Bartolomé Island

The island of Bartolomé is one of the "youngest" of the Galapagos Islands and this shows in its stark, dramatically volcanic landscape, which is much more bleak and arid than the older islands where rain and wind have weathered the landscape to a much greater degree.

This does, however, create one of the most stunning vistas in the whole of the Galapagos - the twin bays with their gorgeous beaches, and the incredible Pinnacle Rock: a giant lava spike which towers 150m into the air and which is probably the most-photograped sight in all the Galapagos.

Quite apart from the drama of the landscape, the island is also home to a great variety of sea-life and the northern beach is a great spot for snorkelling and swimming with penguins and sea-lions. Swimming is prohibited on the southern beach as this is also home to several larger but shyer creatures such as Reef sharks and stingrays.

Perhaps most excitingly of all, Bartolomé is one of the few breeding grounds for Green Sea Turtles - just one of the many endangered species for whom the Galapagos Islands are a real haven. If you're here between November and January, you could get more than you bargained for! Check out our Galapagos Calendar to find out the optimal time for visiting all of the islands.

If nothing on this page answers your questions about cruises to the Galapagos or if you'd like to find out about our Ecuador holidays then don't forget that the best way to get in-depth information about holidays in Ecuador and the Galapagos is to email us or call us on 0113 216 1440. We're always happy to help you find out more about our favourite country!