During our second full day aboard National Geographic Islander II, we explored North Seymour Island. In the morning, we went on a hike to observe and photograph blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds, as well as Galapagos land iguanas. In the afternoon, guests had the chance to snorkel and hike on Rabida Island.
Known for its diverse range of wildlife and natural scenery, North Seymour is located just north of Baltra, the airport island. One of the morning’s highlights was observing Galapagos land iguanas basking on rocks to absorb heat and regulate their body temperature. It was fascinating to watch them move slowly, using their powerful legs and sharp claws to climb the rocky terrain. Galapagos land iguanas are herbivores, and we observed them feeding on cactus pads and other vegetation.
Rabida Island is a small volcanic island located in the central part of the archipelago. One of the most fascinating species we encountered was the endemic Galápagos sea lion. A key part of the ecosystem, they help regulate the populations of fish and other marine species. While strolling along the red sandy shore, our guests observed a good number of sea lions resting on the beach.
