Full Day Seymour North Island & Las Bachas

Discover Galapagos’ Best on a Full Day Tour to Seymour North Island & Las Bachas

Imagine spending a day surrounded by some of the most iconic wildlife in the world, all within the stunning setting of the Galapagos Islands. This full-day tour, priced at $419 per person, takes you from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island to explore the wildlife-rich North Seymour Island and the relaxing sands of Las Bachas Beach. With approximately 8 hours of adventure, you’ll encounter blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, sea lions, flamingos, and more, all with the comfort of hotel pickup and expert guides.

What makes this experience truly appealing is the chance to see a variety of species in their natural habitat — from nesting seabirds to playful sea lions. We love that the tour includes snorkeling equipment and lunch, allowing you to pack light and focus on enjoying the moment. The small group size, capped at 10 travelers, promises more personalized attention and chances for questions and photos. One possible consideration is the early start time at 6:00 am, so it’s best suited for early risers eager to maximize their day.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of land and sea wildlife experiences, appreciate guided insights, and prefer a comfortable, all-inclusive day. If you’re eager to tick off multiple iconic Galapagos species in one go, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable adventure.

Key Points

• Wildlife Diversity: See blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, frigate birds, and sea lions.
• Convenience: All logistics handled with hotel pickup, transportation, and snorkeling gear included.
• Time Efficiency: Combines island exploration and beach relaxation within 8 hours.
• Personalized Experience: Small group size for more interaction and better viewing opportunities.
• Value: Includes lunch and guided commentary for a hassle-free day.
• Best suited for early risers and travelers wanting a comprehensive wildlife experience.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Journey to Itabaca Channel

The tour kicks off early, with a hotel pickup inside Puerto Ayora’s urban perimeter at 6:00 am. This early start means you’ll beat much of the day’s crowds and enjoy a peaceful boat ride. We appreciate this convenience, especially after a good night’s sleep, knowing that transportation logistics are sorted for us.

From there, it’s about a 35-minute bus ride to the Itabaca Channel. During this short trip, you can relax and get a preliminary glimpse of the island’s rugged scenery. The shuttle service is included, making this a fuss-free way to start your wildlife adventure.

Exploring Seymour Island: A Land of Birds and Lizards

Once at the channel, you’ll board a vessel that whisks you away to North Seymour Island — a highlight of this tour. The sailing takes about 45 minutes, during which you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and views of the surrounding islands.

The walk on Seymour Island itself lasts about 50 minutes to 1 hour, and it’s packed with opportunities to see some of the most iconic Galapagos species. You’ll likely spot blue-footed boobies nesting — a picture-perfect moment when they display their vibrant feet, especially during the breeding season. The red-breasted frigates, often with their prominent red balloons, are also a standout, soaring overhead or nesting nearby.

Land iguanas are another highlight — we loved the way these ancient reptiles lounge lazily in their natural habitat, quite unconcerned by human visitors. The guide, who is well-versed in local wildlife, will point out behaviors and adaptations, enriching the experience beyond just spotting animals.

The Lunch Break: Relax and Refresh on the Yacht

After a good walk and wildlife observation, you’ll return to the yacht for a well-deserved lunch. The included meal is a great chance to rest, refuel, and chat with fellow travelers. We appreciate that the lunch is provided, meaning you don’t need to worry about packing snacks or searching for food on the go.

Las Bachas Beach: Snorkel, Swim, and Spot Flamingos

In the afternoon, the boat takes you to Playa Las Bachas, a lovely beach with shallow waters perfect for snorkeling and relaxing. The beach is also home to sea lions and sea turtles, and during nesting season (November to February), you might even see these gentle creatures on the sand.

The snorkeling gear (mask and fins) is included, so you can jump straight into the water and observe marine life up close. We loved the chance to swim alongside playful sea lions and spot colorful fish and turtles beneath the surface.

Beyond snorkeling, a walk to a nearby lagoon offers the chance to see flamingos and endemic bird species. This tranquil spot is perfect for photography and quiet observation — a moment to truly appreciate the diversity of island life.

End of the Day: Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up back at the starting point around 2 pm, giving you the afternoon free to explore Puerto Ayora or unwind after a full day of adventure. The small group size ensures you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions or share your favorite moments with the guide.

What Travelers Say

The one review available offers high praise: “A must-do tour if you go to Galapagos! The guide Martin was wonderful. It was more than expected to easily see blue-footed boobies (chicks and eggs, too), magnificent frigate bird (with red balloon), marine iguanas, land iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, Galapagos snakes, and many more.”

This positive feedback highlights the tour’s efficiency and the guide’s knowledge, making for an engaging and educational experience.

Analyzing the Value and Practicalities

At $419 per person, this tour might seem a bit steep, but when you consider what’s included — transportation, guided wildlife interpretation, snorkeling gear, and lunch — it offers excellent value. The convenience of hotel pickup and small group size adds to the experience, making it more personalized and comfortable.

Keep in mind the early start time at 6:00 am, which means waking up before dawn, but that’s typical for full-day wildlife excursions, especially if you want to maximize your time on the islands. The small group cap of 10 travelers ensures more opportunities for close encounters and conversations with the guide.

The non-refundable policy underscores the importance of committing only when you’re sure about the date, but it’s standard practice for such tour providers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who value guided wildlife encounters, want a comprehensive day of exploring both land and sea habitats, and prefer an all-inclusive, hassle-free experience. It’s perfect for those with a good level of mobility, given the walking involved, and for families or nature enthusiasts eager to see diverse species in a single day.

If you’re a photographer, you’ll appreciate the opportunities for wildlife shots — especially with the small group size allowing for better angles. However, if you have limited mobility or prefer a more relaxed, less structured visit, you might want to consider alternative options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 6:00 am with hotel pickup inside Puerto Ayora.

Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast is not included, so it’s best to eat a hearty meal before the tour or bring snacks.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes professional guiding, lunch, snorkeling equipment (mask and fins), transportation, and hotel pickup within Puerto Ayora.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and possibly a towel. Wet suits are not included, so rent one if desired.

How long is the boat ride to Seymour Island?
The boat ride takes approximately 45 minutes.

What kind of wildlife can I expect?
Expect to see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, and in the lagoon, flamingos and endemic birds.

Is this a physically demanding tour?
It involves walking on uneven terrain and some snorkeling, so a reasonable level of mobility is recommended.

Final Thoughts

If you’re keen to experience a full day immersed in Galapagos wildlife, with the convenience of guided insights and all the essentials provided, this tour is a solid choice. It balances land exploration with marine activities, offering a well-rounded glimpse into the islands’ natural world. The small group setting makes it more personal and engaging, and the early start ensures you make the most of your day.

While the price is on the higher side, the combination of transportation, guided expertise, snorkeling gear, and lunch makes for a good value—especially if your goal is an efficient, education-rich experience that covers some of the archipelago’s most iconic sights. Perfect for adventurous families, wildlife lovers, or first-time visitors eager to see a broad spectrum of Galapagos species in a single day.

Embark on this adventure if you want a balanced, well-organized day of wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and island exploration that hits the highlights and leaves plenty of room for awe.