Galapagos Islands North Seymour is named after English Lord Hugh Seymour (1759 – 1801). The island is located conveniently in the north of Baltra Island(South Seymour) and Santa Cruz Island. Galapagos Islands North Seymour is a small arid lava island of only 2 km². It was formed by a series of uplifts of submarine lava flows along with Baltra Island and the northeastern part of Santa Cruz Island. This explains the flat geological landscape and a large number of marine fossils found on North Seymour Island.
There is a trail which you can take leisurely that brings you to the southwestern part of the island. The rocky coasts and cliffs are home to large numbers of sea lions and fishes. Birds like the blue-footed boobies also nest among the pebble rocks along the coasts. The central part of the island is filled with aromatic salt bushes where frigatebirds and land iguanas like to nest. Land iguanas are not endemic to Island North Seymour. They were introduced to the island in 1930 when their original habitat in Island Baltra was seriously threatened by rats and goats. They were moved to repopulate in North Seymour.
Home of the Frigatebirds
The largest colony of frigatebirds on the Galapagos Islands is found on North Seymour Island. There are five species of frigatebirds worldwide and two of them are found on the Galapagos Islands: The magnificent frigatebird and The great frigatebird. They are characterized by their vibrant red throat sac. These ferocious birds are known for attacking other birds as well as snatching their preys. The notorious frigatebirds often prey upon the eggs and hatchlings of other seabirds. This threatens the population of nesting and breeding blue-footed boobies on the island. Like on other islands, you will encounter sunbathing sea lions as well as the bright yellow land iguanas. But who can get enough of their sweet and affectionate demeanour?
Diving and Snorkeling at North Seymour
North Seymour Island is incredibly easy to get to on a day tour from Santa Cruz Island or Baltra Island. It offers you a refreshing change of scenery and a different variety of wildlife. There are also several diving sites at North Seymour which offers snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities for divers of all levels. You will get the chance to swim with Galapagos turtles, sea lions, eagle rays and a large number of reef fishes. The endemic Galapagos garden eel, white tipped sharks and hammerhead sharks also guard the waters of North Seymour Island.
Highlights
Palo Santo trees, white coral reefs, land iguanas, diving and snorkelling
Animals
Blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, yellow land iguanas and sea lions.
