Why Are the Galapagos the Best Place for Wildlife?

No two journeys to the Galapagos are the same. Each visit brings unique discoveries thanks to the famed wildlife that calls the 19 islands and 42 islets home. An explorer’s dream, luxury Galapagos cruises from Celebrity Cruises are your chance to spot some of Earth’s rarest creatures.

At Accent on Travel, thanks to our partnership with Celebrity Cruises and our team of expert travel advisors, we curate your dream vacation in the Galapagos. To help inspire your next voyage, read on to learn about the unparalleled experiences that await both on land and at sea.

High endemism rate

Inspiring a great mind like Charles Darwin for good reason, the Galapagos is unlike any other destination in the world. Its isolated and exceptional conditions have created a high endemism rate, meaning that much of its wildlife has developed specifically for this location and can be found nowhere else on earth.

As you loop through these islands, catch sight of the brightly-colored skittering Sally Lightfoot crabs as they scavenge on the rocky coasts or look up to spot the waved albatross soaring overhead, knowing these sights are genuinely one of a kind. 

For a truly unforgettable journey, don’t forget about the next three rarities, either: 

Observe the only lizard that spends time in the sea

Basking in the sun’s heat is nothing new for reptiles, but the marine iguana is, quite literally, in a field of its own. As you sail along the volcanic coast of Fernandina, spot these amazing creatures absorbing the heat upon the rocks before they plunge into the surf to graze on algae. Thought to have originally washed ashore on these islands as land-dwelling animals, these sea lizards have adapted a fascinating way of life that can only be seen in the Galapagos.

Watch in wonder at the blue-footed booby

Next, take a quick hike along the short trails of North Seymour Island, searching among the cactus-covered rocks to find the captivating blue-footed booby as it performs a dance to attract a mate. Flaring its wings, singing, and clumsily dancing with its vivid blue feet, this bird will also perform spectacular dives into the ocean to hunt for food. The brighter the blue feet, the more popular they are with potential mates, which also makes them an easy spot on your walk or even from your ship.

Glimpse the giant tortoises

Journey to the heart of the Galapagos archipelago and visit Santa Cruz Island, where lush green landscapes play home to the magnificent giant tortoises. Watch the creatures that gave the Galapagos their name as you take a hike to the highlands or find them in shallow ponds, depending on the progress of their migratory journey up and down the island. Their slow, roaming pace, distinct shells, and preference for the midday sun make them one of the most popular reasons to visit the Galapagos for wildlife enthusiasts.

Rejuvenate in the warm and beautiful Galapagos sunshine, journey back in time to study the fascinating flora and fauna, and relax aboard a Celebrity Cruises smaller vessel that has been perfectly refined with all the luxury amenities you could wish for as you sail through these exotic blue waters. More than just a destination, enjoy this enriching voyage through Celebrity Cruises and Accent on Travel, where our partnership creates a truly special journey, with exclusive rates and extraordinary wildlife experiences on these inspirational islands.

Wake up somewhere wonderful with Accent on Travel, in partnership with 7-16 night Celebrity Cruises through the Galapagos.