North Seymour & Rabida Island
It is just the beginning of the next National Geographic Endeavour adventure and we are anchored at the North Channel, separating Baltra and North Seymour. Our expedition was organized to begin as early as possible, and knowing where we are going, it makes a lot of sense.
The groups looking to focus on photography are ready by 6:15 a.m. and are quickly on the move. The ocean is calm and the conditions are great for early morning action. We quickly arrive at the rocky landing site, disembarking close to swallow tailed gulls nesting and baby sea lions waiting for their mothers. We are getting the first photo instructions and soon we feel ready to photograph as much as possible. There is a baby sea lion at the beginning of the walk and it captures the attention of everyone in the group. A two week old baby sea lion was waiting for its mother, who is probably out in the open sea looking for something to eat, before she can make her way back to meet with the little baby on the island again.
After a great number of pictures of the baby sea lion, the next surprise in the path is a couple of blue footed boobies. The male is obsessed with the dance and he is totally convinced that the female will, at some point, pay attention to his courting. He insists, but there is no indication that this female is attracted to him at all. I guess we all know the feeling!
The vegetation in our surroundings here in North Seymour is still dry. It is the second week of January, but hopefully this dry spell would not last too long. I must say that our vegetation on the coast of the Islands is beautifully green during the rainy season and we long to see it!
More attractions are waiting for us on this beautiful island; soon after we leave the blue footed boobies, we are very close to a large colony of magnificent frigate birds and it seems to me that we have found them all in one very tiny spot. We spot males with the gular pouch inflated, females taking care of baby chicks and juveniles begging for food. After three hours on the island everywhere is getting hot, so we head back to the ship.
The afternoon of this magical day is going to be spent on the red island of “Rabida,” and what could be better than beginning with snorkeling?
The ocean is crowded today and the water has a green tonality in its color, which makes the visibility difficult. We go in the water to find all the nice schooling fish, tropical and any other available attraction. After an hour in the water we go for a short, fun sea lion interaction on the red beach of the island. The entire island is nicely and smoothly decorated with the sunlight, so nice at this time of the day. I cannot think of any better place to be than seated with the group on the beach close to a sea lion; their company is so great and thoroughly enjoyable.
