Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands

A Galapagos wildlife holiday provides a wildlife utopia quite apart from the rest of mainland Ecuador. The overwhelming biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin's seminal book "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection".

Such is the extent of the rigorous protection and respect for these islands that visitation numbers are tightly regulated, and the inimitably photogenic wildlife is fearless of man; a place where nature and man enjoy a rare equilibrium.

Nowhere on earth is it possible to observe so many of the planet’s species at unfeasibly close range as the Galapagos Islands, which justifies its unwavering popularity as the pinnacle destination of any wildlife holiday.

What to spot on a Galapagos Islands adventure?

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth, including the remarkable marine iguana—the only lizard in the world that forages at sea. Found only in the archipelago, there are eleven subspecies, with the largest on Isabela and Fernandina. Though clumsy on land, marine iguanas are excellent swimmers, using their claws to cling to rocks while feeding on algae. The iconic Galapagos giant tortoise, for which the islands are named, can live for over a century, spending most of its time resting or feeding on grasses and cactus pads. Sea lions are also a common sight, with their streamlined bodies and playful nature, diving to depths of nearly 600 metres in pursuit of sardines. Meanwhile, the Green Sea Turtle is the only species known to nest in the Galapagos, with females coming ashore between December and June to lay eggs, continuing a vital cycle that supports the islands’ marine ecosystem.

Humpback Whales

• Humpback whales are migratory creatures, traveling thousands of miles between their feeding grounds in polar waters and their breeding grounds in warmer tropical waters. The Galapagos Islands are part of their migratory route, particularly during the breeding season from June to September.
• Humpback whales can often be seen breaching (leaping out of the water) and slapping the surface with their tails or fins. These behaviors are thought to be a form of communication, mating display, or even play. The waters around the islands provide a relatively safe haven for mothers and their calves, who are often seen swimming together.