For over 40 years, Santa Fe has been a family-owned company rooted in the Galapagos Islands. Since the construction of our first yacht in 1983 and the opening of our hotel in 2003, we have welcomed thousands of travelers each year with authentic, well-crafted experiences. As tourism has evolved, so have we, continuously refining our services to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travelers, while preserving the spirit and authenticity that define the islands we call home.
Santa Fe was founded with the vision of a pioneer settler in tourism that wanted to offer tourists that arrived to Santa Cruz Island day tours more comfortable and economic to the nearby islands.
The first boat was an 8 meters long wooden boat, named Santa Fe good enough for those days to give all-new arriving tourists a safe trip to explore the islands.
The second yacht was built in Guayaquil, one of Ecuador’s most recognized shipbuilding hubs. Constructed entirely from wood and crafted from scratch, Santa Fe II represented a major step forward in comfort and reliability. She arrived in San Cristobal Island on December 28, 1988, expanding our ability to safely connect visitors with the surrounding islands.
The first five rooms of what would later become Hotel Santa Fe were built. At the beginning, it was not a hotel but an apartment complex designed to host visitors looking for a longer and more independent stay in Puerto Ayora.
In 2003, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism granted Hotel Santa Fe its official operating permit as a three-star hotel. What started as a small family vision became a recognized hospitality operation serving travelers from around the world.
Two large family suites were added to the hotel, increasing capacity and improving comfort for multi-generational travelers visiting the Galapagos together.
A new yacht was acquired in Manta, mainland Ecuador. After a full refurbishment, Santa Fe III arrived in the Galapagos in December 2010 and officially began operations in January 2011, elevating our day-tour standards to a new level of comfort and design.
A comprehensive remodeling project upgraded rooms, common areas, and infrastructure. The renovation focused on comfort, durability, and maintaining the authentic spirit of the islands while improving modern standards.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought global tourism to a standstill. Operations were paused, but the time was used strategically to plan improvements, strengthen internal systems, and prepare for a stronger return once travel resumed.
Over 95% of Hotel Santa Fe underwent a major transformation. Rooms were redesigned, new furniture and bedding were introduced, lighting and air-conditioning systems were upgraded, and interiors were fully refreshed. The result: a proudly renewed four-star experience.
More than four decades after its founding, Santa Fe remains family-owned and locally operated in the Galapagos Islands. With refined hospitality standards, upgraded vessels, and renewed infrastructure, the commitment remains unchanged: authentic service, responsible tourism, and unforgettable experiences in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
