A flat uplifted island just north of Baltra, North Seymour packs an extraordinary density of wildlife into a single 2 km loop — nesting frigatebirds with scarlet gular sacs, blue-footed boobies performing their shuffle dance, and golden land iguanas lumbering between prickly-pear cacti.
There is no pier — all passengers transfer by panga (zodiac) to a rocky dry landing.
💡 Pro move: Galapagos National Park entrance fees (currently $200 USD for most foreign visitors as of Aug 2024) are typically collected at Baltra airport before island visits, not at the landing site.
North Seymour has no pier or dock — access is by panga to a rocky basalt shore.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition cruise lines (Silversea, Lindblad, Celebrity, Hurtigruten, etc.) | Rocky basalt dry landing, north coast📍 | Tendered |
| Day-trip operators from Santa Cruz / Baltra | Same rocky landing site📍 | Tendered |
North Seymour is an expedition-only stop — all activity centers on the single guided nature trail through the wildlife colonies.
The island's only trail is its signature experience: a 2 km circular loop through nesting frigatebird and blue-footed booby colonies, past basking land iguanas and marine iguanas, and along a wave-battered coastline where sea lions lounge. Depending on season you may see courtship dances, chicks, or full breeding activity.
Find Galápagos expedition cruises →Many itineraries include a panga snorkel in the waters around North Seymour. Expect Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas feeding underwater, reef fish, and the occasional reef shark or ray.
Find Galápagos snorkel tours →Often paired with a North Seymour visit, Las Bachas on Santa Cruz's north coast offers a white-sand beach, flamingo lagoons, and green sea turtle nesting sites — a relaxing counterpoint to the rocky island walk.
Find Galápagos day tours →There is one trail on North Seymour — the circular wildlife loop — and it covers the entire visitor zone.
Starting from the dry landing on the north coast, the white-stone-marked trail loops through the island's interior — dense Palo Santo scrub and prickly-pear cactus — and back along the rocky shoreline. Wildlife encounters (frigatebirds, boobies, iguanas, sea lions) happen constantly; the pace is slow by design.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for North Seymour Island, Galápagos, Ecuador (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 83°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 7 | 6:06 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Feb | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 11 | 6:11 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 12 | 6:06 AM | 6:13 PM |
| Apr | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 13 | 5:58 AM | 6:03 PM |
| May | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 7 | 5:54 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 2 | 5:58 AM | 6:04 PM |
| Jul | 80°F / 27°C | 72°F / 22°C | 1 | 6:04 AM | 6:09 PM |
| Aug | 79°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 0 | 6:02 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Sep | 79°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 0 | 5:53 AM | 5:59 PM |
| Oct | 79°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 0 | 5:43 AM | 5:50 PM |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 1 | 5:41 AM | 5:49 PM |
| Dec | 82°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 2 | 5:52 AM | 6:00 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
North Seymour is accessible only by sea. Cruise ships anchor offshore and transport guests to the island via Zodiac or panga landing craft.
A single 2km loop trail winds through the island's wildlife colonies. A licensed Galápagos naturalist guide is required by law and accompanies all visitors.
Many cruise and day-tour operators include snorkeling in the waters around North Seymour, where sea lions, marine iguanas, and sharks are frequently spotted.
Independent travelers can join day tours departing from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. These include bus transfer to Itabaca Channel and a 45-min boat ride to North Seymour, plus a guide and often lunch.
Upcoming cruises that call at North Seymour Island, Galápagos, Ecuador. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.