North Seymour Island - Galapagos Islands

North Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and so is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.

Tourist Information

Landing: Dry Landing

Wildlife Highlights: Blue footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, garden eels (diving), pacific green sea turtle, hammerhead sharks.

Activity Higlights: Hiking, birdwatching, swimming and snorkelling, scuba diving.

Conditions: Tricky landing. Flat Island easy trail

Notes: Great site for birdwatching, colonies of blue footed boobies and frigate birds run the show

Galapagos Islands Tours and Excursions description

Here is where you can admire the beautiful frigate birds and nests of blue-footed boobies. Watch your step, as the boobies don't worry much about where they nest, and you might just step on one. The trees are dotted with male frigate birds trying to attract the attention of the ladies by inflating their bright red skin flaps. They sometimes fly in the air to call more attention to themselves, which is, in itself, a funny display, as the puffy flap throws off their sense of balance! There's a circular path that takes you through the island to a beautiful, rocky shore where the waves crash a silvery-blue.

This is also a hot diving spot and highly recommended. Here, you have a great chance to see hammerheads, garden eels, tropical fish, sea lions, the pacific green sea turtle, and any number of other colorful, interesting sea life. The currents are strong; just hold on, and enjoy the show.