What to expect on a wildlife cruise in the Galapagos

Almost 1,000km (621 miles) from the nearest continental landmass lies a group of isolated islands which act as a magnet for wildlife and curious humans. This volcanic archipelago is geologically young, between two and four million years old. This is the key reason the wildlife here is so fascinating – adaptations to the harsh environment are extreme, unique, and still occurring in many species. These islands allow us to see evolution at close quarters. If you want to discover the most unique wildlife on the islands, a wildlife cruise in the Galapagos is recommended.

The glories of the Galapagos Islands

For keen naturalists, Darwinophiles, or indeed anyone with an interest in the planet we live on, the Galapagos is a bucket list destination. The opportunity to see the natural world with fresh eyes is not something that comes along every day, and for many visitors the experience is profound and transformative. Luckily, the value of these unique ecosystems was recognized in time to protect them and their enduring appeal owes a lot to conservation efforts.

How to visit: experience a Galapagos wildlife cruise

The most time-efficient and comprehensive way to experience these wondrous islands is on a cruise. A range of options is available in terms of itinerary and levels of comfort, but all include the services of professional guides. Without these local experts, much of this incredible landscape, and its vivid biodiversity, is inaccessible. Different cruise routes cover different islands, giving you a great overview of the huge range of species that call the Galapagos home.

Best time of year to visit the Galapagos Islands

The great news is that the Galapagos Islands is a year-round destination, with the best time to go depending on what type of excursions you have in mind. For sunny days and calm waters, plan your trip between December and May during the warm, wet season. This time of year offers ideal conditions for snorkeling and swimming, with short bursts of rain and abundant birdlife, making it a prime season for wildlife enthusiasts. If hiking or diving are on your bucket list, plan your cruise from June to November during the cooler, dry season. This time of year attracts incredible marine life, including whale sharks, making it a fantastic time for underwater adventures.

What you will see

The 16 islands are quite diverse; some are barren volcanic outcrops with little vegetation, some much larger, greener and more hospitable. Only four of the islands are inhabited, and even though there are tens of thousands of people living here, their impact only affects 3% of the total Galapagos landmass. Educated from childhood on the importance of conserving the unique environment they call home, many of the inhabitants of these islands are involved in ecotourism in some capacity.

The unusual lava-strewn landscapes have their own special charm, not least because they are surrounded by beautifully clear water and populated by a jaw-dropping succession of endemic species. One of the reasons that the archipelago supports such a wealth of wildlife is the combination of habitats. From deserts and equatorial rainforests to the beaches and chill waters of the Pacific Ocean, there is a unique combination of ecosystems. Even the vegetation includes some bizarre species, 30% of which have evolved specifically to thrive in the unique habitats of the Galapagos, such as the Scalesia tree.

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their incredible wildlife, from the playful sea lions to the unique marine iguanas and penguins found on the westernmost islands. Here’s a closer look at some of the unique species you might encounter during your visit.

Galapagos sea lions

Perhaps the most emblematic inhabitants of the islands, Galapagos sea lions are beloved for their curiosity and playful charm. These adorable marine mammals can often be seen lounging lazily on beaches and diving in the waves. Weighing up to 550lbs, these massive mammals are a sight to see.

The sea lions are found throughout the Galapagos Islands, but they are more commonly spotted in areas like Bartolome, Sombrero Chino, Rabida, San Cristobal, Isla Lobos, Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez, Islas Plaza, North Seymour, Punta Vicente Roca, and Punta Espinosa.

​​Marine iguanas

It is thought that when a group of land iguanas found their way to these islands from Central America, they had to adapt their diet to survive due to the scant vegetation. The only greenery in plentiful supply was seaweed, so they have evolved the ability to swim, dive for long periods, and to cope with the excess salt by expelling it through their nostrils.

Found on the majority of the Galapagos shoreline, these colorful creatures are the only lizards in the world adapted to life in the ocean. They lead simple yet fascinating lives, spending their days basking in the sunshine on lava rocks in order to regulate their body heat. You can observe these mild-mannered iguanas as they dive into the water to eat algae that grow on submerged rocks. Don’t wait for them to surface though, as they can stay underwater for as long as an hour without having to resurface for air. If Española Island is on your itinerary, be sure to look for the striking red-and-green colored “Christmas Iguanas”.

Blue-footed boobies

Getting a glimpse of the Galapagos’ blue-footed booby is a highlight for many travelers. Thankfully, with about 6,000 in the region, the chance of seeing them nesting on the rocky shores and cliffs is high.

Known for their clumsiness on the ground, these birds are captivating. Their bright blue feet aren’t just photogenic; they serve as a sign of their reproductive health. If you’re lucky, you might even spot their unique courtship, which includes the male putting on an elaborate mating dance with quirky dance moves, flapping of the wings, and whistling. Mating season usually runs from June to August, making it the best time to visit to see this high-stepping ritual.

Giant tortoises

Did you know that the Galapagos Islands got their name from the Galapagos tortoise, not the reverse? In 1570, cartographer Abraham Ortelius added the islands to his world atlas under the name “Insulae of the Galapagos”. This name was inspired by the distinctive shape of the tortoise’s shells, which resembled Spanish-style saddles, called galápagos in Spanish.

Once home to around 250,000, the Galapagos Islands has seen its number of resident tortoises dwindle to just 15,000 due to past exploitation by whalers and fur sealers. With some weighing over 800 pounds and reaching up to six feet in length, seeing them roam the islands is an incredible experience. They can live up to 100 years in the wild, spending much of their day grazing on grass, resting, and getting cleaned by Galapagos finches. To learn more about the island’s conservation efforts, visit the breeding centers on Santa Cruz Island.

Birds of the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 170 species spread across the archipelago. For nature lovers, these islands offer the chance for a variety of remarkable encounters.

Seabirds are particularly abundant, with an estimated 750,000 calling the islands home. Watch them dive into the ocean for fish or gather in large colonies along cliffs and beaches. On land, you can spot species like Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, short-eared owls, and the Galapagos hawk in the highlands or near freshwater sources. Migratory birds like the wandering tattler add to the island’s diversity, while water and shore birds like pink-hued American flamingos and great blue herons bring even more color to the island landscapes.

Make it happen

Take the plunge: book your dream Galapagos wildlife cruise with help from our fabulous local experts, and before you know it you will be diving into the Pacific to swim with penguins and turtles. Let us know more about your requirements to get the ball rolling.