Galapagos Wildlife – All Main Species

Galapagos penguin

This is the only species of penguin that is found north of the Equator. Galapagos penguins are smaller than their southern cousins. You can get to see them in many places, including on Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santa Cruz Island, Bartolome, Santiago and Floreana Island. A particularly special treat is to see them diving underwater while you are snorkeling.

Galapagos hammerhead shark

This is a special sight that you might get to see while snorkeling or diving in the Galapagos – and what an amazing sight at that! There are various places where you could see this unusual looking animal, but Devil’s Crown is one such snorkeling spot.

Blue footed boobies

These are one of the most iconic creatures of the Galapagos Islands. They can easily be recognized by their blue feet, after which they are named. They have a very interesting mating dance to observe in the breeding season. They can be seen on North Seymour as well as throughout many of the islands.

Red footed boobies

Unsurprisingly, the red footed booby is characterized by its bright red feet. It is not endemic to the islands, but anyway is an interesting bird to observe. Genovesa Island is one of the best places to see this interesting bird, though they can also sometimes be seen on San Cristobal Island and near to Floreana Island.

Nazca boobies

This bird from the booby species is sometimes also known as the “masked booby” due to the black mask like features on its face. The bird is the largest of the Galapagos boobies, and can be seen on Española, San Cristobal and Genovesa, as well as flying between the islands.

Marine turtles

The Galapagos green turtle is often seen during snorkeling around the islands. It is the only species in the turtle family to breed and nest in the Galapagos Islands.

Marine iguanas

This species is unusual in the lizard family as it takes to the sea. Other lizards do not do this. They are found on different islands including Isabela, Fernandina, Española, Floreana and Santa Cruz. They are mostly black in color though turn other shades of green and red in some areas during the mating season.

Land iguanas

These are very distinct from marine iguanas as they are a yellow color, and bigger than their sea-faring relatives. They tend to be found in arid areas and can be seen on Baltra, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santiago, Fernandina and Isabela.

Manta rays

This graceful creature in the ray family may be seen gliding through the waters around the islands. It is commonly seen during snorkeling activities, but may sometimes be seen from the boat too.

Flightless cormorants

The flightless cormorant is so-named due to its inability to fly. It is, however, an amazing diver and has evolved for expertise at hunting in thisway. It can be seen on Isabela and Fernandina.

Frigates

In the Galapagos Islands you may often see the great frigate bird or the magnificent frigate bird soaring overhead while you are on your cruise.

Sea lions

The Galapagos sea lion is the most ubiquitous mammal in the islands. You will be likely to see it snoozing on the beach, in colonies, or swimming near the islands. If you are very lucky, young sea lions may play with you while you are snorkeling.

Fur seals

It can be difficult to distinguish fur seals from sea lions to the untrained eye. However, fur seals are smaller and have bulging eyes. They also have a thicker coat. They may be seen on Santiago Island and on Genovesa, and they reside on most all of the other islands as well.

Galapagos hawk

The Galapagos hawk is a bird of prey which can be seen scattered across the major islands. You might see them on Isabela or Fernandina, among other spots.