General Information
Santiago is an island that is visited by almost any boat, because its central location in the archipelago. On the east and on the west side there are small islands. Human’s impact has been heavy, because a variety of animals, like goats and donkeys have been introduced, but still all sites are definitely worth a visit. There are plenty of flowers, insects and land birds, especially in the wet season. You can even visit an archaeological site, because there was human activity in the past. The lava flow, the seal caves and the tide pools are a few examples of sites that you can visit on the island.
Sullivan Bay
This part of the island is mainly covered with lava. The black lava is about a 100 years old and full of gas bubbles. If you look very good, you can see parts of trees that were vaporized by the lava. The only plants that grow on this part of the island are a tiny carpetweed herbs and the rare lava cactus. You will be able to walk by an extensive lava field formed by twentieth century volcanic eruptions. If you look closely you will be able to see lava lizards.
The landscape is impressive and a little bit difficult so don’t be afraid of asking for help if you think you need it. It can be very hot on Sullivan Bay, so bring enough water with you. The walk takes about one hour.
Puerto Egas (South James Bay)
Located on the west side of James Island, this beach is composed of volcanic ashes. During the walk you will come across finches, doves and hawks, as well as a big variety of marine life during the coastal walk. At the end of the trail there are some natural pools which are formed in the lava field and where you can observe fur seals, another endemic species that live on the islands. There is a chance to go swimming and snorkeling in these pools. You can also find Darwin’s Toilet, which is almost every guide’s favorite lava tube.
This is a cave that is formed by the action of the sea. There is also an industrial archaeological site on the bay. In the 1920s and 1960s two salt-mining enterprises were digging salt out of a crater to the east. You can spot flamingos near this site. On the trail between the old road and the sea you can see marine iguanas, crabs, sea snails, oystercatchers and urchins. At the end of the trail the sea lions are resting and playing in the sun. The visit to this site will take about 3 hours.
Bucaneer Cove (Caleta Bucanero)
This was always an important place for sailors where they used to clean their ships. These days you can visit the cove and enjoy the high cliffs, which are an impressive site. On the beach you will find many sea lions and on the north there is a contorted cinder that has been eroded into many shapes. It is also famous for its spotted reefs and black beach and a considerable population of goats can be found, grazing the hillsides. For this visit the vessel will sail slowly close by these formations.
Espumilla Beach
This is a beautiful golden sandy beach with ghost crabs, wading birds and marine turtles. Due to floods in 1983 all the flamingos went elsewhere. It has a mangrove backdrop and the wet landing can sometimes be difficult because of the breakers. There is a short trail on the beach where you can spot ten species of finch and two species of flycatchers.