Isla Rábida is located to the south of the Santiago Island in Galapagos. The landing point on this 5 km2 island is a dark red beach, usually frequented by sea lions. Here you can swim and snorkel. Brown pelicans use the salt mounds for nesting during the season.
A trail leads to a saltwater lagoon where flamingos and white-cheeked swallows can be found. Also found here is a colony of bachelor sea lions waiting their turn to conquer a colony. Continuing inland you reach the arid area of the island where Palo Santo trees (Bursa tree) grow. Rabida offers the most diversified volcanic rocks of the whole archipelago. It is also an exceptional place to practice snorkeling, where you can find a great variety of Tropical fish.
Visit Rábida Island on a cruise ship in the Galapagos. Contact us for more information!
How to get to Rabida Island?
Getting to Rabida Island in the Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, requires several steps and usually involves taking a flight to the Galapagos Islands and then a boat tour. Here is a route from both major cities in Ecuador:
From Quito
- Flight to Baltra or San Cristobal : Begin by taking a flight form the Mariscal Sucre International Airport Start by taking a flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito to Seymour Airport in Baltra or to San Cristobal Airport. Most flights from Quito make stopovers in Guayaquil or Quito, so you may need to make a stopover before arriving in the Galapagos.
- Transit Control Card Payment: Upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands, you must pay an entrance fee and obtain a Transit Control Card at the airport. This is necessary to enter the Galapagos National Park
- Transfer to Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island : If you arrived in Baltra, you will take a short ferry to Santa Cruz Island and then a land transfer to Puerto Ayora, which is the main starting point for tours in the Galapagos.
- Tour or Cruise: From Puerto Ayora, you can organize a full day tour to Rábida Island with local providers. These tours usually include activities such as snorkel and local fauna watching.
From Guayaquil
- Flight to Baltra or San Cristobal: As from Quito, start by taking a flight from José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil to Seymour Airport in Baltra or to San Cristóbal Airport in the islands.
- Transit Control Card Payment: Upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands, follow the same procedure as described on the route from Quito: pay the entrance fee and obtain the Transit Control Card at the airport.
- Transfer a Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (Isla San Cristóbal): If you arrive at San Cristobal, you will take a land transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which is the main city on the island.
- Tour or Cruise: From San Cristobal, you can book a tour to South Plaza Island with local operators. These tours offer the opportunity to explore the island and its unique marine wildlife.
It is important to note that to visit the Galapagos Islands, you must comply with the conservation and protection requirements of the Galapagos National Park, which include paying fees and following local regulations. In addition, I recommend that you check the availability of flights and tours in advance, as demand can be high, especially in high season.
Requirements to enter Rábida Island in Galapagos
The requirements to enter Rábida Island are similar to those for the requirements to enter the Galapagos Islands. We leave you a brief summary here.
For Ecuadorian travelers:
- ID or Passport: Ecuadorian nationals can enter the Galapagos Islands by presenting their identity card or passport.
- Lodging reservation and/or letter of invitation: Accommodation reservation and/or letter of invitation: A reservation of accommodation in Galapagos may be required as part of the entry requirements. It may also be useful to have a letter of invitation if you are staying in someone's home.
For foreigners:
- Valid passport: Foreigners must present a valid passport when entering Galapagos.
- Tourist Visa: Most foreigners do not need a tourist visa to enter Ecuador, but it is important to check if your nationality requires a visa and, if so, obtain one in advance.
- Migratory Control Card: Upon arrival in the Galapagos, foreign visitors must complete a Migration Control Card, which is usually provided during the flight or upon arrival at the airport.
- Return air ticket: You may be required to present a return air ticket to your country of origin or departure from the Galapagos Islands as part of the entry requirements.
- Accommodation reservation: Similar to nationals, some places may require an accommodation reservation as part of the documents required for entry.
Weather in Rábida Island
The climate on Rábida Island, as in the other islands of the Galapagos Islands In general, it is subtropical and is mainly influenced by ocean currents and the equatorial location. Here is a summary of the climate on Isla Rabida and then a list by month:
Weather in Rábida Island summary:
- The climate on Isla Rábida is warm and humid throughout the year.
- The average annual temperature usually ranges from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F).
- There are two main seasons: the warm season and the garúa season (light rainy season).
- The warm season runs from December to May, with higher temperatures and drier weather. This is the best time for diving and snorkeling due to excellent underwater visibility.
- The garúa season runs from June to November, with slightly cooler temperatures and a higher probability of light rains and garúa. Despite the rains, this season is ideal for bird watching and the reproduction of some marine species.
If you want to know the Climate in Galapagos, please visit this link.
Activities to do in Rábida Island
- Snorkel: Explore the crystal clear waters surrounding Isla Rabida and discover the diversity of marine life, such as tropical fish, sea turtles and sea lions.
- Diving: If you are a diving enthusiast, you can dive into the depths to explore the coral reefs and observe sharks, manta rays, and other fascinating ocean inhabitants.
- Hiking: Hike along the island's trails to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and observe the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos.
- Bird watching: Rábida Island is a paradise for bird lovers. You can observe endemic birds such as red-footed boobies, pelicans, gulls and frigate birds.
- Red Sand Beach Visit:: This island is famous for its red sand beach, which creates a spectacular landscape and is a perfect place to take pictures in.
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the beach and relax under the equatorial sun.
- Nature Photography:The wildlife of Isla Rábida offers unique opportunities for nature photography. Don't forget to bring your camera.
- Interpretation Center Visit:: Learn more about the natural history and conservation of the Galapagos at the island's Interpretive Center.
- Beach Picnic: Take your picnic basket with you and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beautiful beach.
- Kayaking:: Explore the coast by kayak and admire the cliffs, caves, and rock formations from the water.
- Seashell search: If you are interested in marine life, look for shells and conches along the shore.
- Sport Fishing: If you are a fishing enthusiast, you can participate in a sport fishing excursion in the surrounding waters.
- Star Gazing: At night, enjoy stargazing in a place with little light pollution, where you will be able to see the starry sky of the Galapagos.
- Visita a la Isla de Santiago: Si tienes tiempo, puedes hacer una excursión a la cercana Isla de Santiago y explorar sus atracciones naturales.
Flora and Fauna in Rábida Island
La flora de la Isla Rábida
- Opuntia Cacti: Also known as lava cactus, it is a species of cactus found in abundance on Isla Rábida. Its succulent, spiny stems are an iconic feature of the landscape.
- Palosanto: Rosewood, scientifically known as Bursera graveolens, is an aromatic tree found on the island. Its leaves and bark give off a pleasant aroma.
- Mangle rojo: Along the coast, you can find the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), a mangrove species that contributes to marine biodiversity and is important for conservation.
- Scalesia: This genus of endemic Galapagos trees and shrubs, known as scalesia, is found on Rábida Island in various shapes and sizes.
- Black Sage Black sage (Lycium sp.) is a plant adapted to the dry conditions of the island and is prized for its silvery foliage and small flowers.
Fauna of Rábida Island
- Red-footed boobies: Rabida Island is home to a colony of red-footed boobies (Sula sula) that nest on cliffs and rocks. They are known for their red legs and colorful blue beaks.
- Sea Lions: On the island's beaches, you can see sea lions resting and playing in the sand. These marine mammals are a common sight in the Galapagos.
- Flamingos: In the island's lagoon, it is possible to find flamingos (Phoenicopterus spp.), which feed in the shallow waters and bring a touch of color to the area.
- Sea turtles: The beaches of Isla Rábida are nesting sites for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).
- Land Iguanas: Along the coast, you can find marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), a unique species that feeds on seaweed and is endemic to the Galapagos.
- Red Crabs: Red crabs (Grapsus grapsus) are a common sight found on the rocks and beaches of Rabida Island. Their bright red color is quite distinctive.
- Aves playeras: The island is a refuge for various migratory shorebirds that rest on the beach during their migratory routes.
Remember that Rábida Island is a nature reserve, so it is important to follow local regulations to preserve its beauty and biodiversity. Enjoy your adventure on this wonderful island!
