Wildlife Viewing
When Darwin embarked on his legendary scientific expedition, he found a wonderland in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands — one of the most biodiverse locales on the planet. Enjoy 10 wildlife expeditions following in Darwin’s footsteps across the archipelago, with a chance to view the following animals:
Tortoises
These prehistoric creatures have been around since one of their closest relatives — the dinosaurs — still roamed the earth. Tortoises can live up to 150 years and played a key role in Darwin’s theory of evolution. Once considered endangered, the tortoise population on the Galápagos Islands has soared to around 20,000, with 15 species found across the archipelago.
Iguanas
These prehistoric creatures have been around since one of their closest relatives — the dinosaurs — still roamed the earth. Tortoises can live up to 150 years and played a key role in Darwin’s theory of evolution. Once considered endangered, the tortoise population on the Galápagos Islands has soared to around 20,000, with 15 species found across the archipelago.
Sea Lions
The Galápagos sea lion, a subspecies of the Californian sea lion, is the most abundant marine mammal in the archipelago. While females and pups are friendly to humans, the males — which can reach up to 900 pounds — can sometimes be aggressive. With approximately 50,000 sea lions across the islands, you’ll often find them sunning on the beaches or swimming close to shore.
Fur Seals
Fur seals are omnivorous night hunters that are less likely to be seen than sea lions. These cute seals breed on the western islands. They prefer rockier, shaded areas away from human visitors. Fur seals have been classified as endangered as their population continually decreases.
Marine Life
Marine life ranges from hammerhead sharks to whales, swimming mightily through the Pacific waters of the Galápagos. Grouper and sea turtles can also be seen. On land, be on the lookout for the Sally Lightfoot crab, a pink coastal scavenger.
Birds
From the blue-footed booby to Darwin’s finches, a host of fascinating birds populate this archipelago. Owls, albatrosses, swallow-tailed gulls, and red bats can be commonly seen. You may also spot the flightless cormorant, the Galápagos dove, and the Galápagos flamingo. The Galápagos penguin is smaller than its counterparts in other regions and has genetically adapted to the Ecuadorian heat.
