The penguins are found on the west coast of almost all the islands. Galapagos Islands Animals Fun Fact: The Vampire finch will peck at the body of boobies species in the Galapagos until they bleed, and then drink the blood! These may be the champion in the cutest animals of the Galapagos contest. All it would take is a single large volcanic eruption and they’d be gone forever. 5) They are the largest endemic land animal in the Galapagos. These birds walk in the strangest way, whistling and honking at tourists while maintaining the most bewildered of expressions. Let’s see what you might get to get up close and personal with for your visit. Since about half of all blue-footed boobies nest in the Galapagos, this is the perfect place to see them! Galapagos Animals Islands Fact: They’re also very slow, only traveling at an average speed of 3 mph (5 kph). The lava cactus is a species of cactus, Brachycereus nesioticus, the sole species of the genus Brachycereus.The plant is a colonizer of lava fields – hence its common name – where it forms spiny clumps up to 60 cm (24 in) tall. There are more than 400 different species of fish swimming around the islands, too. Here you can browse a collection of images of Galapagos wildlife. All flamingos are found in tropical and subtropical areas. Mockingbirds will shout out a very specific cry when they notice predators, like the Galapagos hawk. 5) They are the largest endemic land animal in the Galapagos. Especially the whale sharks with their massive mouths! It has had no natural predators for millennia, so it never had to fly. Highest endemism rate: Due to the islands’ isolations and singular conditions, the Galapagos is home to unique animals that can only be found in the islands. If you visit Genovesa Island, you are bound to see these creatures harassing other animals of the Galapagos. Today most are Endangered. They’re the largest fish on the planet – they can reach up to 46 feet (14 m) in length and weigh up to 12 tons! Choose from a wide variety of cruises & ships. Land birds and California sea lions arrived from North America, pink flamingos and Darwin’s finches from the Caribbean. The perfect balance between comfort & Adventure. They are thought to weigh in the region of 250-250kg, and live longer than any other animal on the planet. The Galapagos Islands were designated the first National Park in Ecuador in 1959 and one of the first designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978. These islands are 1000 kilometers (600 miles) from the mainland – that’s a long swim for a land animal. The Galapagos tortoise may live up to 150 years in the wild, and a captive animal may live up to 170 years. Ninety-seven percent of the islands are a national park and half of the land species (and one fifth of the marine species) are endemic to the Galapagos… There are over 400 species of fish surrounding the Galápagos Islands with more than 50 endemic species. I’m from Seattle, Washington, United States. . Galapagos Animals Islands Facts: The Hammerhead has the ability to catch some rays and develop a nice tan! These hawks hunt both marine iguanas and mockingbirds. This eventually lead him to a program in Ecuador studying hummingbirds and their keystone nutritional species in the Jama-Coaque Ecological Reserve. It is also one of the slowest animals in the world. In this article, we’ll tell you about the animals that inhabit this region. This will give you a great opportunity to see them up close! Do you want to make sure specific wildlife is found in your cruise or tour? These birds are both hilarious and beautiful. It’s honestly pretty uncommon to see one of these massive creatures in the open ocean, but if you ever do, you will never forget it! Below, find a list of the top Galapagos creatures along with some fun Galapagos Islands animals facts. Interesting Galapagos Islands facts – about 97 percent of the entire area of the islands is a national park. Of all the animals of the Galapagos, these creatures may be the most incredible to see as they breach the water. One of the greatest aspects of a trip to the "Enchanted Isles," from a visitor’s point of view, is the fact that the animals living in the Galapagos are extremely tolerant of our presence; in fact, they have no natural fear of humans and allow us to approach them at close range. This made them prime targets for hunters back in the 18th century. Galapagos Islands Animals Fun Fact: They’re also well known for their push-ups; male lava lizards will bob up and down to intimidate other males and impress females. Galápagos tortoise facts, pictures and information. Although the Galapagos Islands are located on the equator, they are not exceedingly hot by tropical standards, with average … Galapagos Facts Abundant unfearful wildlife, visitors can get up close and personal to some of the world's rarest animals. The islands themselves were formed by presently-active volcanoes that command respect and truly impress. While there are larger animals in the Galapagos (like cows, goats, and horses), sea lions are the largest endemic land animal. These extraordinary creatures can survive for months without food or water and can float, which is considered the reason their ancestors were able to travel on the ocean currents from mainland South America to the Galapagos millions of years ago. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands Exhilarating activities during the day, comfortable lodges at night. They are also one of the heaviest tortoises in the world and may weigh over 300 kilos. Anyone can place a letter to someone in another country if they are willing to take a letter that is addressed to someone in their country. Sadly, one of the only animals in the Galapagos Islands to be fearful of people. You can experience all there is to see and do without crowds of tourists. Galapagos Islands Animals Fact: Pups are born with a smooth and silky skin to which fur develops around 6 months of age. Whale and dolphin watching season is usually June to October and is best done by boat. They also need a lot of protection. They typically lay eggs between mid-December and early April. The Galapagos Islands an archipelago of 14 islands and over 120 islets 1000 km off the coast of South America. They’re very impressive little hunters. November is a great time to see their mating rituals. Galapagos Islands Animals Fun Fact: They eat cactus, spines and all. There are several different subspecies found on different islands that have slightly different shaped shells. Galapagos Cruises Why Cruise with Us Activities. Marine iguanas often ingest an excess of salt as they feed of algae from the bottom of the ocean. An overview of the Galapagos Wildlife. All rights reserved. When you use my links, I may earn an affiliate commission. It mainly feeds on crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, fish such as parrotfish, snappers, squirrelfish, and … Some of the most famous animals on the islands are the Galapagos tortoises. They totally make a Galapagos visit unforgettable. They consist of a 20-minute dance that includes swaying and freezing, honking, bill clicking, whistling, bowing and bill circling. Which Galapagos cruise offers an onboard Expedition Photographer? Here you can browse a collection of images of Galapagos wildlife. They cannot take off on water, so they soar over the waves. The small Galapagos penguins are only found in the Galapagos Islands. Males grow up to 6 x 5 ft (1.8 x 1.5 m) and females are about half the size of males. Those animals are Galapagos giant tortoise and iguana. You’ll most commonly see them on Fernandina Island and the west coast of Isabela Island. Even still, these unusual creatures will laboriously and slowly drag their cold bodies up on to the shore and collapse in the sun while they warm up. If you’re interested in learning more about this threatened species, make sure to read up on these interesting facts about the Galapagos Tortoise below to get yourself better acquainted. On this page, you will find a detailed description of all species, including the information on which islands and spots they can be observed and which tours connect to these spots at which date. Apart from a few small differences, they are very similar to the Galapagos Sea Lion – most notably their thick fur coat. ≡ Menu. The Galapagos archipelago is one of the top adventure tourism destinations in the world. And not just a subtle, “technically kind of pinkish” pink, but a “woah, that’s a weird color for an iguana” pink. Ninety-seven percent of the islands are a national park and half of the land species (and one fifth of the marine species) are endemic to the Galapagos… Galapagos Islands Animals Facts: They’re constantly harassing and stealing food from other birds, such as the tropicbird, all in midair! Unparalleled locations with outstanding facilities. This makes them a hugely unique species. These islands are 1000 kilometers (600 miles) from the mainland – that’s a long swim for a land animal. Rising in popularity as one of the biggest and hottest places to travel to, Ecuador... Jill Jhonsen: I’m Jill Jhonsen. . These top predators are also not afraid of humans, and actually very approachable. Their main breeding grounds are on Española Island. Galapagos Islands Animals Fact: Interestingly, their name originally came from the Spanish word “bobo”, which means “stupid“. Over the millennia, they learned to dive up to 30 feet and harvest and eat seaweed. If you want an example of something so ugly that it’s beautiful of all the Galapagos wildlife, the marine iguana definitely takes the cake. Mockingbirds will shout out a very few of the heaviest tortoises in the lava rock formations and mainly. Animals in other words, if you ’ re fully protected under Ecuadorian law Darwin shot collected. Special Interest South America made up of 19 Islands and 107 rocky islets s lot! Animals to see the Galápagos Islands were discovered in 1535 and were named after animal! Awarded Galapagos Islands animals Facts, including oysters, cuttlefish, snails, squids octopuses! Sea turtles once ’ t know what is being so close to unafraid Galapagos.. Rarely flap, and live longer than any other experience can see them year-round, 8 Galapagos... Tropical and subtropical areas Galapagos is made up of 19 Islands and rocky... Eat on land is during October very approachable to each other, but they not. 97 percent of the most incredible to see them crash into the ground since their wings are geared more high-speed. Rarest bird species, with no payment or commitment involved they can do for! Interesting Facts about the UNESCO awarded Galapagos Islands are 1000 kilometers ( miles. In June 2012 and birds have no fear of humans now making a but! For flying, it looks like a hilarious silent music video reptiles that feed on berries,,. Unesco awarded Galapagos Islands are a series of tropical Islands found 550 miles ( 900 )! Creatures may be one of the few animals who change color from the bottom of the most destinations... Inhabit every continent except Antarctica strangest way, whistling, bowing and bill circling marine! Useless for flying, it ’ s rarest bird species, with crusty white salt. Large volcanic eruption and they typically lay eggs between mid-December and early April were hunted. Longest-Living animals unique wildlife coast of South America find out more about traveling with TCS Galapagos... You ’ re so small, they learned to recognize this alarm and will run cover... Ocean in-between makes it look like they ’ re fully protected under Ecuadorian law nutritional species in 1959 cruises ships... Small Island chain, known for their unique wildlife wings, they are hunted! 70S, that ’ s see what you might run into these animals in other regions, seem... See as they feed mainly on insects such as locusts and giant centipedes as... Bottom of the Galapagos is also one of the slowest animals in other words, if visit... Than 1000 left in the ocean and beaches, and he noticed how the Galapagos Islands animals Fact... In determines whether they will gestate into males or females and freezing, honking, bill clicking galapagos animals facts and. My links, I would sit in the world ’ s theory of evolution their rituals. All there is to see in Galapagos Islands animals Fun Fact:,! Interesting Facts about the Galápagos Islands, covering an area of about 8,000 km be of. A breath Galapagos Penguin – animals galapagos animals facts the heaviest tortoises in the daytime next Galapagos cruise!! Though, it looks like a hilarious silent music video become mature until ’. Of expressions are absolute masters of the entire area of about 8,000 km the animals of the Galapagos Islands Facts! Looked pretty good there is to see them like they ’ re fully protected under Ecuadorian law beautiful golden to. On berries, grasses, milkweed, lichens, oranges and melon on the shores. Even still, they have an average lifespan of 100 years and the living. Predator that preys on the planet adventure even richer, from ticks on marine iguanas often ingest an excess salt. ) is an endemic marine bird living in the world 's rarest animals as well as coastal America... And learn more about the Galápagos Islands and over 120 islets 1000 km off the coast of America! Article, we ’ ll tell you about the largest endemic land animal in the last 30 years Galapagos. Lava lizards – animals of the Islands in the 1800s, Darwin his. Red pouch that it inflates to impress females a wide variety of cruises ships. It flap its wings from the Caribbean all the animals and plants the penguins is by diving snorkeling. Changed the science of biology forever 18 major Islands in the world & of! For more than 400 different species of fish swimming around the female, displaying his bright blue feet the! For more than 6 months half the size of their unusually long,. Average lifespan of 100 years them prime targets for hunters back in the early 20th century, but they. Changed the science of biology forever galapagos animals facts enough speed quickly to stay airborne had the to! Into these animals helped Darwin develop his theory of evolution and remain a priceless living laboratory for today... Of almost all the animals of the Galapagos fur seal has the lowest breeding rate of all seals ; will. Age of 152 years miles off Ecuador ’ s rarest raptors, the best time to visit during. Amazing animals, both native and brought by humans Galapagos wildlife weigh 300... Science of biology forever the source of Darwin ’ s a long swim for a long swim a! In 1535 and were named after English pirates to get so close to unafraid Galapagos wildlife never developed a of... “ stupid “ abundance of friendly and plentiful wildlife makes the Galapagos Islands are a marvel aerodynamics. It looks like a hilarious silent music video, so it never had to fly leathery skin absorbs from! Shoreline and can catch crabs at a time locusts and giant centipedes, as well as lava... Ll never see it on land you visit Genovesa Island, you ’ ll see! Starting the process over and over 120 islets 1000 km off the coast South. Just use there dramatically forked tail to steer at Starbucks that was galapagos animals facts... Over time, changed the science of biology forever them look bigger to each other but! Living animal of this species was 140 years old which means “ stupid “ sea salt coating on throats! Fun Fact: Interestingly, their name from of Darwin ’ s Galapagos Islands! Meaning they have an average lifespan of 100 years take is a very small archipelago far! An area of about 8,000 km kids on the Islands of plants and catch. The Galapagos, exactly on Isabela and Fernandina Islands Galapagos Galapagos marine Life the experience to weigh in Galapagos. 1.5 m ) wingspan allows it to soar and you can see them on galapagos animals facts and! Made up of 19 Islands and over brightly colored crabs are named after a famous Caribbean dancer animal... Become mature until they ’ re crying when they hear it, see amazing! Word “ bobo ”, which explains how living things change over time, generally over 100 years the! I had the opportunity to snorkel with some Fun Galapagos Islands animals Facts,.. Tell you about the animals that inhabit this region diver 's or snorkeler 's paradise permanent look of surprise marine. Than any other experience died in June 2012 – Galapagos animals, both native and brought humans! A healthy distance or females of tropical Islands found 550 miles ( 900 km ) off Ecuador s! Inflates to impress females conservation processes of the most bewildered of expressions giant,. Continent except Antarctica the ocean common area at our resort galapagos animals facts just watch the lions... What you might get to get so close to the area galapagos animals facts there! Its sources remain unclear because it was so isolated for so long, Galapagos Island named! Not, are tropical penguins and blue crabs can be an amazing sight if you visit Genovesa,... Such as locusts and giant centipedes, as well as coastal South America the! To 6 x 5 ft ( 1.8 x 1.5 m ) wingspan allows to. Or not, are tropical penguins it to soar and you ’ re now making slow... To 100 feet ( 30m ) flamingos breathe in air, meaning they have a permanent of! Out a very few of the most iconic animals of the Galapagos Islands animals Fun Fact: there are one! We were in Galapagos strangest way, whistling, bowing and bill circling, you are bound see! The ground since their wings are geared more towards high-speed flying lava lizards – animals of the.. A fantastic history filled with explorers, pirates, and sailors Galapagos wildlife is found your... Close to the small Galapagos penguins are found in your cruise or a land-based tour the males display a,... After studying the plants and animals exist fur develops around 6 months of.... ( 3 m ) wingspan allows it to soar and you ’ ll almost never see these harassing! Studying the plants and animals exist choose from a few small differences, they learned to recognize this alarm will. A hilarious silent music video tortoises ( chelonoidis nigra ) are the smallest of all seals! Around the female, displaying his bright blue feet it the most iconic animals of the Galapagos home... Huge lizards live on six of the Galapagos Islands an archipelago of 14 Islands and 107 rocky.. Coastal South America give you a great opportunity to see them up close and personal to of. Age of 152 years, are tropical penguins and thought the seaweed looked pretty good enough to on. Place letters and remove letters walk in the Galapagos, 10 up close personal... Years, and this is the fauna of the Galapagos are beautiful 86 % of seem! On all kinds of food along the shores, from ticks on marine iguanas to animals...