Galapagos Travel Guide Wild Life

The Galapagos Islands are a true natural paradise, known not only for their stunning wildlife, but also for their unique diving and snorkeling opportunities. The archipelago, which is located around 1.000 kilometers west of Ecuador in the Pacific, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts numerous nature lovers and adventurers every year. Each island has its own charm, and their diversity makes the Galapagos Islands an incomparable destination for anyone who is enthusiastic about extraordinary experiences and unique animal sightings. In this article, we give an overview of the different islands, the highlights of the region and a special focus on diving and snorkeling in this pristine ecosystem.

The Galapagos Islands and their Highlights

island Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the archipelago and is known for its idyllic beaches and huge network of hiking trails. In the highlands, visitors can observe the famous Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The Charles Darwin Research Station, which is also located on the island, is an important place for the conservation of the islands' unique flora and fauna.

Island San Cristóbal (airport)

San Cristóbal is home to the only international airport in the Galapagos Islands. The island offers both historical sites and unspoiled nature and is a popular starting point for diving and snorkeling trips. Of particular note are the beaches of Isla Lobos, which are known for their colonies of sea lions. Here you can snorkel among schools of colorful fish and playful sea lions.

Isabela Island

Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago and offers an incredible variety of landscapes and animal species. From the volcanic area of ​​Sierra Negra to the beaches of Punta Moreno - the island has a lot to offer nature lovers. A highlight is observing the famous Galapagos penguins that live here in the wild.

Florean Islanda

Floreana, once a popular refuge for pirates and smugglers, impresses with its dramatic landscape and is home to land and sea birds. The Devil's Crown, a dive site off the coast of the island, is an absolute highlight for divers. Here you will find a variety of sharks and colorful fish.

Island Baltra (Airport)

Baltra also known as South Seymour is one of the most important islands in terms of getting to the Galapagos Islands. Baltra Airport receives most international and domestic flights and acts as a gateway to the archipelago. Although Baltra itself is not known for major tourist activity, the island is of vital importance as it provides access to the nearby, uninhabited islands such as North Seymour and  Bartholomew Visitors to Baltra can giant tortoises and  Birds as they prepare for their adventures in the Galapagos Islands.

Island Genoese

Genoese Also known as the "Bird Island", Genovesa is a dream destination for bird lovers. The island is home to a large number of seabirds, including the impressive red-footed booby and masked booby. This island is a true paradise for photographers and wildlife watchers who want to experience the many bird species in their natural habitat.

Island Spanish 

Española is one of the oldest and southernmost islands in the archipelago. It is particularly famous for its huge colonies of breeding albatrosses and its red land iguanas. Divers can enjoy the waters around Española, where they can snorkel with sea turtles, hammerhead sharks and giant squid.

Island Santa Fe

Santa Fe (Barrington Island) is one of the more unique islands of the Galapagos archipelago, known for its impressive wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The island is home to the rare Santa Fe land iguanas, which are famous for their bright yellow color and their often curious nature. Visiting the island offers the opportunity to observe these fascinating animals up close. Santa Fé is also an excellent destination for snorkeling tours, as there are numerous sea ​​lions, Green sea turtles and colorful fish species frolic. The clear waters around the island make snorkeling an unforgettable experience.

Island North Seymour

North Seymour is another wildlife-watching hotspot. Here visitors will find colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Divers and snorkelers can swim with sharks and manta rays in the waters around North Seymour.

Island Bartholomew

Bartholomew is one of the most famous islands in the Galapagos archipelago. The impressive view from the top of the island to the striking Pinnacle Rock is spectacular! This is certainly why it is the typical postcard motif of the Galapagos Islands. Bartolomé is also a great place for snorkeling, where you can swim with Galapagos penguins as well as sea lions and green sea turtles.

Island Marchena

Marchena (Bindloe Island) is one of the more remote islands in the Galapagos archipelago and therefore less developed for tourism. It is known for its exceptional biodiversity and as a breeding ground for numerous bird species, including the blue-footed boobyand  frigatebirdsThe island is characterized by volcanic landscapes and offers great hiking in a wild, unspoiled environment. The waters around Marchena are a true paradise for snorkelers, with a variety of fish and the possibility of sea ​​lions Since Marchena is rarely visited, the island is particularly quiet and allows for an authentic exploration of nature.

Island Fernandina

Fernandina (Narborough Island) is the westernmost island of the Galapagos archipelago and impresses with its breathtaking nature. The volcano The top is active on Fernandina and dominates the landscape. The island is known for its impressive wildlife. It is home to one of the largest colonies of marine iguanas, which gather here in large groups. Another highlight are the giant tortoisesthat can be found on Fernandina. The waters around Fernandina offer excellent snorkeling and diving experiences, as there are often Hedge, Blankets and  sea ​​lions Fernandina is also one of the few islands where the Galapagos penguinswho feel comfortable here in the cooler waters.

Diving and snorkeling in Galapagos: An underwater paradise

The Galapagos Islands are not only known for their unique flora and fauna on land, but also for their spectacular underwater world. The waters around the islands offer some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Particularly noteworthy is the high biodiversity that can be found here - from the famous Galapagos hammerhead sharks to the colorful sea creatures that adorn the underwater landscapes.

Popular dive sites:

• Kicker Rock: Kicker Rock, also known as “León Dormido,” is a prominent rock that rises out of the waters, where divers and snorkelers can swim with sharks, rays, and a variety of fish.
• Devil's Crown: This diving spot around Floreana is a true paradise for divers. Here you will find a wide variety of marine animals, including sharks, sea turtles and penguins.
• Wolf and Darwin Islands: These remote islands offer some of the most spectacular diving sites in the world, known for their large schools of sharks and the opportunity to dive with whale sharks and manta rays.

Snorkeling with sea lions and turtles: Galapagos also offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities, with swimming with playful sea lions and encounters with the majestic sea turtles that live in the islands' clear waters being particularly popular.

For more detailed information on diving opportunities and the best snorkeling spots, check out our detailed Travel Guide for Diving in Galapagos 

Endemic Animals: A Unique View of Nature

The Galapagos Islands are also known for their endemic wildlife that is found nowhere else in the world. Particularly fascinating are the famous Galapagos giant tortoises, which are native to various islands and are among the oldest living creatures on earth. The Marine iguanas, the only lizards that live in the sea, are another highlight for nature lovers.

Not to be forgotten are the numerous bird species, including the blue-footed booby, Frigate birds and  red-footed boobythat nest in the lofty heights of the islands.

To learn more about the impressive animals of the Galapagos Islands, visit our Article about the endemic animals of the Galapagos Islands.

Conclusion: An unforgettable adventure in Galapagos

Whether you want to observe the unique animals, snorkel in the clear waters or dive with sharks and manta rays, the Galapagos Islands offer an incredible variety of experiences. Each island has its own special features that make it an incomparable destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique world and plan your trip to the Galapagos IslandsTo plan your trip, visit our Galapagos travel guide for useful information and tips.

The Galapagos Islands are waiting to be discovered by you – a true paradise for nature and animal lovers!