Postcard photo from Galapagos!
The Galapagos Island of 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.
[columns size=“2/3″ last=“false” background-color=“#ddecf6″] Bartolome Island [/columns][columns size=“1/3″ last=“true“][blockquote align="none" author="AGE™"]Rugged, barren, and almost inhospitable. Yet, or perhaps precisely because of this, the island is surrounded by an aura of indescribable beauty. A solitary cactus clings to the rock on the slope, a lizard scurries across bare stone, and the drab brown makes the ocean shine even bluer. I hurry up the steps, leaving a few panting tourists in flip-flops behind. Then, before me, there it is: the picture-perfect view of the Galapagos. The rock flows in shaded waves of orange and gray-brown towards the deep blue sea. Bright beaches nestle their bays against lush greenery, and nature creates a perfect still life of gentle hills and jagged rocks.[/blockquote]
[/columns]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).
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.
[columns size=“2/3″ last=“false” background-color=“#ddecf6″] [/columns][columns size=“1/3″ last=“true“][blockquote align="none" author="AGE™"]After a successful snorkeling trip at Pinnacle Rock with photogenic sea lions and a cute baby penguin on the rocks, I relax and float in the shallow waters of Sullivan Bay. There are also interestingly shaped lava rocks to discover underwater. Soon I'm surrounded by lots of little fish. The lively activity feels like a trip to an aquarium – only better, because I'm right in the middle of nature.[/blockquote]
[/columns]Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Bartolomé Island[columns size=“1/2″ last=“false” background-color=“#ddecf6″]
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.
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A wonderful place!
5 reasons for a trip to Bartolomé





Characteristics of the island of Bartolomé
| Spanish: Bartolomé English: Bartholomew | |
| 1,2 km2 | |
| estimated according to the neighboring island of Santiago: about 700.000 years (first surface above sea level) | |
| very barren, pioneer plants such as lava cactus | |
| Galapagos sea lions, lava lizards, Galapagos penguins | |
| Uninhabited island Visit only with the official guide of the national park |
Ecuador • Galapagos • Galapagos trip • Bartolomé Island[columns size=“1/2″ last=“false” background-color=“#ddecf6″]

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. [/columns][columns size=“1/2″ last=“true“]
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.[/columns]
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/















