20 Wildlife Species You’ll Find in the Galapagos Islands

For those seeking to get close to the rarest and most exotic wildlife, a voyage to the Galapagos Islands is a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey. Travel off the coast of Ecuador and find this truly fascinating archipelago of islands that inspired Charles Darwin and which plays home to unique wildlife you won’t spot anywhere else on the planet.

Experience true luxury, with every detail of your Galapagos vacation tailored to your preferences when you choose Accent on Travel. Our expert travel advisors can recommend the most remarkable cruise lines, curate your itinerary, and handle all of the planning on your behalf to leave you free to enrich your time with the wonders of nature.

9 wildlife species you’re most likely to see in the Galapagos

Giant Tortoises

One of the most popular creatures due to their size and relaxed pace of life. They can be found on Santa Cruz and Isabela islands.

Marine Iguanas

An endemic species and the only lizard species known to swim in the ocean. You’ll find them off the coast of many of the islands.

Albatross

Clacking their bills and spreading their considerable wingspan, the waved albatross begins to arrive in the Galapagos at the start of spring.

Blue-Footed Boobies

Identifiable because of their bright blue feet, they use these in an amusing dance to help attract mates.

Sally Lightfoot Crabs

Found scavenging on many of the beaches, these are bright, fascinatingly coloured crustaceans. 

Frigatebirds

Known to steal other birds’ fish, the great frigatebird and magnificent frigatebird both feature a bright red throat. 

Sea Lions

These mammals are in abundance once the pups begin to appear in December, having been born between August and November.

Penguins

Another endemic species, the Galapagos penguin lives in the coastal lava areas, nesting in caves.

Pelicans

A common site from around April time, the brown pelican uses its big bill to scoop up fish.

…and 11 wildlife species you’ll have to look a little harder for!

Galapagos Hawk

The Galapagos Hawk is another endemic species, but can only be seen above the skies of the main islands.

Fur Seal

Travel along the rocky western islands and you might spy this smaller endemic species, often confused with the aforementioned sea lions.

Pink Land Iguana

Critically endangered and native to the slopes of the volcano on Isabela, the pink land iguana was only given its own species status in 2009.

Red-Footed Booby

Harder to spot than its blue-footed counterpart, the red-footed booby is smaller, though can still be spotted in several regions.

Flamingos

Low in numbers in the Galapagos, you’ll have to travel inland to catch sight of flamingos in lagoon areas.

Darwin’s Finch

A small, dull-brown land bird, with 17 species spread across the various islands.

Flightless Cormorant

Though no longer able to fly, the flightless cormorant is an endemic species that has adapted to swimming better than many other birds.

Galapagos Crake

Sticking to the highlands, this small, native bird is also known as the Galapagos rail.

Whales

Sperm whales have the largest brains of all creatures on earth, but you’ll need some luck to spot them when sailing between the Isabela and Fernandina islands.

Dolphins

Common, spinner, and bottlenose dolphins all visit the waters around the Galapagos, with the latter more frequently spotted.

Reef fish you can spot if you go snorkeling

Get even closer to the marine life in the Galapagos with a spot of snorkeling. Swim amongst some of the world’s largest and most dazzling fish species, some of which you’ll only find in these waters. From puffer fish and white-tip reef sharks to mysterious sunfish, which love to bask in the waters off the tip of Isabela island, it’s an underwater treasure trove for lovers of nature and adventure.

Make memories that last a lifetime and take pictures of some of this breathtaking biodiversity with your next luxury cruise vacation. At Accent on Travel, we partner with the leading cruise specialists for the Galapagos, such as Celebrity Cruises, to bring you an unforgettable way to see this stunning part of the world. From arranging land expeditions to ensuring you have the right documentation, our expert advisors bring you an authentic experience without any of the hassle.

Call 888-803-4179 today and wake up somewhere wonderful in the Galapagos islands with Accent on Travel.