Baltra
Scroll to content
Baltra Island, also known as South Seymour, is situated in the heart of the archipelago, and is separated from the major hub of Santa Cruz by the narrow Itabaca Channel.
The island has a flat, arid landscape and, other than the airport there are no tourist sites on Baltra. However, keep an eye out during your onward travel as wildlife still thrives here, with Galápagos sea lions, land iguanas and Darwin’s finches easily spotted on the island.
Highlights
History
Baltra was used as an airbase by the US military during World War II. In the 1930s, Franklin Roosevelt visited the island in search of a US air base in the Pacific. Baltra was chosen due to its location at the center of the archipelago and its flat topography. Along with the landing strip, the USA constructed over 200 buildings, including barracks for 1,000 soldiers, hangars, office buildings, an outdoor beer garden, a cinema, and even a bowling alley.
When the war ended, the US gave the base to the Ecuadorian government, resulting in the deconstruction of many of the buildings and recycling the materials to build new homes on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal. Today the island continues to serve as an official Ecuadorian military base, and commercial flights operating daily.
Wildlife
- Birds can be observed including boobies, frigatebirds and Darwin's finches
- Along the coast, sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs can be seen
- Land iguanas also inhabit the island and feast on the abundance of cacti
Accessibility
Baltra Island is one of the two gateways into the archipelago. Flights arrive and depart every day from Baltra Island to mainland Ecuador (Quito and Guayaquil). Baltra serves as a great starting point for a Galápagos adventure as it is just a stone's throw from the major tourist hub Santa Cruz.
FAQs
Is there accommodation on Baltra?
No, there is not accommodation on the island but a short ferry takes you to Santa Cruz which has plenty of options.
How do you get to Santa Cruz from Baltra airport?
First take a 10 minute bus from the Baltra Airport to the Itabaca Channel, then a 5 minute ferry will take you across the channel, and finally a taxi or bus to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz.
Are there shops on Baltra?
Yes, in the airport there are shops selling souvenirs and food, and restaurants serving hot food.