North Seymour & Bachas Beach

Operates only on Tuesday & Friday
Activity level: Moderate
Tour style: Hiking & Snorkeling
Pick up: 7:00 am
Departure & Return location: Hotel
Return time: 17:00

The tour takes visitors to North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach during the entire day while starting from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

Your trip begins with a quick bus journey through the highlands to the Itabaca Channel where you will board your day trip boat which includes the Windrose luxury yacht along with other options for different budgets. Onboard the boat the captain together with the crew conduct a safety briefing and drill and provide snorkeling equipment to all passengers. The expedition begins when you set sail for the northern route which follows the volcanic shores and rocky coastline of the Galapagos archipelago. The captain drops anchor in a peaceful bay after the ship approaches North Seymour. You should put on sneakers because you will use a zodiac to reach dry land before starting your walk through the flat sandy terrain. Your guide will assist you in avoiding sea lions during your journey until the exploration starts.

The first stop on the tour leads to the nesting grounds of the magnificent frigate birds. During their breeding season male frigatebirds use their inflated red throat pouches to attract female birds. Watch as baby and juvenile frigates swim through the water while adult frigates fly above them hunting for food from the blue-footed boobies. Frigate birds act as ocean pirates because they avoid diving for food while they steal prey from other birds. These elegant flyers can stay aloft for days, gliding effortlessly across the Galapagos sky.

Visitors will encounter blue-footed boobies when they travel toward the island's interior. Depending on the season, they may be nesting or performing their famous courtship dance.The male bird shows off his most vibrant blue feet while he moves in circles and uses twigs to build nests and performs sophisticated wing displays. Juveniles show white feet at first but their distinctive blue coloration appears as they grow older.

This approximately 2-hour hike is one of the most rewarding in the islands—flat, easy walking that brings you face-to-face with fearless wildlife.

Your journey continues with a brief boat ride to reach Bachas Beach which displays its white sands (Spanish name "Bargas" refers to the sunken cargo ships). Sandals or bare feet serve as the recommended footwear for this wet entry point. A short walk will take you to a hidden snorkeling area where you can watch pink flamingos feed in the protected lagoon. The turquoise waters will take you back to snorkel among sea lions and sea turtles and manta rays and colorful reef fish and white-tip reef sharks.

Lunch comes with the tour which includes multiple activities and wildlife observation opportunities during your easy walks before you head back to Santa Cruz and your accommodation in the highlands or Puerto Ayora.

The company provides multi-day Galapagos vacation deals which incorporate this tour along with other essential destinations.

Recommended Packing: Small waterproof backpack, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, shorts or lightweight pants, short- and long-sleeve shirts, windbreaker, swimsuit, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, and camera.