• Flexible Cancellation
The Bird Paradise:
North Seymour Island Day Tour
A full-day tour from Santa Cruz to the largest frigatebird colony in the Galápagos. Males inflating red throat pouches, blue-footed boobies dancing beside the trail, land iguanas under the cacti, and an afternoon snorkel at Bachas Beach.
What to Expect on the North Seymour Day Tour
North Seymour was pushed out of the sea by volcanic uplift rather than built by a cone, so it is almost completely flat. That geology is why the wildlife viewing here is unlike anywhere else in the archipelago: the nests sit at eye level, a couple of metres from the path. The island holds the largest colony of frigatebirds in the Galápagos, both magnificent and great, and in breeding season the males sit in the low bushes with their scarlet throat pouches inflated like balloons. Alongside them, blue-footed boobies perform the foot-lifting courtship dance, golden land iguanas shelter under the Opuntia cacti, and sea lions haul out on the landing rocks.
North Seymour and Bartolomé are the two flagship day tours out of Puerto Ayora, and they do different things. This one is the wildlife tour: a walk with birds at close range and a gentle snorkel afterwards. The Bartolomé Island day tour is the landscape tour, with the Pinnacle Rock viewpoint and penguins at Sullivan Bay. If you want most of the day in the water, the 180° Santa Cruz tour is the better fit, and for history and giant tortoises there is the Floreana Island land tour.
North Seymour Tour Itinerary, Hour by Hour
08:00 AM — Hotel Pickup in Puerto Ayora
We collect you from your hotel in Puerto Ayora and drive 40 minutes across Santa Cruz to the Itabaca Channel on the north coast.
08:45 AM — Navigation to North Seymour
Board the yacht for a 45-minute crossing past Baltra, with volcanic coastline and turquoise shallows the whole way.
09:30 AM — The Wildlife Trail
A guided walk of roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on a flat but rocky loop. Frigatebird and booby nesting colonies right beside the trail, golden land iguanas under the cacti, and sea lions on the shoreline.
01:00 PM — Lunch, Beach & Snorkeling
Lunch on board, then we sail to Bachas Beach or Mosquera Islet. Snorkel with sea turtles, marine iguanas and reef fish, or stay on the white sand, before the return to port.
What’s Included
- ✓ Certified Naturalist Guide (English/Spanish)
- ✓ Land and Maritime Transport
- ✓ Lunch and Snacks on Board
- ✓ Snorkel Gear and Long Wetsuit
- ✓ Towels
Not Included
- ✕ Soft Drinks or Alcoholic Beverages
- ✕ Tips and Personal Expenses
- ✕ Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee
- ✕ INGALA Transit Card
What to Bring on the North Seymour Tour
The day splits between a rocky trail with no shade and an afternoon in the water:
- Comfortable Footwear – Closed walking or hiking shoes; the trail is flat but rocky and uneven.
- Camera – The nests are close enough that a phone works, but a zoom lens is a joy here.
- Sun Protection – Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Appropriate Clothing – Lightweight walking clothes plus a windbreaker for the crossing.
- Swimsuit – Wear it underneath, ready for the afternoon snorkel.
- Hydration – Reusable water bottle; there is no shade on the island.
North Seymour Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose North Seymour or Bartolomé?
When can I see the frigatebirds with red pouches inflated?
What animals will I see on this tour?
How difficult is the hike?
Where does the snorkeling take place?
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Cancellation Policy for the North Seymour Tour
• Full Refund: Guaranteed for cancellations made at least 15 days before departure.
• No Refund: Cancellations within 14 days prior to the tour or “No Shows” incur a 100% penalty.
• Operational Changes: In case of extreme weather or maritime alerts, we offer rescheduling or a 100% refund.