The Galápagos Islands Wildlife
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The Galápagos Islands wildife: What you need to know
- The Galápagos Islands are one of the most unique and diverse ecosystems you will find on the planet.
- Many of the species found on the Galápagos Islands are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.
- Unlike in most destinations, many animals such as the sea lions of the Galápagos Islands are unafraid of humans, offering up some truly unprecedented encounters.
- As well as land animals, the Galápagos Islands offer superb whale-watching, including humpbacks, Bryde’s whales and orcas.
- Whether you’re looking for newly-hatched turtles or playful sea lion pups, Tropic’s experts will help you find the best time for your trip.
What wildlife experiences will I have on my trip to the Galápagos Islands?
Cruise
Taking a cruise around Ecuador’s archipelago will open up a whole new world of wildlife watching. You will be in the best spot for whale-watching and sighting the various seabirds that call the Galápagos Islands their home. You will also have the chance to encounter dolphins, sharks and an abundance of other marine life, as well as stepping on land to experience all that the islands have to offer.
Expert naturalist guides
Expert naturalists make up an essential part of any Galápagos Island expedition, whether overland or on a cruise. These guides truly are experts in their fields. Their years of experience has given them a keen eye, and are often the first to spot interesting wildlife.
Whether you're trying to work out what species of land bird is soaring above the trees, or trying to understand the curious behaviors of the playful sea lions, your naturalist guides will be able to help so you can make the most of your Galápagos Island experience.
Land-based
Experiencing the Galápagos Islands with a land-based tour will immerse you in the exotic ecosystems that enrich this remote archipelago. Get up close with giant tortoises, color-changing iguanas and playful sea lions as you explore the islands. Expect to see endemic birds gliding effortlessly overhead, flocks of flamingos socializing in the lagoon and hundreds of penguins waddling along the beaches.
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Wildlife Guide
Blue-footed Booby
The aptly named blue-footed booby is easily recognizable by its unusual bright blue feet. They can be spotted across many of the Galápagos Islands and are often diving underwater for a fresh catch of sardines, mackerel and other small fish. The best time to see the boobies is between June and August when they are breeding.
Giant Tortoise
The giant tortoise is one of the archipelago's most famous animals, with the cluster of islands being named after the Spanish word for them 'galápago'. They spend on average 16 hours a day resting and the rest grazing on grass, fruit and cacti. They can be seen on Santa Cruz and Isabela islands and are most active in the daytime.
Marine Iguana
Marine iguanas are the only lizards that rely on the the ocean, their diet consisting mostly of algae that they forage from the seabed. They are completely unique to the Galápagos Islands and cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Mating season is in January, where you can witness their incredible ability of changing color.
Galápagos Sea Lion
The Galápagos sea lion is found predominantly on this cluster of islands but are not considered seals as they are able to rotate their hind flipper. Their smooth and streamlined body shape makes them efficient hunters, diving to depths of almost 600 meters. From August through to December, curious sea lion pups can be seen across many of the islands.
Waved Albatross
The waved albatross is the largest bird in the Galápagos Islands, its wingspan up to two and a half meters. They are exceptional gliders, spending most of their time over the open ocean. Couples mate for life. In March, they migrate to the archipelago's Española island and remain there for the rest of the year to breed.
Galápagos Penguin
These birds are endemic to the Galápagos Islands and are the rarest penguin in the world. With fewer feathers and less body fat, they are the only penguins adapted to the tropical climate. They mate for life like all penguins, but unusually they don't have a clear breeding season. They can be seen across the islands, including on Ferdinanda and Isabela.
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