Rábida Island, Galápagos

Land of Iron Volcanoes

What you need to know about Rábida Island, Galápagos

Rabida is a small, steeply-sloped island with red-sand shores, and was originally called Jervis. Despite its small size, Rabida has one of the highest concentrations of volcanic features in the Galápagos, and it's thanks to the iron-rich lava deposits that its sands and soils are so red.

It's rugged shores with sheltered caves are favourites with Galápagos Sea Lions and marine iguanas who seek their shade in hot weather. Rabida is one of the best spots in the archipelago to observe pelicans, who nest here amongst the saltbush.

Inland there are many Opuntias which provide habitats for land birds like Darwin's finches, Galápagos Doves and Galápagos Mockingbirds.

The main conservation challenge on Rabida is from the introduction of invasive rats. It's not known exactly when they arrived, but it is thought to be sometime in the last 50 years. Since then the population of a plant species Galvezia leucantha pubescens has become critically endangered, and it's thought this is due to rat activity.

Interesting facts about Rábida

The red soils of Rabida are due to the high iron content of its volcanic lava

Black rats arrived only 50 years ago, and already one plant species is critically endangered

Rabida is named after the convent where Columbus left his son during his New World voyage

Flamingos feed and breed in the saltwater lagoons behind the beach on Rabida

Pictures of Rábida

Rábida: A walk on Rabida Island - seaman journey galapagos cruise - gal0176

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Highlights in Rábida

A walk on Rabida Island

Rabida is a small, steeply-sloped island with red-sand shores, and was originally called Jervis. Despite its small size, Rabida has one of the highest concentrations of volcanic features in the Galápagos, and it's thanks to the iron-rich lava deposits that its sands and soils are so red.

After a wet landing on the northern coast you will often see Galápagos Sea Lions and marine iguanas around the beach, especially near the sheltered caves in hot weather. Just behind the beach is a nesting site for brown pelicans, who use the saltbush as cover. Rabida is one of the best spots in the archipelago to observe pelicans. Sometimes flamingos can also be seen in the lagoon here.

There is a short hiking trail that leads further inland through Opuntias where there are good opportunities to see land birds like Darwin's finches, Galápagos Doves and Galápagos Mockingbirds.

After your trip inland you can then have a relaxing swim and enjoy some snorkeling, which is very good in the clear waters off the beach. While you swim, you'll be able to see Blue-Footed Boobies taking off over your head from their cliff-top roosts.