A grey sky looms overhead as we awaken off North Seymour Island in the central part of the archipelago. We float upon turquoise water as we start to move towards a landing, and the blue sky starts to appear overhead. Boulders underfoot as we pass through a dry environment. We find male frigate birds with inflated gular sacs trying to find mates, blue footed booby chicks awaiting food and land iguanas starting to move to the shade as the sun heats the land.
The afternoon presents us with Rabida Island and the dark red lava formation that is the island. As we investigate the surrounding seas, we find playful sea lions, white tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and a plethora of fish. The glow of the late afternoon blankets the beach area in warm light. After our hike, we encounter sea lions returning to the beach to rest. A successful day for all as we start to understand the diversity of life in this “little world upon itself.”
