Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe (Barrington) Named after a city in Spain, has an area of 24 km² and a maximum altitude of 259 meters. It is located in the southeastern portion of the archipelago, between the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal.  Santa Fe is a volcanic uplift.

Santa Fe hosts a forest of Opuntia cactus, which are the largest of the archipelago, and Palo Santo. Weathered cliffs provide a haven for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, sehar-waters petrels.

Santa Fe species of Land iguanas are often seen, as well as lava lizards. There is a picturesque turquoise lagoon and calm waters where snorkeling can be done along sea lions.

The trail on this Island features the opportunity to see a species of land iguana endemic to Santa Fe. This species has a beautiful yellow color and can grow to be five feet long.

It is one of the most picturesque anchorages within the archipelago. Its beauty is best appreciated from the trail which climbs the fault cliff overlooking the southern half of the bay. This plateau is also the best place to find the large land iguanas that are endemic to this island. Often they can be seen beneath the imposing Opuntia cacti that are also particular to Santa Fe. The two beaches are the sleeping grounds for sea lions, and snorkeling near the small islet by the entrance of the bay can also be rewarding.