Find out about our favorite Galapagos species
The incredible diversity of wildlife found in Galapagos is what makes this volcanic archipelago so special. Above and below the waves of these islands, you can expect a wildlife experience unlike any other. Thousands of species inhabit the islands, many of them find nowhere else on earth!
If you’re wondering what kind of animal encounters you can expect during Galapagos Diving Tours and Daily Galapagos Land Tours, this is the guide for you. Find out more about some of the creatures you may see during your time here.
Do you have any questions for us? Please get in touch for all the answers you need.
The Galapagos Islands are world-renowned for their wildlife. Home to an incredible 9,000 species of fauna, many of the animals on the Galapagos can only be found here. The high rates of endemism and biodiversity make the Galapagos Islands one of the most phenomenal natural locations in the world. It was here that Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution based on his observations. Today, it remains a living laboratory for scientists — and it’s believed that there are many more species yet to be found!
To learn more about visiting the archipelago, read our Guide to the Galapagos Islands.
It’s estimated that an astonishing 97% of reptiles and land mammals and 80% of land birds in the Galapagos are endemic, meaning you won’t find them anywhere else on earth! The rarity of these animals makes them that much more important to protect. Here, we highlight some of the most iconic native animals on the islands:
The Galapagos giant tortoises are the most famous animals on the archipelago — the islands are even named after them! These tortoises are the largest in the world, weighing up to 300 kilograms. There were once 14 subspecies of giant tortoises, but today only 12 remain. The population of giant tortoises dropped dramatically when they were used by whalers as meat on ships and when invasive species were introduced. The last species to go extinct was the Pinta Island tortoise, with the death of “Lonesome George” in 2012.
Today, the tortoises are considered vulnerable to extinction, but you can still see them across the islands. You can join our Santa Cruz Highlands Day Tour to see these animals up close at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve.
One of the most intriguing species on the islands is the Galapagos marine iguana. It is the only lizard on earth that swims in the ocean, where it forages for algae. There are subspecies found across the islands and the males can change color throughout the year! You’re most likely to spot them during the day as they sun tan on the rocks
The Galapagos marine iguana is currently listed as vulnerable to extinction, and since we encounter these animals on our Galapagos Scuba Diving Day Trips we take as many precautions as possible to protect them. We follow eco-friendly practices on all of our dives to ensure we are sustainable and contributing to the preservation of these ecosystems and animals. You can learn more from our blog: Can Wildlife Tourism Ever Be Ethical?
While larger mammals often capture the attention of visitors, the bird life in the Galapagos is just as astounding. There are three types of boobies that are found on the Galapagos: the blue-footed booby, the red-footed booby, and the Nazca booby. The colors of these birds are a sight to behold, as is their agility in the air. Interesting fact: the name “booby” actually derives from the Spanish word “bobo” meaning foolish. It’s believed Spanish sailors named the boobies after their fearlessness around humans, leading them to be easily captured.
Other famous birds on the islands are Darwin’s finches. There are 17 subspecies which are endemic to the Galapagos, which have each evolved different beak shapes suited to consuming different types of food. They have become famous in evolutionary history, although the species is vulnerable to extinction. Keep your eyes peeled to spot them around the islands!
Just as the Galapagos Islands are teeming with life, so too are the seas that surround them. More than 3,000 species inhabit the oceans and the Galapagos Marine Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below are some of the most common and exciting marine species you’ll see.
The Galapagos green turtle is the only species of turtle to breed and nest in the Galapagos, making it a common sighting during snorkeling and diving trips. They can be seen across the islands throughout the year, while females come to shore to lay their eggs between December and March.
Scalloped hammerhead sharks can be found off the coast of the Galapagos year-round. Notably, the Galapagos Marine Reserve is one of the few places in the world where you can see these sharks gather in their hundreds! While the reason for this is unknown, you have the greatest chance of experiencing this event in January.
Predominantly found on the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos sea lion will often be found snoozing on the sandy shores or playing in the oceans. While they are the most abundant species in the archipelago, they are in fact endangered, threatened by invasive species and plastic pollution.
Despite the name, the Galapagos shark can be found worldwide.They were first discovered in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, where they continue to be a major attraction during dives. These sharks tend to be slightly more aggressive, so make sure to keep a distance!
Also known as the sunfish, the mola mola is one of the oddest sea creatures around. These big, flat fish are the largest bony fish species. Two subspecies can be found in the Galapagos, and you may even spot them near the surface of the water as they come up for a little sun tan.
The only penguin species found north of the equator, the Galapagos Penguin is also one of the smallest penguin species and is endemic to the archipelago. These charismatic penguins are endangered with a population of just 2,000 birds, but they can be seen on Isabela and Fernandina islands.
Three species of ray can be seen in the Galapagos Islands: the spotted eagle ray, the golden ray, and the manta ray. The spotted eagle ray can be easily identified thanks to its distinct markings, but you might miss the golden ray if it’s swimming too close to the sand! The manta ray is the largest species, reaching widths of up to 7 meters.
The largest fish species in the world, the whale shark is a frequent visitor in Galapagos and is most commonly spotted between June and November. These gentle giants are perfectly harmless and an absolute wonder to dive with!
Beyond these larger creatures, there are some stunning fish you can see while snorkeling and diving in the Galapagos, listed below:
