North Seymour Island was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile with he highest point reaching only 30m. The cliffs of the small island (1,9 sq km), only a few meters high, form the shoreline, where swallow-tailed gulls sit perched in ledges. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing (dry landing on black lava rocks), usually without leaves, waiting for the rain to bring them into bloom.

This island is teaming with life! You might have to give way to a passing sea lion or marine iguana. Blue-footed boobies nest on either side of the trail (ca. 2 km) where mating pairs perform their courtship dance. Further along the rocky shore a strand of white sand lies inland, and large flocks of sea birds mass for outstanding feeding frenzies, rendering a tableau for us from ages long past. The trail turns inland to reveal the largest nesting site in the Galápagos of the magnificent frigate bird. These huge, dark acrobats have 5 foot wingspan, and males, with inflated scarlet gular pouches, sit precariously in low bushes to watch over their equally large chicks. Swallow tailed gulls also nest here and other birds are often seen as well. Sea lions and black endemic marine iguanas are common and with a bit of luck land iguanas and fur seals can be spotted too.