North Seymour & Bachas Beach

Land excursion

If you travel clockwise, you pass first along the coast, through a wide expanse of sand crisscrossed by the trails of black Marine Iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) and yellowish Land Iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus). These reptiles nest here, so it is very important to respect the trail markings! As you progress further, some of the best waves on North Seymour hit a rocky beach to your lefthand side; Young Sea Lions Zalophus wollebaeki) often surf here, with the islands of Daphne major and minor, in the background.

To the right along the path is to be found Saltbush where, unusually for Galapagos seabirds, the Magnificent Frigate Bird nests, with both males and females to be seen in the trees. Side trails from this point go inland to a more densely wooded area important to the Frigates and to a flatter area where Blue-Footed Boobies (Sula nebouxii) nest on the ground, their territories marked by rings of white guano. The Incense Trees in this area (Bursera graveolens subsp. malacophylla) are endemic. During the dry season they look dead, but after the rains in February, they turn green almost overnight. Other endemic plants include Opuntia cactus (different species and varieties), Croton (Croton scouleri), Castela (Casetla galapageia), and Galápagos Carpetweed (Sesuvium portulacastrum).

Snorkeling

Snorkeling can be combined with a trip to North Seymour, this is conducted at Bachas Beach located about 30 minutes by boat from ‘bird island’, on the north coast of Santa Cruz. The landing at Bachas is wet, onto dazzling white sand where you can take a leisurely stroll before donning fins! Behind the beach are two ponds where, occasionally, flamingos are seen. Expect to also find, Darwin's finches, mockingbirds, seagulls, and interesting vegetation such as red and black mangrove and salt bushes. When snorkeling, you can usually find green sea turtles, small rays and various reef fishes.