Our Top Galapagos Islands Wildlife Experiences

 

The Galapagos Islands are a treasure-trove of amazing wildlife experiences. There are few places in the world where you can safely get closer to wildlife in its natural habitat than here. Every island has its unique fauna and most visitors are completely astounded at the variety and sheer numbers of mammals, birds, reptiles and sea life that they can approach without danger. The animals of the Galapagos lived for so long without any threat from man that they see human visitors as more of a curiosity than anything else.

Here’s our list of the top amazing Galapagos wildlife encounters:

1. Galapagos Sea Lion – These number over 50,000 and are seen on every island. They are delightfully playful, particularly in the water, and can be seen lounging on countless beaches and rocky shores.

2. Blue-Footed Booby – These boobies, one of 4 species of boobies seen on the islands are found mainly on Española, San Cristóbal and Genovesa Islands. They are best known for their bright blue feet and clownish courtship displays.

3. Waved Albatross – This is the only albatross found in the tropics. Relying on thermals and trade winds to remain aloft, they are the Galapagos’ largest bird. With a wingspan of up to 8ft (2.7m), they are very impressive to witness in flight.

4. Frigate Birds – Widely seen all over the islands, frigate birds ride high on thermals above coastal cliffs. They steal food from other birds by harassing them into dropping their catch and swooping down to catch it in mid-air.

5. Giant Tortoise – This giant, prehistoric looking reptile is possibly the Galapagos’ best known animal. Known to live for over 100 years, these vegetarians can reach up to 5ft (1.5m) in length and up to 550lbs (250kg) in weight.

6. Land Iguana – Commonly seen throughout the islands, these iguanas are vegetarians, despite their fearsome appearance. You will literally have to watch your step on some islands as they are so numerous and appear to have no fear whatsoever of humans.

7. Marine Iguana – The Galapagos is home to the world’s only seagoing lizard. Growing up to 5ft (1.5m) long, they are seen all over the islands, and like the land iguana, appear to have no fear of humans.

8. Tropical Fish – Snorkeling in the Galapagos is an amazing experience, as you will be sharing the water with sea turtles, curious sea lions and up to 400 colorful fish species, 15 species of ray, including the huge manta ray, with a ‘wingspan’ of up to 25 ft (8m) and 25 species of dolphin and whale.

The Galapagos is an incredibly bio-diverse habitat for thousands of species of animals. You will never forget your first visit to this special place.