Many theories exist regarding the unique nature of the flora and fauna on the Galapagos islands. A popularly held belief is that the original species that evolved into the unique Galapagos variety found their way to the islands on flotation rafts of vegetation and other waste and were carried to the island via wind and sea currents.

Galapagos Birds Photo Gallery			« Back to gallery index

Blue Footed booby

Where is it found: Can be found on most islands in the archipelago, at the shoreline. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: During mating rituals, male birds show off their feet to prospective mates with a high-stepping strut. The bluer the feet, the more attractive the mate.
Nazca booby

Where is it found: Best nesting colonies in Genovesa, Española and Floreana. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: The largest of the three species of Galapagos boobies.
Flightless cormorant

Where is it found: East coast of Fernandina, as well as on the northern and western coasts of Isabela. When is it found: All year round. Nesting tends to take place from July to October. Interesting fact: The only cormorant in the world that has lost the ability to fly. With only 1500 estimated individuals, it is one of the world's rarest birds and is the subject of an active conservation program.
Red footed booby

Where is it found: Colonies can be found on Tower, Darwin, Wolf, Floreana and Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: Red-footed boobies are strong flyers and can travel up to 93 miles in search of food.
Greater flamingo

Where is it found: Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Santiago, Rábida Island and Santa Cruz. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: The Greater Flamingo lives around the brackish waters of some lagoons of Galapagos.
Frigatebird

Where is it found: Nesting areas on North Seymour, Floreana, Isabela, Genovesa and San Cristóbal. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: Great Frigate birds steal food in mid-air from other frigates, as well as other species, like red-footed boobies and tropic birds.
Penguins

Where is it found: Mainly on Fernandina Island and the west coast of Isabela Island. When is it found: All year round. Most nests are seen between May and January. Interesting fact: Endemic to the Galapagos, it is the only penguin that lives north of the equator in the wild.
Waved Albatross

Where is it found: The Waved Albatross breeds primarily on Española Island in the Galapagos archipelago. When is it found: All year round. The eggs are laid between April and June. Interesting fact: Derives its name from the wave-like pattern of its feathers on the adult birds.

Galapagos Reptiles Photo Gallery			« Back to gallery index

Giant Tortoises

Where is it found: In the wild at Isabela, Pinzón, La Pinta, Santiago, Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Española. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: The largest living species of tortoise, reaching weights of over 400kg and lengths of 1.8mt.
Galapagos Green Turtle

Where is it found: Can be found on most islands in the archipelago. When is it found: The prime season for nesting is from December to June. Interesting fact: Males never leave the sea, but females come ashore on beaches to nest and lay eggs on several of the islands.
Galapagos Land Iguana

Where is it found: Endemic to the Galapagos Islands, is primarily found on the islands of Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Hood and South Plaza. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: They enjoy a symbiotic relationship with birds; the birds remove parasites and ticks, providing relief to the iguanas and food for the birds.
Marine Iguana

Where is it found: Can be found on most islands in the archipelago, at the shoreline. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: Found only on the Galapagos Islands, has the unique ability to live and forage in the sea.
Lava lizard

Where is it found: Can be found on most islands in the archipelago. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: There are at least 28 species, including seven which are endemic to the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Mammals Photo Gallery			« Back to gallery index

Sea lion

Where is it found: Can be found on each of the different islands of the Galapagos archipelago. When is it found: All year round. Breeding takes place from May through January. Interesting fact: Feeding mostly on sardines, sea lions sometimes travel 10 to 15 km from the coast over the span of days to hunt for their prey.
Humpback whale

Where is it found: Particularly around the islands of Bartolomé and Española. When is it found: July, August and September. Interesting fact: In the 19th century, the Galapagos Islands were the center of whaling in the Pacific Ocean.

Galapagos Fish Photo Gallery			« Back to gallery index

Galapagos Reef Fish	Hammerhead Shark	Whale Shark	White Tipped Reef Shark