Santa fe island

The Spanish name Santa Fe traces back to the Capitulations of Santa Fe, while its English designation, Barrington, was bestowed in honor of the British Admiral Samuel Barrington.

Located between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, the island of Santa Fe is one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago geologically, estimated to be around 3.9 million years old. Lava flows from submarine craters were pushed to the surface, where they solidified, forming the relatively flat terrain of the island. Subsequent volcanic activity continued to shape it, as indicated by geological studies.

Santa Fe is home to two significant endemic species: the Santa Fe Land Iguana, which shows some genetic variation from its relatives on other islands, with approximately 6,500-7,000 individuals inhabiting the island. Since 1970, intensive research has been conducted on this species. Additionally, the endemic Galapagos rice rat is ecologically important, though it faces constant threat of displacement by introduced black rats.

The last remaining goats, which had significantly disrupted the ecological balance like on other islands, were successfully removed from Santa Fe in 1974. Subsequently, and aided by heavy rainfall during the 1982 El Niño event, vegetation has made a full recovery.

Characteristic of Santa Fe’s vegetation are the forests of giant prickly pear cacti, the tallest on the island, providing a vital food source for marine iguanas.

Santa Fe Island is a common stop on many cruises, including the Ocean Spray and Treasure catamarans, as well as the Infinity and Aida Maria yachts.