The island consists of two overlapping volcanoes and is Galapagos’ largest uninhabited island.
James Bay and Puerto Egas
Once an inhabited harbor, Puerto Egas is located in beautiful James Bay. This rocky coast of black lava rock has already been explored by Darwin. South of the beach is the volcano Pan de Azucar (Sugarloaf Mountain). The crater contains a saltwater lake, which dries up in the summer and where salt extraction was done. Puerto Egas is an excellent place for swimmers and snorkel enthusiasts. You can also climb the 400 meter high volcano with a great view over the lava fields and often you can see the Galapagos hawk. There is a 2 km path along the coast in southern direction. You walk along the ruins of an old salt mine and the rocky coast is the stopping place for colonies of sea lions and sally lightfoot crabs. At the end of the trail, you will be greeted by curious sea bears, who hunt in the coves of the bay. You can snorkel here with these friendly animals, between the octopuses and many colorful tropical fish.
Sullivan Bay
This site is interesting from a geological point of view: a 1.5 km trail leads you past astonishing lava landscapes. There are a few smaller beaches where turtles come to nest.
Playa Espumilla
This is a brown lava beach on the north coast of Santiago Island in James Bay 5 km from Puerto Egas. It is an important breeding ground for sea turtles. There is a path going up and there is a forest of Palo Santo trees. With some luck you can find flamingos looking for crabs.
Buccaneer Cove
On the northwest coast of the island you will find Buccaneer Cove, once a popular hideout for pirates. The surrounding rocks are the breeding ground for many seabirds.
I am Tom from Belgium and I have been living in Ecuador for more than 10 years. I got my guiding diploma here. Traveling and discovering new places is my passion. Together with the travel agency Descubre-Ecuador, we offer tailor-made tours in Galapagos and on the Ecuadorian mainland.
+593 99 593 4900 (Ecuador)
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