Seymour North Island & Las Bachas Full-Day Tour

A Day of Wildlife and Wonder on Seymour North Island & Las Bachas

If you’re looking to see some of the most iconic Galápagos wildlife without committing to a multi-day cruise, this Seymour North Island & Las Bachas Full-Day Tour offers an accessible and rewarding experience. For around $378 per person, you’ll spend roughly nine hours exploring two prime spots from Santa Cruz, with hotel pickup included. Expect to encounter blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and endemic birds, along with opportunities for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling — all in one well-rounded day.

Two things we particularly love about this tour: First, the knowledgeable guides who can point out even the most subtle bird behaviors and animal families, enhancing your appreciation of the islands’ delicate ecosystem. Second, the good value for money — with lunch, snorkeling gear, transportation, and park fees included, it’s a comprehensive package that keeps expenses predictable. The one potential hitch? The group size is small, only up to 10 travelers, which can lead to limited flexibility if you’re hoping for a more customized experience.

This tour suits travelers interested in wildlife observation, scenic hikes, and snorkeling who want a manageable, full-day adventure. It’s best for those who appreciate guided tours that combine land and sea activities and prefer to avoid the logistical headaches of organizing separate excursions.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip: Combines boat rides, island walks, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling.
• Expert guides: Known for knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience.
• All-inclusive: Lunch, snorkeling gear, park fees, and hotel pickup included.
• Limited group size: Max 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience but less flexibility.
• Timing matters: Starts early at 7:00 am, perfect for making the most of the daylight hours.
• Good value: Offers a lot of activities and access for a reasonable price compared to many other options.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Puerto Ayora and the Itabaca Canal

Your adventure kicks off at Puerto Ayora, the main hub for visitors in the Galápagos. The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel around 7:00 am, a wise choice to maximize your day. From there, you’re transported via bus to the Itabaca Canal — a scenic spot that acts as a gateway to Seymour North Island. The short 1-hour boat cruise across the canal is part of the fun, offering a chance to appreciate the marine environment even before stepping onto the island itself.

Seymour North Island: Wildlife Paradise

Once on Seymour North Island, you’re immersed in one of the most wildlife-rich spots in the Galápagos. Expect to see colonies of blue-footed boobies, famous for their comical dance displays, and frigates with their vibrant red chests. The island’s dry forests of Palo Santo trees provide an atmospheric backdrop for walking and birdwatching. As reviewer Wing_H noted, seeing baby sea lions learning from their parents and spotting various bird species adds depth to the experience.

You’ll spend about three hours here, observing the endemic animals that have adapted so uniquely to these islands. The guides are praised for their deep knowledge and ability to show you where the best animal sightings occur, which is invaluable for making the most of the limited time.

Playa Las Bachas: Beach, Snorkeling, and Relaxation

Next, depending on the captain’s judgment, the group may visit Las Bachas, a beautiful beach known for its soft sand and calm waters. This stop offers a chance for a short walk, swimming, or snorkeling along the coast. The tour provides snorkeling equipment—masks, fins, and towels—so you can cool off with a refreshing swim among curious sea lions and colorful fish.

A highlight shared by many travelers, including CalvinCheney, is the opportunity to swim with sea lions and enjoy the marine life. The included lunch on the boat offers a reprieve and fuel to carry on with more exploration. Some reviews mention that the combination of land and sea activities makes for a satisfying day, with plenty of variety to keep everyone engaged.

Return to Puerto Ayora

After a satisfying day, the vessel returns you via speedboat to Puerto Ayora. The tour wraps up around 5 pm, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or explore further on your own.

What to Expect on This Tour

Transportation and Group Size

Your day involves hotel pickup from Santa Cruz, a bus transfer to the Itabaca Canal, and a speedboat to Seymour North Island. The boat ride is approximately one hour each way, providing a scenic view of the ocean’s surface. The small group size, limited to 10 travelers, ensures a more personalized experience, but it also means that if minimum numbers aren’t met, the tour may cancel — as some reviews reveal.

Wildlife Encounters

Expect to see endemic birds like blue-footed boobies, frigates, and perhaps some finches or herons. The islands are renowned for their sea lions (which are playful and curious), iguanas, and other native reptiles. Reviewers have been especially impressed by the baby sea lions learning to swim and the various bird species observed during the walk.

Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Swimming

Whether you prefer walking or exploring underwater, this tour has options. The hiking around Seymour offers opportunities to see nesting sites and observe bird behaviors, while the snorkeling lets you get closer to the marine life—think colorful fish and curious sea lions. The gear provided is praised for its quality and ease of use, making it accessible even for beginners.

Food and Comfort

Lunch is included and typically served on the boat. The food quality varies but generally satisfies hungry travelers after a morning of activity. The tour recommends comfortable, sport-style clothing and closed shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

While most reviews highlight the value and knowledgeable guides, there are some criticisms to consider. One reviewer, Chris_G, was very disappointed when the tour was canceled just two days prior, citing low numbers. This underscores that the tour can be subject to logistical issues beyond your control, which is common in remote destinations.

On the positive side, others like CalvinCheney shared that the tour offered a “good mix of land and sea,” with great captain and guide, and memorable moments swimming with sea lions. A guide’s ability to spot nesting frigates and show wildlife behavior greatly enriches the experience, as many reviews commend.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Book in advance: This tour is popular and often booked 65 days ahead, so secure your spot early.
• Arrive early at your hotel for the 7 am pickup.
• Wear comfortable, sport-style clothing and closed shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
• Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat — though snacks and water are provided, staying hydrated is key.
• If you love wildlife watching, this tour gives you a solid chance to see many species in their natural habitat.
• Keep your expectations flexible: weather and captain’s decisions may alter the schedule slightly.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour to Seymour North Island and Las Bachas offers a practical and engaging way to experience some of the most iconic Galápagos wildlife without the expense or commitment of a multi-day cruise. It’s especially suitable for nature lovers who want a balance of land and sea activities, guided by experts who know where the animals hide.

While it’s not perfect and depends on good planning and weather, the combination of birdwatching, snorkeling, and island walking makes for a well-rounded adventure. The included amenities—lunch, snorkeling gear, park fees—help deliver a seamless experience that provides excellent value for your money. If you’re eager to see the blue-footed boobies and sea lions up close and want a small-group, guided situation, this tour is a solid choice.

However, if you’re concerned about potential cancellations or looking for a highly flexible itinerary, you might want to explore other options or confirm availability well in advance. But overall, it offers a taste of Galápagos magic that many travelers cherish.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup at around 7:00 am, giving you plenty of time to explore even the most active parts of the day.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers all taxes and fees, lunch, snacks, snorkeling equipment, towels, hotel pickup, and park entrance fees.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and you’ll have the chance to swim along the coast and see marine life like fish and sea lions.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which means more personalized attention but less flexibility if the minimum number isn’t reached.

Is there any physical activity involved?
Yes, there’s some walking on uneven terrain and optional snorkeling or swimming. Comfortable shoes and swimwear are recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a water bottle, and a sense of adventure. The tour provides towels and snorkeling gear, but you might want to bring your own mask or fins if preferred.

What happens if the tour is canceled?
The tour can be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, in which case a full refund or alternative date will be offered. Always confirm your booking and check the cancellation policy.

This full-day tour offers a wonderful snapshot of the Galápagos’ unique wildlife and landscapes. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one experience that balances adventure with comfort, all at a fair price.