Galapagos - Baltra & Bartolome

Baltra

The small island of Baltra is situated at the center of the archipelago. The isle is extremely arid with little vegetation, which comes in the form of cactus and salt bushes. Created by a geological uplift, the island featured the only airport on the Galapagos until 1986 when San Cristobal Island opened another.

Travelers who arrive in Baltra will immediately be taken by bus to one of two docks where they will either board a cruise ship or a common ferry that will take them to the island of Santa Cruz. Since Baltra is not part of the national park but is instead Navy territory, the island is designated as a non-visitor site.

Bartolome

Named after life-long friend of Charles Darwin and Lieutenant of the HMS Beagle, Bartolome Island is one of the younger ones of the Galapagos. Considered as one of the isles to offer some of the most breathtaking sights of the archipelago, Bartolome features an extinct volcano, which tourists can easily climb. Once at the top, the view is magnificent.

The isle is famous for the Pinnacle Rock landmark, which Galapagos penguins frequent. Tourists can snorkel and swim the waters here and also spot marine turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, as well as other tropical fish. The island is also a mating and nesting location for green turtles.