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Rabida Island red sand beach in the Galapagos

Rabida Island - Galapagos Travel Guide

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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.
Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours

10 Best Galapagos Cruises to Rabida Island for 2025-2026

Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours

Top 10 Luxury Cruises Visiting Rabida Island for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
West & Central Islands + Genovesa $9,990 8 Jun 15, 2025 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.
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Western Islands $7,867 7 May 23, 2025 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.
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard La Pinta $381,349 7 May 23, 2025 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.
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Volcanic Wonders $10,250 8 May 25, 2025 On this comprehensive 8-day tour of the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Origin, see unusual wildlife such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and giant Galapagos tortoises. By zodiac dinghy, trekking, or snorkeling, explore the Galapagos National Park.
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In the Steps of Darwin $9,400 8 May 17, 2025 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.
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Private Charter - In the Steps of Darwin Aboard Evolution $305,330 8 May 17, 2025 Close encounters with wildlife make your private journey a truly memorable one on this 8-day adventure. Snorkel, swim or kayak on the pristine crystal waters and experience amazing animal encounters with your private group of up to 24 guests.
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Western & Eastern Islands $9,990 8 May 24, 2025 Join the M/C Elite on a spectacular 8-day small ship cruise of the Galapagos Islands. Visit San Cristobal, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida, Bartholomew and many more islands.
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Private Charter - Volcanic Wonders $210,000 8 May 25, 2025 Cruise the Galapagos in style on the M/V Origin & Theory Galapagos yachts on this private 8-day tour of the islands of San Cristobal, Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz and Santiago, viewing unique wildlife like marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins & giant Galapagos tortoises.
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Central East Islands $8,195 5 May 22, 2025 Set sail on a 5-day cruise from Baltra to San Cristobal aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Central East Galapagos Islands. Explore Santa Cruz's highlands and lava tunnels, Rábida's red sand beach, Bartolomé's volcanic panoramas, and South Plaza's land iguanas. Discover more flora and fauna while enjoying up-close wildlife encounters.
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North & Central Islands $5,845 5 May 27, 2025 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!
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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. 

Rabida Island Facts and Highlights

  • Rabida Island is famous for its stunning red sand beach, which provides a striking contrast against the turquoise waters of Pacific.
  • The island's harsh volcanic terrain and red cliffs create a dramatic landscape. The high amount of iron in the lava is the reason for the island's distinctive red color.
  • Rábida is one of the best places for visitors to observe pelicans nesting up close. Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies inhabit the island's red cliffs. A diverse array of wildlife can also be found in its shores, including sea lions and marine iguanas. Visitors will also be able to get a glimpse of its endemic species, such as the Galapagos dove and the Galapagos hawk, the archipelago's apex predator.
  • The turquoise waters around Rabida Island are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
  • Rabida Island has played a crucial role in several conservation efforts in the Galapagos, including the eradication of invasive species, such as the goat and rat, resulting in the restoration of native fauna and flora.
  • The island's unique geological formations that make the Galapagos Islands so distinctive, with visitors able to see volcanic cones, craters, and lava formations.
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