Rábida, also called Jervis Island, is a bird-watcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as 9 varieties of finches, large billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. The dark red sand beaches and a horde of snoring sea lions make for spectacular snorkeling. When you land at the beach, you will be stunned by the stark red sand (the result of very porous iron-rich lava rock). A short trail will take you to a lagoon just behind the beach where flamingos and pintails can frequently be seen. There are also many other birds that can be spotted here, including brown pelicans, Galapagos hawks, penguins, finches, and flycatchers. The mixture of beautiful landscapes and diverse flora and fauna make this little island below Santiago a rewarading stop.

Small Ship Galapagos Cruises to Rabida Island for 2021-2022

Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours

Wild Galápagos Escape

Guayaquil to Guayaquil
7 Days from $5,900

Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, three handpicked naturalists, including a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and an undersea specialist, plus a wellness specialist. Their knowledge and passion for the islands is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Northern Islands

Baltra to El Chato Tortoise Reserve
4 Days from $3,445

Embark on this 4-day voyage scouting the central and northern islands of the Galapagos. Satisfy yourself with the majesty of the exceptional landscape, and relax on the beach. Get ready to see an abundance of unique wildlife including, blue-footed bobbies, reef sharks, flamingos, and playful sea lions. This memorable vacation will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Central Islands

4 Days from $2,050

This 4-day central islands cruise on the Archipel II explores the islands of North Seymour, Bartolome and Santiago. Learn about the history of this unique archipelago, rest on a white coral sand beach, view abundant wildlife, and take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime snorkel opportunities.

A boating tour getting ready to leave the shore.

Western Islands

5 Days from $2,455

Explore the remote, less-visited western islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina on an unforgettable 5-day cruise on the 100-passenger capacity Galapagos Legend small ship.

Luxury West & Central Galapagos Cruise

6 Days from $6,159

The Galapagos are some of the world’s most famous and beguiling islands the M/C Endemic offers you the perfect opportunity to discover and enjoy this natural wonder. Sailing across Baltra, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida, Santa Cruz and more!

The beautiful colorful shores of the Galapagos.

Western Islands

Baltra to Baltra
6 Days from $3,269

Enjoy the Galapagos Islands aboard EcoGalaxy in 6 days, where you explore magical landscapes with unique wildlife like giant tortoises, flamingos, iguanas, and sharks. There is an endless list of activities to do on the different islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida and Santiago.

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard La Pinta

North Seymour to Baltra
7 Days from $323,136

Experience the Galapagos Islands like never before during this 7-day Western Islands private cruise aboard La Pinta. Discover the volcanic landscapes of Punta Espinoza in Fernandina, the spectacular red beaches of Rabida on Santa Cruz Island, and snorkel or glass-bottom boat ride along the coast of Champion Islet in Floreana.

Western Islands

7 Days from $6,732

Explore the red beaches of Rabida and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station aboard the La Pinta. Hike, snorkel, and relax on this 7-day tour of the Western Islands.

Luxury Small Ship Cruises Visiting Rabida Island

Northern Islands

Baltra to El Chato Tortoise Reserve
4 Days from $3,445

Luxury West & Central Galapagos Cruise

6 Days from $6,159

Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard La Pinta

North Seymour to Baltra
7 Days from $323,136

Western Islands

7 Days from $6,732

Explore the red beaches of Rabida and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station aboard the La Pinta. Hike, snorkel, and relax on this 7-day tour of the Western Islands.

A male frigatebird rests in the trees of the Galapagos

West & Central Islands + Genovesa

8 Days from $8,219

Enjoy an exceptional trip to the West & Central Galapagos Islands as you sail across one of the most magical destinations in the world. Discover the enchants of Fernandina, Genovesa, Isabela, Rabida, Santa Cruz and Santiago on this 8-day cruise aboard the glamorous M/C Endemic.

Santa Cruz to San Cristobal Island

8 Days from $14,583

Board the super yacht Stella Maris for an unforgettable 8-day luxury charter experience exploring the Galapagos Islands. Snorkel, kayak, hike, and search for unique wildlife while also appreciating the Islands' history and conservation.

A kayaking trip to see the local bird life of the Galapagos.

In the Steps of Darwin

Baltra to San Cristobal Interpretation Center
8 Days from $6,700

Discover all of the Galapagos wildlife that made the Islands famous and inspired Charles Darwin´s theory of evolution. Snorkel, swim, or kayak on the pristine crystal waters and experience amazing animal encounters, including playful sea lions, frigate birds, iguanas, blue footed boobies, penguins, and giant tortoises.

North & Central Islands

5 Days from $4,595

Enjoy an extensive adventure into the unique world of the Galapagos on this incredible 5-day journey. Admire the incredible natural beauty of this archipelago sailing pass Baltra, Rabida, Santiago, Genovesa, Santa Cruz and more!

Northern Islands

7 Days from $5,087

Get close to giant tortoises on a tour of the Northern Islands. Discover the history behind Buccaneer Cove and take a stroll along a coral reef on this 7-day cruise on the Isabela II.

Galapagos Origin Circumnavigation

15 Days from $15,300

Board the Origin for a unforgettable 15-day cruise through the Galapagos. Encounter the islands distinctive biodiversity including giant tortoises and abundant marine life. Kayak, stand up paddle board and snorkel over coral reefs, taking in the unique landscapes and beauty of the islands.

Top Things To Do On Rabida Island

Snorkeling - There is good snorkeling right off of the red beach where you'll likely see playful sea lions - just keep an eye on the large males, as they can get defensive of their territory and agressive on land and in the water. There is even better snorkeling a few hundred meters down from the beach where cliffs provide purchase for small coral and tons of tropical fish. If you're lucky, you may see a Green Turtle or even a shark!

Hiking - There is an excellent, picturesque hike that goes from the beach, up into the Palo Santo forest where numerous species of birds, reptiles and plants can be spotted.

Hang on the Beach - The Sea Lions keep constant company for beachgoers. Explore the brackish lagoon just behind the beach where you may spot pink flamingoes.

Galapagos Travel Stories & Tips