Top 10 Animals You Can Only See in the Galapagos
A wildlife lover’s guide to the most iconic (and bizarre) creatures of the islands
One of the biggest reasons people visit the Galapagos? The animals. Not just any animals — but species that don’t exist anywhere else on Earth.
From swimming lizards to red-throated birds that inflate like balloons, this archipelago is home to some of the world’s strangest and most iconic wildlife. And thanks to centuries of isolation, most animals here have no fear of humans — making close, respectful encounters easy and unforgettable.
Whether you're planning a cruise, land-based tour, or DIY adventure, here are 10 animals you won’t find anywhere else but the Galapagos.
🦎 1. Marine Iguana
Where to see them: Everywhere — especially Española, Fernandina, and Santa Cruz
The only sea-swimming lizard in the world, marine iguanas bask on lava rocks, sneeze out salt, and dive underwater to eat algae. During mating season, males turn a wild red-green color — especially on Española Island.
🐢 2. Galapagos Giant Tortoise
Where to see them: Santa Cruz Highlands, Isabela, San Cristóbal
These gentle giants can live over 100 years and weigh up to 500 pounds. Once near extinction, they’re now carefully protected in reserves and breeding centers.
🐢 Fun fact: Different islands have different tortoise shell shapes, adapted to their environment.
🐦 3. Blue-Footed Booby
Where to see them: North Seymour, Española, Floreana
Named for their bright blue feet, these seabirds are famous for their comical courtship dance. They nest right on the ground — so you often walk just a few feet away from them on guided hikes.
🦜 4. Flightless Cormorant
Where to see them: Fernandina and Isabela only
A true evolutionary twist — this bird lost the ability to fly but adapted to swim and dive like a pro. With only around 1,000 individuals left, it’s one of the rarest birds in the world.
🐧 5. Galapagos Penguin
Where to see them: Isabela, Fernandina, and sometimes Bartolomé
The only penguin species found north of the equator! They’re fast, tiny, and adorable — often seen darting around snorkelers.
🕊️ 6. Waved Albatross
Where to see them: Española Island (April to December only)
These massive seabirds have a wingspan of over 7 feet. Their mating dance is elaborate, awkward, and amazing. They’re only found in the Galapagos — and nearly all breed on one single island.
🐦 7. Darwin’s Finches
Where to see them: All major islands
These small, seemingly plain birds are famous for their role in inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Each species has a different beak shape, evolved to match specific food sources.
🦭 8. Galapagos Sea Lion
Where to see them: Beaches, piers, rocks, benches — literally everywhere
These playful, noisy locals are impossible to miss. You'll see them sunbathing, swimming, and napping in the oddest places (even on restaurant patios).
🐟 Bonus: Snorkeling alongside curious sea lions is a Galapagos highlight.
🐦 9. Magnificent Frigatebird
Where to see them: North Seymour, San Cristóbal
During mating season, males inflate a bright red throat pouch like a balloon to attract females. Frigatebirds are also skilled aerial pirates — stealing fish mid-air from other birds.
🐍 10. Galapagos Racer Snake
Where to see them: Fernandina Island (and famously, in BBC documentaries)
These fast, slender snakes are harmless to humans — but infamous for their dramatic attacks on baby marine iguanas. Rare to see, but unforgettable if you do.
📸 Responsible Wildlife Viewing Tips
❌ Don’t touch, chase, or feed animals — ever
🧍 Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away
📷 Use a zoom lens rather than getting close
👣 Stay on marked trails with a certified guide
🚫 Avoid flash photography, which can stress animals
🧭 Want to See These Creatures Up Close?
At Blue Galapagos, we build personalized trips that align with your wildlife priorities — whether that means penguin snorkeling in Isabela, photographing boobies on North Seymour, or seeing giant tortoises in the misty highlands of Santa Cruz.