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Tel 0844 412 0848
Intl +44 1428 620012

Wilderness Yacht Safaris

Galapagos Wildlife Yacht Safaris
( 11 days from £1,790)

Galapagos Yacht & Lodge Safaris
Combining yacht based and land based exploration of the islands

Wildlife, Marine Life & Volcanoes of Southern Galapagos
(4, 5 & 6 days privately guided & small group departures)


Sub Aqua-Firma

Galapagos Dive Liveaboards
(8 days from $3795 / £2450)
(11 days from $4650 / £2990)

Galapagos Hotel Based Boat Diving
( 11 days from £1,975)
or £495 for 4 day dive extension to another Galapagos trip


Canoe and Lodge Safaris

Galapagos and Amazon by Sea Kayak, Dugout Canoe, Trekking, Biking & Snorkelling
( 14 days £2,795)

Galapagos by Sea Kayak, Trekking, Biking and Snorkelling
( 10 days from £2,290)

Area Size:  558 Km²
Maximum Altitude:  906 meters / 2975 feet
Island Highlights:  James Bay, Sullivan Bay, Puerto Egas, Buccaneer's Cove, Lava Lizards, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Fur Seal, Green Sea Turtles, Mockingbirds, Oystercatchers

Introduction

Santiago is situated just west of the central part of the Galapagos Islands and is the fourth largest in the archipelago. It is an island rich in wildlife, history and geology, dominated by its phenomenal lunar landscape.  Santiago has a long human history and was once a favourite haunt for pirates and whalers. Due to its central location and varied landing sites, this island is included in many of our Yacht Safari itineraries.

Santiago has a number of interesting visitor sites, all of which present great opportunities to encounter and observe wildlife.  A nature trail near Espumilla beach is one such location. The visitor site at Puerto Egas is another which often provides the opportunity to swim with fur seals - an experience difficult to come by elsewhere in the Galapagos.

The neighbouring island and visitor site of Sombrero Chino also provides some very good snorkelling and there is a 400 meter nature trail here which we sometimes incorporate into Yacht Safari itineraries. Sombrero Chino boasts some fascinating geological formations and volcanic landscapes.

Nowadays, Santiago Island is uninhabited, but over the years it has endured significant environmental impacts as a result of human presence on the island.  As with most of the Galapagos, the greatest impact has been through the introduction of foreign species and in particular feral goats.  Furthermore, human settlers for a time embarked on salt mining, an industry which inevitably leads to visual and environmental impact.