Rabida Island Adventure Cruises

Top things to do & see on Rabida Island

As you can see, there are many things to work into your adventure cruise to Rabida Island. Our small ship cruises make a wet landing at Rabida, also called Jervis Island. There is only one visitor’s center on the island to welcome you, and most of the island is natural without an overly touristy feel.

Many guests enjoy snorkeling among the rocks at the island's east end near the famous red beach. In addition to the sea lions on the land, you will also see vibrantly colored reef fish swimming around you in the water, and maybe even a white-tipped shark. Some guests also encounter Galapagos dolphins, bottle-nosed dolphins, and manta rays.

Hiking is a popular activity along the red sand beach at Rabida Island, and the 1 km trail is easy for most proficiency levels. The scenery is quite different from the other islands in the archipelago and worth the short trek over the landscape to catch.

Rabida Island is also known for its rich avian ecosystem and overall biodiversity. Flamingos, nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, masked and blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, and white-cheeked pintail ducks are easy to spot while hiking down the beach near the salt brush, Galapagos cactus and palo santo trees. The cliffs are black and red, towering behind you as the perfect photo backdrop.

Top Tips for Visiting Rabida Island

If you’re a bird watcher on an adventure cruise to have a Rabida Island wildlife encounter with one of several species that live there, a good camera and a pair of binoculars are essential to your goals.

In addition to your birdwatching gear, we recommend the following ‘must have’ list for every guest to Rabida Island:

• Clothing to layer for climate shifts
• Sun protection
• A reusable water bottle
• A day bag for adventure activities off the ship
• Protective gear for your smartphone like a watertight pouch or similar
• Comfortable, rugged footwear and water shoes.

Best time to cruise Rabida Island

Every day is beautiful in the Galapagos, but you can plan to make the most of your trip. There are better times than others for adventure activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and catching a glimpse of those famous brown pelicans.

Hiking is best in Rabida Island during the warm season, December through May. The weather is sunny, and the skies are particularly blue. Rabida, from May to December, is the dry season, which is slightly less sunny.

The water on Rabida Island is clearest from June to November, which is also the best time for snorkeling.

Most of the native wildlife hangs around all year. If you want to view the brown pelican nests, their breeding season peaks in March and April. Green Sea Turtles nest from January to March Blue Footed Boobie mating season happens in May.

Where do Rabida Island cruises depart from?

Currently, most Galapagos adventure cruises depart from Baltra or San Cristobal. Please check your specific cruise itinerary to confirm this, as changes can occur over time.

To begin your small ship cruise to the Galapagos, you will fly into one of the two international airports in Ecuador: Quito or Guayaquil. Your guides will be there to meet you and show you to your luxury yacht. They’ll make you welcome and feed you before departing to your first destination.

Book your next Galapagos Cruise adventure today.