North Seymour is a small, low island of uplifted seafloor just north of Santa Cruz, and for birdwatchers it is the star of the central islands. A dry landing on the rocks leads onto a looping trail of about two kilometres that passes through colonies of blue-footed boobies, whose comical courtship dances and bright blue feet draw photographers from around the world, and magnificent frigatebirds, whose males inflate red throat pouches like balloons during breeding. Swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and land iguanas share the trail, and the walk ends on a rocky shore with sea lions and marine iguanas. A day trip from Puerto Ayora crosses by boat in the morning, spends a couple of hours ashore with a naturalist guide, often adds a swim or snorkel stop at a nearby beach, and returns in the afternoon. It is tiring only in the heat and exposure, so wear a hat and bring water. For many visitors this is the single best day trip on a land-based Galápagos stay.
Wildlife timing matters, and a good guide will tell you what is happening on the day. Breeding activity varies through the year, so the courtship dances, nesting and chicks you see depend on the season, but there is always something to watch, whether boobies, frigatebirds, gulls or iguanas. Land iguanas are a highlight here too, and you will see them close to the path, sometimes resting under cactus.
Planning the trip
Boats leave early from the Puerto Ayora waterfront, usually after a short water taxi to board, and the crossing takes a good part of the morning. Take motion sickness tablets if you are prone, as the open water can be lively. Pack a hat, sunscreen, a light layer, closed walking shoes or sandals with grip, a refillable water bottle and snorkel gear if the operator does not provide it.
Lunch is normally served on board. Operators run different islands on different days, so choose a date that matches North Seymour and book ahead in busy months.
Rules and costs
You must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide and stay on the marked trail, keeping a good distance from nests and animals. The Galápagos National Park entry fee, paid in cash on arrival at the island airport, is separate from the trip price, and it is worth confirming the current amount before you travel. Day trips are shared or private, with prices that reflect the boat and the group. A full day is long, but unlike a cruise you are back in your own bed that evening.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day boat trip from Puerto Ayora with a dry landing, a two-kilometre wildlife trail and usually a swim or snorkel stop.
Best time
Any time of year has wildlife; breeding behaviour varies by season, so ask your guide what to expect.
How long
About eight to nine hours door to door, with a couple of hours ashore.
Tips
Take motion sickness tablets, a hat, sunscreen, grippy footwear and water, and keep to the trail and a safe distance from nests.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Bird lovers and anyone who wants blue-footed boobies up close.
- Families
- Good for older children who can handle a long boat day and a hot, exposed trail.
- Couples
- A memorable wildlife day with a swim stop, back in your own hotel by evening.
- Pair with
- A Bartolomé or Santa Fe day on another date, and the Darwin Station for context.
- Time needed
- A full day; book a date early in your stay in case of schedule changes.
Good questions
What will I see on North Seymour?+
Blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, land iguanas and sea lions are the highlights, along with marine iguanas on the shore.
Is it a day trip from Puerto Ayora?+
Yes. Boats leave in the morning, spend a couple of hours on the island with a guide and return in the afternoon, so you sleep in the same hotel.
Do I need to pay the park entry fee separately?+
Yes. The national park entry fee is paid in cash on arrival at the island airport and is not part of the trip price. Confirm the current amount before you travel.
Can I get seasick?+
The crossing can be choppy, so people prone to motion sickness should take tablets beforehand and sit near the middle of the boat.
What should I bring?+
A hat, sunscreen, water, closed grippy shoes or sandals, a light layer and swimwear. Snorkel gear is usually provided, but confirm with the operator.
