North Seymour is a low-lying island not far from the coast of Baltra. Its diminutive size has not put off wildlife from settling here; instead visitors find that this tiny islet is incredibly biodiverse. Brush and Palo Santos trees provide shelters for Galapagos Snakes and Land Iguanas, while thanks to the huge amount of fish that swim in the nearby waters not only is there an abundance of birds, but also a colony of Sea Lions, all benefitting from the rich pickings from the sea.

Being so close to the main airport in the Galapagos, on Baltra Island, means that North Seymour is a popular destination for visitors to the archipelago. However, its geographical location is not the only reason that people flock to the shores of this uninhabited islet. Thanks to the unique water conditions that surround the island marine life here is plentiful; no less than three species of Shark are common in these waters including the mighty Tiger Shark. Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas, Rays and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish can all be found in and around the shores of North Seymour.

Meanwhile, on the island itself, avian fanatics will be thrilled with the large amount of birds that can be seen here. A 2km walk across the island will take you past Galapagos Herons, colonies of Great Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobie nests and the endemic Swallow-tailed Gulls. You may also come across the large Land Iguanas – at over 1m in length they’re not hard to miss, while the elusive Galapagos Snake, master of camouflage, can be a little more challenging to find. Due to the fact that this island was created by a geological uplift, it can be quite rugged in places, which although may sometimes mean land underfoot is uneven for humans, it’s an idyllic haven for the local wildlife.