North Seymour Island
A small Galapagos isle teeming with iconic blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peak courtship displays
North Seymour Island
Best Time
Peak courtship displays
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small Galapagos isle teeming with iconic blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions.
"The wildlife here is amazing! Definitely one of my favorite spots!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is rocky and uneven; wear closed-toe shoes that stay on.
☀️ Hat & Sunscreen Essential
There's no shade on the island, so protect yourself from the sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blue-Footed Boobies
Throughout the island
Witness the iconic blue feet and comical courtship dance of these fascinating seabirds.
Magnificent Frigatebirds
Nesting areas
Marvel at the males' inflated red throat pouches during mating season.
Sea Lions
Shorelines
Observe playful sea lions lounging on the beaches and rocks.
Land Iguanas
Rocky areas
Spot the vibrant yellow land iguanas, a unique sight in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Wildlife Encounters
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is rocky and uneven; wear closed-toe shoes that stay on.
☀️ Hat & Sunscreen Essential
There's no shade on the island, so protect yourself from the sun.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during your walk around the island.
📸 Camera Ready!
Wildlife is abundant and often very close, perfect for photos.
Help with Galápagos Islands land based itinerary in June
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is rocky and uneven; wear closed-toe shoes that stay on.
☀️ Hat & Sunscreen Essential
There's no shade on the island, so protect yourself from the sun.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during your walk around the island.
📸 Camera Ready!
Wildlife is abundant and often very close, perfect for photos.
🌊 Dinghy Ride Can Be Bumpy
The ride to the island can be exciting if the water is choppy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the incredible wildlife encounters on North Seymour Island, particularly the close proximity to blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. The island's unique inhabitants and the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat are major highlights. Some note the choppy boat rides and the need for sturdy footwear on the rocky terrain.
"Came here in October 2017 with Guiding Galapagos and with my boyfriend and another couple. We all loved this place. The wildlife here is amazing! There are magnificent and great frigate birds everywhere, swallow tailed gulls, yellow land iguanas!, sea lions!, blue footed boobies. This is definitely one of my favorite spots! We walked for approximately 2 hours. Also, I don't know if this is the norm, but the day we went the water was very choppy and so the dinghy ride to the island was quite, lets say, exciting lol. Wear good shoes that stay on, hat because there is no shade, and bring water."
Tracy Marotta
"Only a small island, to the North of Baltra, but such a stunning concentration of nesting birds! We were wandering among nesting Frigates, stepping over yellow land iguanas, with a huge amount overhead and coastal flying. A wonderful place."
Jim Pettitt
"Great island for seeing large birds nests, specially blue footed bobbies and frigates. We came in late November, and we could watch some juvenile birds and also some courtship. The walk is a bit rocky so good shoes are required."
Juan Sebastián Moncayo O.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North Seymour Island is typically accessed via guided day tours from Santa Cruz or Baltra Island. These tours usually involve a boat trip and a zodiac landing. Booking a North Seymour Island tour in advance is recommended.
No, there are no direct flights to North Seymour Island itself. You'll fly into the Galapagos Islands (Baltra Airport - GPS or San Cristobal Airport - SCY) and then take a boat tour.
You can book a North Seymour Island day tour through local tour operators on Santa Cruz or Baltra, or book online in advance. Many visitors find booking a day trip to North Seymour Island as part of a larger Galapagos itinerary convenient.
The boat journey to North Seymour Galapagos can vary, but typically takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your departure point and sea conditions.
No, North Seymour Island is a protected nature reserve and can only be visited with a licensed guide on an organized tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While you can sometimes book on the day, it's highly recommended to book your North Seymour Island tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
The entrance fee is usually included in the price of your guided tour. The cost of a North Seymour Island day tour can vary but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD per person.
North Seymour Island is a wildlife reserve and is accessible only during daylight hours as part of guided tours. Tours typically depart in the morning and return in the afternoon.
Yes, visitors must stay on marked trails and cannot feed the animals. You must be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide.
No, independent visits are not permitted. All visitors must be part of a guided tour to protect the fragile ecosystem.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, marine iguanas, and land iguanas.
The main trail is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete with your guide.
Yes, children can enjoy the abundant wildlife. However, the rocky terrain requires them to be supervised closely.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat, and light clothing. Bring sunscreen and a light jacket as it can be breezy.
Swimming is generally not permitted directly from North Seymour Island itself, but some tours may offer snorkeling opportunities at nearby locations.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire island is a photographer's dream! Focus on the nesting colonies of boobies and frigatebirds, sea lion haul-outs, and the unique land iguanas.
A telephoto lens is great for capturing bird behavior, but a standard zoom lens is also versatile. A wide-angle lens can capture the dramatic landscapes.
Yes, the wildlife on North Seymour Galapagos is habituated to humans and often allows for very close observation and photography, provided you stay on the trails.
Drones are generally prohibited in Galapagos National Parks, including North Seymour Island, to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, but the wildlife activity is engaging throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The sea lions and land iguanas are also sure to capture their attention. The guided walks are manageable for most children, but ensure they wear sturdy shoes for the rocky paths and are supervised closely. It's a fantastic educational experience that brings nature to life for younger visitors. 📸 Photographers
+1 The animals are remarkably habituated to human presence, allowing for close-up photography without disturbing them. Bring a versatile lens, such as a 70-200mm, to capture both intimate details and wider scenes. Remember to be patient and observe the animals' natural behaviors for the most compelling images. 🐦 Birdwatchers
+1 You'll also have chances to spot swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, and other seabirds. The island's concentrated bird colonies offer a high likelihood of sightings and excellent opportunities for identification and observation. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife of North Seymour Island
Magnificent frigatebirds are also abundant, and their males are known for inflating their striking red throat pouches to attract females. Seeing these large birds soaring overhead or perched in their nesting sites is a common and impressive sight.
Other notable avian residents include swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gull in the world, and various other seabirds. The island's rocky shores are also home to colonies of sea lions, which can be seen basking in the sun or playing in the surf. Beyond the birds and sea lions, North Seymour is a crucial habitat for the endemic yellow land iguana. These reptiles, distinct from their marine iguana cousins, are often seen basking on the arid volcanic rocks. The island's scrubby vegetation provides a starkly beautiful backdrop for these incredible creatures, making North Seymour Galapagos a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Navigating Your North Seymour Island Tour
Upon arrival, you'll be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide who will lead you along designated trails. These paths are carefully managed to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. The guides are knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, providing fascinating insights into the behaviors and life cycles of the animals you encounter. They are also crucial for ensuring visitor safety and adherence to park regulations.
When planning your day trip to North Seymour Island, consider booking in advance, especially during peak travel times. The North Seymour tour often includes lunch and snorkeling opportunities at other nearby sites, making it a full-day adventure. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for the rocky terrain and bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and a hat, as there is no shade.
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