Rabida Island - Galapagos Travel Guide

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 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.

More Galapagos Island Guides: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Chinese Hat, Bartolome, Genovesa, Baltra, Santa Fe, Espanola, South Plazas, North Seymour, Mosquera, Daphne Islands, and Wolf & Darwin Islands.