Visiting the northern islands of Genovesa, Marchena, and Pinta can be a special experience for tourists, because it implies earning a rite of passage across the equatorial line. Unfortunately, Marchena and Pinta are off-limits to tourists, but Genovesa is most certainly a Galápagos highlight. It is one of only two islands where you can see groups of red-footed boobies, and the surrounding bay is often a haven for hammerhead sharks, which are occasionally visible while snorkeling.
Although Santiago, Bartolome (and nearby dive-site Cousin's Rock), Sombrero Chino, and Rabida are closer to the central island of Santa Cruz than the three northern outliers, we consider them "northern islands," because they are located outside the central island conglomeration. These islands are geologically interesting and offer some of the best photographic opportunities in the Galápagos Islands.