BALTRA

During World War II, Baltra was established as a US Air Force Base. Crews stationed at Baltra patrolled the Pacific for enemy submarines, and protected the mouth of the Panama Canal. After the war the facilities were given to the government of Ecuador. Today the island continues as an official military base.

Until 1986, Baltra was the only airport serving the Galapagos. Now one of two airports, those passengers arriving on Tame will land here. Upon arrival passengers must show their passport, INGALA Visitor Control Card and pay their Galapagos Park Fees (or the receipt of paid park fees) at the kiosk. Their hand luggage will then be inspected to insure no foreign plants or animals are being imported.

Once these formalities are completed arriving visitors on cruises or pre-arranged tours are the met by their naturalist-guide or other crewmember holding a sign with the name of the boat. A short bus ride from the airport is the harbor where the boats wait for passengers to begin their tours. Baltra does not have any visitor sites.

TAME operates flights twice daily to Baltra and Aerogal operates flights once or twice per day to Baltra. The tour operator or travel agent who arranges your package to the Galapagos normally arrange these tickets. If you need assistance purchasing these tickets, please contact our local office in the Galapagos Islands by using our secure Galapagos Flight Reservation Form (phone requests cannot be assisted) Please note: Tickets are non-commissionable and a booking fee applies to all reservations.

Baltra Map and Location

Baltra is a small island 10 sq miles (27 sq km) with a maximum elevation of 100 meters. Located in the central islands just north of Santa Cruz and south of Mosquera and North Seymour. Baltra is a military base and other than the airport with its shops and restaurant as well as the main dock and ferry service.  There are no other visitor sites or services available on Baltra.

Transfers from Baltra to Santa Cruz 

Land transfer services are available from Baltra to nearby Santa Cruz. Those visitors planning land based visit Staying on Santa Cruz board the bus departing the airport for the Itabaca Canal (approximately a 10-minute ride). A ferry then takes passengers and their belongings across the canal to the CITTEG bus waiting at the other side. Then an hour-long bus ride crosses Santa Cruz, cutting through the highlands and passing many farms before finally reaching Puerto Ayora.

Baltra Land Iguanas

In 1934 the Hancock-Pacific Galapagos Expedition found many of the iguanas on Baltra to be malnourished.  They saw that the neighboring island had more vegetation and no iguanas and decided to move 70 of Land Iguanas from Baltra to North Seymour as an experiment.  This move would prove lucky for modern day scientists. In 1954, Land Iguanas became extinct on Baltra. In 1980 scientists brought a couple of iguanas from North Seymour were brought to the breeding center on Santa Cruz where the iguanas bred.  In 1991 thanks to the breeding program at the Darwin Station Land Iguana were reintroduced to Baltra. By 1997 scientists counted 97 iguanas living on Baltra, 13 of which were born on the island. 10 years later the national park reported a total of 420 iguanas living and reproducing on the island of Baltra.

The breeding program considered a success and the park see no further need for the breeding center to continue their efforts on Santa Cruz. Land Iguanas are now frequently seen in and around the Baltra Airport.

Baltra Wildlife

Lava Lizard
Marine Iguana
Land Iguana
Red-billed Tropicbird
Galapagos Heron
Lava Gull
Blue-footed Booby
Galapagos Sea Lion
Darwin Finch
Yellow Warbler

Learn More About Baltra Island

The Role of Baltra in World War II
Building the Top Secret Base at Baltra
The World's First Ecological Airport at Baltra
Galapagos Land Iguana Blog
Galapagos National Park Seeks to Protect Baltra Iguanas
Getting to Galapagos - Planning your Galapagos Islands Trip