North Seymour Day Trip Galapagos

A Day on North Seymour: A Close-Up Look at Galapagos Wildlife and Adventure

Imagine a day exploring a tiny, uninhabited island just a few kilometers off Santa Cruz in the Galapagos. For just $360 per person, you’ll spend about nine hours immersed in nature, walking among blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and frigatebirds, then cooling off with snorkeling at Bachas Beach. Led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of land and sea exploration — perfect if you’re eager for authentic encounters with the Galapagos’ distinctive wildlife.

Two things we love about this experience are the small-group setting, limited to only four adventurers, which means personalized attention and a relaxed pace, and the inclusion of snorkel gear and a tasty lunch, making it a hassle-free day. The chance to see frigatebirds nesting and blue-footed boobies up close is a highlight. The only consideration? The terrain can be slippery and uneven, so appropriate footwear is a must. This tour suits curious travelers who enjoy moderate physical activity and want an intimate, authentic experience away from large tourist crowds.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Limited to four travelers, ensuring personalized guidance.
• Wildlife Encounters: Close-up views of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions.
• Inclusive Experience: Transportation, snorkel gear, and lunch are all taken care of, adding excellent value.
• Active Day: Short uphill hikes over volcanic terrain with some uneven and slippery surfaces.
• Unique Underwater Experience: Snorkeling at Bachas Beach to see marine life in their natural habitat.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour relies on good weather; cancellations for poor weather will be fully refunded or rescheduled.

Exploring North Seymour: A Closer Look

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins early, with pickup from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, typically between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. The exact time is confirmed once your booking is processed. From there, a bus or truck whisks you across the island in about 45 minutes to the Canal Itabaca, where you’ll board a motor boat to sail across a short stretch of water to North Seymour Island. This transit is straightforward, but it’s worth noting that the boat ride offers a scenic intro to the island’s surroundings.

Once ashore, your guide will lead you on a dry landing over black basalt stones—so sturdy shoes are a must. The initial hike involves a short uphill walk across pillow lavas, which can be slippery, so proper footwear and caution are advised. After the ascent, the terrain becomes more even, making for comfortable walking as you observe the abundant birdlife.

Wildlife Highlights

North Seymour is famous for its thriving bird colonies and sea lion populations. Expect to see blue-footed boobies, known for their quirky, bright blue feet and comical courtship displays. You’ll also spot frigatebirds, often nesting in the trees above, with their massive, red-throated pouches and impressive wingspan. The island is home to lava gulls, sea lions, and other seabirds, creating a lively, noisy scene.

According to reviews, guides are excellent at pointing out these creatures and sharing interesting facts. One traveler mentions, “Guide was really knowledgeable,” which makes a significant difference when trying to identify species and understand their behaviors.

The Snorkeling Experience

After the land exploration, you’ll head to Bachas Beach for snorkeling, equipped with provided gear. The underwater environment here is vibrant, offering a chance to see colorful fish and possibly marine turtles. The included snorkeling gear and the fact that the experience is tailored for small groups mean you’ll get personalized attention, making this a highlight for many travelers.

The Lunch Break

A key plus of this tour is the included lunch, which allows you to relax and refuel after the morning’s activities. While the specific menu isn’t detailed, reviews mention that the meal is well-prepared, adding value to the overall experience.

Transport and Group Size

The tour’s small-group format ensures you won’t feel like just another face in a crowd. Only up to 16 travelers are allowed, but the reviews highlight that actual groups are often much smaller—around four—creating a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.

Transportation is seamless: from hotel pickup (if arranged) or meeting points on Santa Cruz, to the boat ride, and back again. The entire process is designed to be straightforward, giving you more time to enjoy the wildlife and scenery.

The Cost and Its Value

At $360 per person, this tour offers significant value considering what’s included. All transportation, the guide, snorkel gear, and lunch are covered, which simplifies planning and budgeting. Compared to larger, more commercial tours, this small-group experience offers a more authentic and intimate encounter with the island’s wildlife.

While the price might seem steep for some, reviews suggest that the guide’s expertise and personalized attention make it worth the investment. One traveler notes, “Really enjoyed this trip. Saw many nesting frigate birds and blue-footed boobies,” emphasizing how close-up wildlife sightings are a highlight.

Considerations on Cost

It’s important to remember that prices fluctuate based on the operator and season. Some travelers might find similar tours in larger groups or on bigger boats, which could be less costly but less personal. The small-group setting is a significant advantage, especially for wildlife lovers who appreciate a relaxed pace and expert guidance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value small-group intimacy, authentic wildlife encounters, and active outdoor exploration. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness who don’t mind uneven terrain and some uphill walking. Nature enthusiasts eager to see iconic Galapagos species up close will find this tour particularly rewarding.

If you’re looking for a balanced mix of hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife observation, and you appreciate guides who share their knowledge without rushing, this tour hits the mark. It’s also great for travelers who want a day free from large crowds and commercialized experiences, seeking instead a genuine connection with the islands’ natural inhabitants.

The Sum Up

The North Seymour Day Trip offers a well-rounded adventure that combines wildlife spotting, light hiking, and snorkeling in a small-group setting, making it stand out in the Galapagos. The inclusion of transport, snorkel gear, and lunch adds excellent value, while the knowledgeable guide ensures you’ll learn plenty along the way. It’s a perfect option for travelers who want an authentic, immersive experience without the crowds or rush.

While the terrain requires moderate mobility, those who enjoy outdoor activity and wildlife will find this outing deeply rewarding. The personal attention and intimate group size mean you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get close to the animals, and truly appreciate the unique environment of North Seymour.

For anyone with a curiosity for nature, a sense of adventure, and a desire to see iconic Galapagos species up close, this tour provides a memorable and enriching day — well worth the price.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While it’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness, the hike involves uneven terrain and some uphill walking, so a reasonable level of mobility is advised.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your swimsuit for snorkeling, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven surfaces, and perhaps a hat and sunscreen. Towels are provided as well.

How long does the boat ride take?
The boat ride from Canal Itabaca to North Seymour takes about 45 minutes, offering a scenic introduction to the island.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, lava gulls, and possibly other seabirds and marine life during snorkeling.

Are meals included?
Yes, a provided lunch is part of the package, allowing you to relax and refuel amidst the natural scenery.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are typically on this tour?
The maximum group size is 16, but reviews show most groups are much smaller, often just four, for a more personal experience.

This detailed review should help you decide if the North Seymour Day Trip aligns with your expectations for a small-group, wildlife-centered adventure in the Galapagos. It’s a great way to learn about the islands’ natural beauty, guided by experts who love sharing their knowledge.