BEST FOR… Wildlife, red sand, solitude

WHY GO? There’s only one landing site for wildlife cruisers on uninhabited Rabida and it happens to be at a maroon-coloured beach – a tint caused by high iron levels courtesy of its volcanic origins. It makes a striking, if surreal, backdrop to the basking sea lions.

WHAT TO DO: A stop here involves a wet landing on the sand; walk to the saltwater lagoon, where flamingos breed. Snorkel off the shore.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: A multi-day cruise with an expert naturalist is the way to see more of the archipelago. Not all boats visit Rabida – check your itinerary.

GET THERE: Rabida is 4.5km south of Santiago Island, only accessible by boat. Baltra island is serviced by flights from mainland Ecuador.