Port information & tips for Bartolome (San Salvador, Galapagos)
The uninhabited island of Bartolomé is an iconic jewel of the Galápagos Archipelago and impresses travelers with one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the world. Here, visitors experience an untouched natural backdrop characterized by its reddish-black lava formations and fine, golden-sand beach, while simultaneously radiating a peaceful wilderness. Highlights include the famous Pinnacle Rock, the island's landmark, as well as the wooden lookout path to the summit, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Sullivan Bay and the neighboring island of Santiago. Since there is no classic infrastructure on the island, ships anchor in the bay while guests go ashore by dinghy at the small Bartolomé Landing, providing direct access to the hiking trails and first-class snorkeling areas with Galápagos penguins.
The spectacular island of Bartolomé in the Galápagos Archipelago is a highlight of every expedition cruise thanks to its striking volcanic landscape and is mostly accessed via the logistical hub of the neighboring island of Baltra. Since Bartolomé is an uninhabited nature reserve, embarkation for cruises usually takes place at Seymour Airport on Baltra or in the nearby port of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is via the international airports of Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), which can be reached from Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich with only one stopover. From there, daily domestic connections with LATAM or Avianca take approximately two hours to reach the ecological airport of Baltra (GPS), which serves as the primary gateway to the cruise ships in this region.
Transfer & Shuttle
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, guests use the official shuttle bus to the Itabaca Canal, which separates Baltra from Santa Cruz. There, embarkation takes place directly onto the ships waiting in the canal or via a transfer with a small passenger ferry to the other side, from where taxis and buses lead to the port of Puerto Ayora in about 45 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to strict national park regulations and long flight times from Europe, an arrival in Ecuador at least two days before the planned departure is recommended. A stay in Quito or Guayaquil also allows for the convenient processing of the mandatory INGALA transit control card directly at the airport, ensuring a relaxed and smooth start to your Galápagos cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for travel to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
