This was our first full day in the Galapagos, and we can say it was a wonderful one. The island of North Seymour is small, but full of wildlife. The animals that typically make it to oceanic islands are birds and reptiles, and these are exactly the kind of animals we find here. Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and land iguanas call North Seymour home. Oceanic islands provide a secure nesting area, since no big predators can survive the journey through the sea, except rats! That is why, in 2019, conservationists worked on eradicating rats so that the endemic and native wildlife can live peacefully. That is what we got the chance to see today, animals living in perfect harmony and unafraid of us. In the afternoon, we visited Rabida Island, where we enjoyed water activities and finished our day with a nice stroll along the beach.
4/21/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
North Seymour and Rabida Islands
As this journey begins, National Geographic Endeavour II awakens at North Seymour Island, almost dead center in the archipelago. This low-lying, uplifted volcanic island does not appear to hold much, however it is brimming with wildlife as we land. Walking among great and magnificent frigatebirds, with males trying to attract mates, we encounter Galapagos land iguanas highly camouflaged against the rocky background with endemic lava lizards fleeting about. The bright cerulean color of the blue-footed boobies stands out as we explore this land before time. The afternoon brings us to Rabida Island and its incredible contrast with its deep red, oxidized volcanic landscape, the only such island in the Galapagos. Exploration along the coast with kayaking or snorkeling, we encounter the ocean busy with wildlife, including Galapagos sea lions, whitetip reef sharks, and colorful reef fish. A sunset walk along the red sand beach allows us to get close to the sea lions as the sun dips below the horizon.
