Unlike most of the other islands in the Galápagos, Santa Fe is not volcanically active. The island has no freshwater and has never been settled.
Access to the island is by wet landing. From the shore a trail leads to a stand of Opuntia cactus, known for being some of the tallest in the Galápagos. Another trail leads to the highlands.
Land iguanas and Galápagos snakes are two of the more unique species which can be seen on the island. The Santa Fe land iguana is a species found nowhere else in the world. Also of interest are rice rats, sea lions, and marine iguanas.