North Seymour Island is a small uninhabited island in the Galapagos archipelago, with a rich ecological heritage. Situated just to the north of Baltra Island, where the main Galapagos airport is located, the island covers an area of around 2 square kilometres. Its formation is attributed to the geological uplift of underwater lava, which contrasts with the volcanic origins of many other Galapagos islands. This geological history gives it a relatively flat, rocky landscape, characterised by a combination of dry scrubland and lush coastal vegetation.

North Seymour Island is a true paradise for birdwatchers, as birds can be approached from just a few metres away. The island is best known for its colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.

Visits

Conservation is a key concern on North Seymour Island, as it is throughout the Galapagos Islands. The islands’ delicate ecosystems are under constant threat from human activity and invasive species. The Galápagos National Park limits the number of visits and visitors. It is forbidden to disembark on the island without a permit and it is compulsory to be accompanied by a guide. The guides are competent and often bilingual, providing good information on the behaviour and adaptations of the species encountered.

Visitors passing close to the birds should keep to the marked paths, covering only a small part of the island. A respectful distance must be kept from the wildlife, and physical interaction must be refrained from.

Flora

The island’s flora is indicative of its arid climate. The landscape is dotted with Palo Santo trees, which shed their leaves to conserve water during the dry season, giving the land a stark, skeletal appearance. These trees, along with Opuntia cacti, form a hardy canopy that is home to a variety of wildlife.

Blue-footed boobies

Blue-footed boobies are seabirds known for their bright blue feet, which play a key role in their elaborate mating rituals. Mainly found in the Galapagos Islands, these birds engage in a unique mating dance in which males lift and display their feet to attract females. The bright blue colour indicates that the male is in good health.

Blue-footed boobies are excellent divers, feeding mainly on fish. They nest on land, often in colonies, and share parental duties. Their unique behaviour and amusing appearance make them a subject of curiosity and a highlight for visitors to the Galápagos.

Frigates

Equally fascinating are the magnificent frigatebirds, known for their spectacular courtship displays. During the mating season, male frigatebirds inflate their crimson throats to impressive sizes, creating a sort of bright red balloon to attract females. The sight of dozens of these birds with their inflated pouches is one of the most memorable sights on the island.

Land iguanas

The fauna of North Seymour Island is not limited to birds. Land iguanas, originally introduced to the island from the neighbouring island of Baltra, thrive in its environment. These lymphatic reptiles are often seen basking on the rocks or foraging in the vegetation.

A visit to North Seymour Island briefly creates the illusion of being in another world, a world where humans and animals live in peaceful coexistence, free from fear and aggression. This particular microcosm makes it a captivating destination for those interested in nature.