Birding journey
North Seymour is 1.9 sq. km (1.17 sq. mi) and it is one of the best sites for marine birds in the whole Archipelago. It is situated approximately 7 km (3.89 mi) north of Baltra Island. The island was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. It is a very dry island with no natural sources of water, leaving the animals, namely the land iguanas and snakes, to rely on the luscious flowers of the cactus plants for nourishment. Cliffs only a few meters high (28 m, 92 ft.) form the shoreline, where frigate birds, blue footed boobies, herons, hawks, and swallow-tailed gulls sit among the ledges and rocks. This has become an ideal place for bird watchers and ornithologists to observe the peculiar and diverse amounts of birds. The island is surrounded by lots of sharks such as the tiger shark, Galapagos shark, reef shark and other animals like sea lions, marine iguanas, snakes, rays. Besides North Seymour, you will have the opportunity to see and experience Mosquera islet, filled with sea lions.
Description:
The journey starts with a 40-minutes bus ride from the hotel to the Itabaca Chanel. Then, a comfortable yacht is going to take you to the North Seymour Island, where the adventurers will be amazed at the unique flora and fauna in natural state. By dinghy ride you land the island, then the excursion consists of approximately two-and a half-hour trail where you can shoot wonderful pictures. It is the perfect site to observe the largest colony of great and magnificent frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, and land iguanas, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas along the coast. Depending the Galapagos National Park authorization, the second spot could be on the pristine Mosquera Islet. This small, flat, and sandy islet offers the adventurers the amazing sea lion behavior observation. It is also possible to observe lava gulls, coastal birds, and Sally light-footed crabs. Or, you will head (45 minutes) over to Las Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. The beach is an important nesting area for the eastern Pacific green se turtle. It is a white sand beach, with several brackish lagoons, these are the feeding grounds of various wading birds and pink flamingos. It is a paradise-like place for a walk, swim and enjoying the sun. Snorkeling will surprise you with colorful reef fish and green turtles. Your hot lunch is provided in the yacht. The trip takes you to the Chanel, then back to the hotel by bus.
It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it is up to 27ºC from December to May.
Departure: 7:30 am bus pick up at the Hotel located in Puerto Ayora Pier
Returning time: approximately at 4:30 pm
Journey Time: 40 minutes ride by bus until Itabaca Channel, and then comfortable yacht will ride around 1 hour to North Seymour Island.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling
Transportation: shared bus and yacht
Gear fitting: a day before of the tour all passengers must be at 5:00 pm in the Galapagos Path for equipment fitting.
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Confirmation and payment policy: Payments are due based on the following schedule. All reservations require a deposit to confirm.
• 61 to 91+ days in advance Deposit 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00)
• 31 to 60 days in advance Deposit 50% of program’s cost
• 30 days in advance Deposit 100% of program’s cost
Cancellation Policy: Reservations are subject to the following cancellation schedule.
• 90+ days before trip No penalty
• 60 to 89 days before trip Fine 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00)
• 30 to 59 days before trip Fine 50% of program´s cost
• 0 to 29 days before trip Fine 100% of program´s cost
Discounts & benefits:
• For tour leaders is a 50% discount off meals and lodging for groups of 1 – 4 guests. For groups of 5 guests or more, meals and lodging are complimentary.
• For tour leaders, tour guide, or any companions we don’t offer discounts off navigation journeys.
• Kids under 2 are free. For ages 2 – 6, we offer a 10% discount off of meals, lodging, and navigation journey. Kids aged 7 or older pay the standard rates.
• We don’t offer discounts for senior citizens.
• We may be able to offer additional discounts for tour companies who send tour groups to the Galapagos Islands on a recurring basis. Contact us for more details.
Recommendations & clarifications:
• It is required the traffic control card issued by Galapagos Governing.
• Guests with medical conditions and/or special dietary restrictions must make them known to us in sufficient time for us to accommodate their request.
• Guests are strongly encouraged to: wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with sturdy, rugged soles.
• Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
• Bring insect repellent.
• It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it can be chilly at times so we recommend also bringing a windbreaker, hat, and scarf.
• Galapagos and Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
• Most vendors accept cash. We recommend that guests bring U.S. dollars with them if they might want to buy souvenir.
• The prices are according to the double/triple/quadruple room.
• Accommodations in our lodge or boat (cruise) are subject to availability. If the hotel or boat is full, we will arrange for our guests to stay in a hotel or boat of an equivalent category and provide transfers.
• Photography is encouraged always keeping mind the Galapagos National Park Rules for Visitors.
• All itineraries, dining options, accommodations, and journey experiences are subject to change without notice due to factors such as climate conditions, season, host availability, operational issues, and guest security.
• The described species in the program can be encountered during the tours but it is not guaranteed that always will be encountered as it depends on natural factors, climate, seasons, and marine currents.