It is our first full day in the Galapagos Islands, and we were to visit what we considered one of the highlights of the archipelago: North Seymour. Located in central part of the archipelago, Seymour is just a speck on Galápagos’ chart. It is nevertheless one of the most important nesting sites for sea birds. We start our hike getting deep into the dry vegetation; the landscape is stunning in contrast with the turquoise water. Frigatebirds decorated many of the surrounding trees and bushes. Both magnificent and great frigatebirds were actively taking care of their young on the nests or waiting with their pouches blown up, searching for a mate. We also spot blue-footed boobies in courting dance, helping with nesting material, some already with eggs while others caring for chicks already born.
We cannot forget the marine and yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, pelicans, sea lions, fur seals, and more. Certainly Galapagos is a paradise on earth if there ever was one. In the afternoon, we have an amazing snorkel in Rabida Island with Galapagos sea lions, Pacific green sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, many tropical fish and even a hammerhead shark. To complete our day, we have a sunset hike in enjoy the dry forest of Rabida island ending in a red sandy beach full of sea lions with an amazing sunset in the horizon. This was the first of many unforgettable days in paradise to come!
