North Seymour Island

North Seymour Island: A Wildlife Wonderland in the Galápagos

If you’re planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands and want to experience the archipelago’s incredible wildlife up close, a visit to North Seymour Island is a must. Though small in size, this flat, rocky island is one of the best places to witness iconic Galápagos species in their natural habitat, from dazzling blue-footed boobies to the magnificent frigatebirds with their bright red throat pouches. Perfect for a day tour, North Seymour promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

🦎 Why Visit North Seymour Island?

• Get up close with the famous blue-footed boobies performing their adorable mating dance.
• Witness the spectacular mating rituals of the magnificent frigatebirds, known for inflating their vivid red throat pouches.
• Spot playful Galápagos sea lions lounging along the shores and snorkeling nearby.
• Observe land and marine iguanas basking on the rocky terrain.
• Enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the Galápagos, with sightings of reef sharks, rays, and colorful fish.

📍 How to Get There

North Seymour Island is located just north of Baltra Island, making it easily accessible by boat from Santa Cruz Island. Most visitors explore the island as part of a guided day tour or live-aboard cruise. Tours typically depart from Puerto Ayora and include both hiking and snorkeling excursions.

🗺️ Things to Do on North Seymour Island

• Wildlife Watching: Take a guided walk along the island’s loop trail to see nesting birds, land iguanas, and sea lions up close.
• Bird Photography: Capture once-in-a-lifetime shots of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds in full display during the mating season.
• Snorkeling Adventures: Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, including rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
• Nature Interpretation: Learn from naturalist guides about the island’s unique ecosystems and ongoing conservation efforts.

📅 Best Time to Visit

North Seymour can be visited year-round, but the best wildlife displays often occur during the breeding seasons:

• Frigatebird Mating Season: March to June.
• Blue-Footed Booby Courtship Displays: April to July.

The dry season (June to December) brings cooler temperatures and calmer seas, while the warm season (January to May) is ideal for snorkeling with excellent underwater visibility.

💡 Travel Tips

• Book Tours in Advance: North Seymour is a protected area with limited visitor slots—early booking is highly recommended.
• Wear Comfortable Footwear: The island’s terrain is rocky and uneven; sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals are ideal.
• Bring a Good Camera: This is one of the most photogenic spots in the Galápagos—don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards!
• Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Water: Stay hydrated and protect the delicate marine ecosystem while snorkeling.

📸 Final Thoughts

North Seymour Island offers a front-row seat to some of nature’s most fascinating spectacles. From the comical dance of the blue-footed booby to the sky-high courtship displays of the frigatebird, this island delivers unforgettable moments at every turn. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an avid photographer, or just a curious traveler, North Seymour is a must-visit destination in the Galápagos Islands that promises memories to last a lifetime.