Geologically it is one of the oldest, since volcanic rocks of about 4 million years old have been found. The vegetation of the island is characterized by the presence of a dense forest of the largest species of the giant Opuntia cactus. Santa Fé is home to two species endemic to the island: the Barrington Land Iguana and the Santa Fe Rice Rat.

The visitor site is a wet landing located in Barrington Bay on the northeastern side of the island. Large numbers of sea lions are found on the beaches in the bay, occasionally hindering peregrination to the two trails leading from the beach.