Port information & tips for North Seymour (Galapagos)
North Seymour is an untouched natural paradise in the heart of the Galápagos Islands and is considered one of the most spectacular wildlife viewing spots in the world. The flat lava island fascinates with its rugged wilderness and, thanks to its unique flora and fauna, offers an incomparable backdrop for explorers. Highlights include the vast colonies of magnificent frigatebirds, the famous blue-footed boobies with their courtship dances, and the imposing Galápagos land iguanas. As the island is uninhabited, ships anchor off the coast and guests reach the North Seymour Dry Landing Site directly by dinghy. Thanks to its proximity to the Itabaca Channel and Baltra Island, this landing site provides an ideal connection to the tourist infrastructure as well as the lively center in Puerto Ayora.
Arrival at the cruise port for North Seymour is via the ecologically sustainable Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island, providing guests with direct access to the Galapagos Archipelago. Thanks to its central location and excellent local organization, travelers can reach their ships comfortably via short transfer routes.
Airplane
Air travel for guests from the DACH region leads via the Ecuadorian hubs of Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) to Seymour Airport on Baltra in around two hours. Renowned airlines such as LATAM and Avianca serve this route daily and, thanks to coordinated flight schedules, enable a timely connection to the expedition cruises.
Transfer & Shuttle
From the airport terminal, passengers take the official Lobito bus shuttle on a short, ten-minute ride to the pier or the Itabaca Channel. There, embarkation usually takes place directly by Panga inflatable boat to the cruise ship, guaranteeing a smooth transition from the airplane to the nature of the Galapagos Islands.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and the time difference, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation with an overnight stay in Quito or Guayaquil. A stay on the mainland also offers the ideal opportunity to complete the necessary transit preparations for the National Park in a relaxed manner and to start the adventure well-rested.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
