Have questions? We're here.
Sea lion encounter while snorkeling

North Seymour and Bachas Beach

Example 1 Day Cruise aboard Galaxy Daily
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Galapagos trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Embark on an exciting day tour as you depart on a bus to the Itabaca Channel to board the Galaxy Daily. The first stop is North Seymour, where you will have a dry landing and start hiking on a 2.5 km trail that runs along the coastline. The trail offers a chance to spot land and marine iguanas, sea lions, and other fascinating wildlife. Visit a colony of boobies and take in the stunning scenery. Moving on, visit Bachas, a beach north of Santa Cruz Island, where a wet landing is required. Here, you can take a relaxing walk or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. The beach is a nesting area for green sea turtles, and the saltwater lagoon is home to great blue herons and small birds. It is recommended to wear light walking shoes or disembarking barefoot.
Marine iguanas piling on volcanic rock in the GalapagosSea lion on North SeymourBlue-footed boobies basking in the GalapagosSee Blue-footed boobies on your Galapagos tour!Snorkeling the tropical waters of the Galapagos islands.Galapagos beachSea lion encounter while snorkeling
Highlights
  • Hike North Seymour to spot land and marine iguanas, and a boobies colony
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk or go snorkeling in the pristine waters of Bachas
  • Observe green sea turtles and great blue herons at Bachas' saltwater lagoon
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: North Seymour | Bachas Beach

Meet the tour group at Puerto Ayora's Church entrance, located by the pier and next to the "El Descanso del Guía" restaurant. Then, depart by bus to the Itabaca Channel, where you will board the Galaxy Daily, thus beginning your adventure to North Seymour Island. This island is located north of Santa Cruz Island. It is known for its large colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, known as the Galapagos pirates. After arriving in North Seymour, have a dry landing and immediately start hiking on a 2.5 km (1.55 miles) trail. You can go clockwise along the coast or head inland first to visit the colony of boobies. During this tour, you will access the nesting sites of the largest breeding colonies on the islands. Then understand why Seymour is known for its rich wildlife. Get ready to spot land iguanas and marine iguanas; also, a colony of sea lions, lava lizards, and pelicans! While you advance along the path, observe several trees where the male and female frigates nest.

As you continue through the trail, the terrain will become rocky. Then, have the opportunity to appreciate the nesting place of the spectacular blue-footed boobies. This species is fascinating for its courtship dance in which they can dance for hours until finally captivating the female attention to nesting together. Boobies never build a nest, that is because a ring of white guano marks their nesting area. If you like plants, you will see some endemic flora species in North Seymour during the walk, such as Opuntia, Croton, Castela, and Sesuvium cacti.

After your visit to North Seymour and a delicious lunch aboard, go to the beach known as Bachas, located north of Santa Cruz Island. Here you can snorkel or take a relaxing walk on the beach. For this, make a wet landing, in which you will jump from the panga to the shore of the beach. It is recommended to disembark barefoot and wear light walking shoes for the rest of the journey. Bachas beach is lovely, ideal for swimming, with a lagoon behind and a longer coast for walking and wildlife watching. The saltwater lagoon behind the beach often has great blue herons and small birds. Both the large and small beaches are nesting areas for green sea turtles. As for snorkeling, during the activity, you may see many types of colorful reef fish, and various rays, among other marine species. At the end of your experience in Bachas, return to the Itabaca Channel. Then, you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora's pier to end your adventure for the day.

Ship/Hotel

Galaxy Daily

Galaxy Daily
Air-conditioned living area in Galaxy Daily
Small pantry area in Galaxy Daily

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at

Notes

This Add-on is available only for our travelers extending or customizing their itinerary.

Child Discount

Children 5% (between 6 and 11 years old)

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 1 Lunch
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Coffee & Tea
  • Snorkeling gear (Mask and tube)
  • Towels
  • Transportation to/from the meeting point to Itabaca Channel
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12. Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $10/day per person.
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
  • Fins are not included but are available to rent on board - $5 per day per person.

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

Galapagos Travel Guide

Top Galapagos Travel Destinations

Galapagos Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Galapagos

Galapagos Trips by Duration

Galapagos Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By