may also encounter barberfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, rays, sea stars, sea urchins, and white-tip reef sharks resting on the sandy bottom.

Following the snorkeling session, you’ll return to the vessel for lunch before beginning the scenic navigation back toward Santa Cruz. Upon arrival at the Itabaca Channel, transportation returns you to Puerto Ayora, bringing an unforgettable day of volcanic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and underwater exploration to a close.

Why Choose the Bartolomé Island Tour

This is one of the most iconic experiences in the Galápagos, combining extraordinary volcanic landscapes, panoramic views and the rare opportunity to snorkel alongside Galápagos Penguins.

What makes this tour special:

  • Visit the most famous viewpoint in the Galápagos — overlooking Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic coastline

  • Discover a living geology classroom — explore lava formations, volcanic cones and landscapes shaped by recent eruptions

  • Snorkel with Galápagos Penguins — one of the best locations in the archipelago to encounter them in the water

  • Exceptional scenery throughout the day — from the highlands of Santa Cruz to the volcanic moonscapes of Bartolomé

  • Scenic navigation between islands — with regular opportunities to spot dolphins, seabirds and passing marine life

Who this tour is perfect for:

  • First-time Galápagos visitors — wanting to experience one of the archipelago’s most iconic locations

  • Nature and geology enthusiasts — fascinated by volcanoes, lava fields and island formation

  • Photographers — seeking some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Galápagos

  • Active travelers — who enjoy combining hiking, snorkeling and wildlife observation in one day

  • Families with older kids and couples — looking for a classic Galápagos experience that balances scenery, wildlife and adventure

Inclusions

  • Experienced Naturalist Guide
  • Land- & Maritime Transportation
  • Delicious Lunch (vegetarian & vegan options)
  • Tea, Water & Coffee Station
  • Wetsuit (Let us know at least 48h in Advance)
  • WiFi (on Boat)
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Snacks
  • Towels
  • Gratitudes for Crew & Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Alcoholic Beverages

What can I discover?

Packing List

Sun Protection & Glases

Equator Sunshine Extravaganza: UV Rays Here Pack a Sizzling Punch, Don’t Mess with them!

Swim Wear/Rashguard

Dive in Style: Don’t Forget Your Aquatic Fashion Statements!

Camera/Go Pro

Capture your underwater adventures and take home the best souvenir possible

Change Of Clothes (Optional)

In case if you get wet, bring a change of Clothes

Good Walking Shoes

Choose stable walking or hiking shoes. The path is uneven and has stairs to climb.

Refillable Water Bottle

Bring a refillable Water Bottle to stay hydrate.

How to Pick the Boat that Fits you

The destinations may be the same, but the way you experience the day can feel completely different — here’s how to find the option that suits you best.

Economy

yacht_santa_fe
rest-room-santa-fe-iii
banner_14
Outside_1
Inside2

Simple & Straightforward: Everything you need for a great day exploring the Galápagos — focused on the destination.

Functional & reliable boats

Designed for safe and efficient island transfers

Certified naturalist guides

Clear, engaging explanations of the highlights

Essential comfort on board

Seating areas and basic facilities

Meals included

Fresh and satisfying during the day

Best for you if...

You want to experience the Galápagos in a simple, budget-friendly way and focus on the wildlife and landscapes.

galaxy-skape-aerial-sunset-view-1000w
skape-dining-area-eight-seats-1000w
skape-guest-bathroom-interior-1000w

Premium

Comfort & Great Value: A well-balanced experience that combines comfort, space, and a relaxed pace without splurging.

Comfortable spaces to relax

Shaded decks and indoor seating throughout the day

Certified naturalist guides

Engaging explanations with time for questions

Freshly prepared meals

More variety and quality on board

Smooth, well-paced experience

Enjoy the journey as much as the destination

Best for you if...

You want to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the day — and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

WhatsApp Image 2026-06-04 at 11.16.01 (3)
WhatsApp Image 2026-06-04 at 11.16.01 (1)
sea-lion-yacht-galapagos-Picsart-AiImageEnhancer
sea-lion-yacht-guides-briefing-Picsart-AiImageEnhancer
WhatsApp Image 2026-06-04 at 11.16.01
Windrose-table
Outside
Inside
Food

Luxury

The Experience Itself: Turn your day tour into a highlight — with space, comfort, and a seamless experience from start to finish.

Spacious, elegant yachts

Large decks, lounges, and relaxing areas

Certified naturalist guides

More personalized and immersive experience

Outstanding meals & attentive service

Carefully prepared and served throughout the day

Smooth navigation & premium comfort

More stability and space to fully enjoy the journey

Best for you if...

You want your day to feel effortless, special, and truly unforgettable — not just another tour.

Reservation​

Galapagos Islands

Other Tours You Might Like

Discover the more of the Galapagos Islands with Agora Tour Isabela. Create unforgettable memories with our day tours, cruises, ferry tickets or bike/snorkel rentals on Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Christobal.

Los Tuneles

A captivating destination of lava formations, crystal-clear pools, and breathtaking marine life.

Las Tintoreras

Discover this Iguana nesting site and snorkel with Sea Turtles, Sharks and Penguins

Española Island

Experience the most colorful Marina Iguanas, observe waved Albatros nesting and find the largest lava lizards of the Archipelago.