Cruise: The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos archipelago is made up of 18 islands, 13 of which can be visited. They cover a vast area, approximately 17,375 miles. While each island offers unique reasons of its own for a visit, these are some of the most popular for wildlife viewing.

Santa Cruz. The most populated island in the Galapagos with a population of approximately 15,000, most of whom live in the main town of Puerto Ayora. The Charles Darwin Research Station can be found here along with a tortoise breeding center. There are magnificent reserves where Galapagos giant tortoises roam and unspoiled beaches with marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. 

Fernandina. Hike over lava flows and sea lion nurseries to reach the marine iguana haven at Punta Espinoza on Isla Fernandina. Visitors can also see flightless cormorants and snorkel alongside penguins and sea turtles here. 

Española. This island is the place to go if you want to witness the famous blue-footed booby mating dance. There’s also a large colony of Nazca boobies and Española marine iguanas, the only type that’s red and green, often referred to as the “Christmas iguana.”

North Seymour. Tiny North Seymour Island is less than a square mile inside, but it’s another one of the top islands for spotting the blue-footed booby. You’re also likely to see male frigate birds showing off their bright red throats that puff up like a balloon. 

There are approximately 2,000 species that are endemic to the Galapagos, making it one of the hottest spots for wildlife enthusiasts in the world. In this remote corner of the globe, you’ll get a glimpse of what it might have been like before humans arrived while enjoying the chance to witness the “Big 15.”

Galapagos Albatross. The largest bird found in the Galapagos, the Galapagos Albatross can only be seen between April and December. They have a wingspan that can reach 7.2 to 8.2 feet in length.

Blue-Footed Booby. Clumsy on land while agile in the air, blue-footed boobies are one of the most popular Galapagos species. Their most distinctive characteristic is their large, blue feet, the brighter the better for males as females consider the brightest feet to be an indicator of high-quality genes. In mating rituals, the males show off their feet with a famous high-stepping dance to attract prospective mates.

Red-Footed Booby. The red-footed booby captures attention with its vibrant red feet. It’s the smallest of the three booby species in the Galapagos and only comes ashore to breed, preferring to spend its time at sea.

Nazca Booby. The largest of the Galapagos boobies, Nazca boobies have orange beaks and grey feet rather than a bold blue or red hue like the others.

Marine Iguana. Found only in the Galapagos on the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, and Española, this iguana is a gentle herbivore with a fierce look. It has spiky dorsal scales, a smashed-in face, salt-encrusted head, and wide-set eyes.

Galapagos Penguin. One of the world’s smallest penguin species, the Galapagos penguin lives and breeds here year-round, found mainly on Fernandina and Isabela, although they can be spotted on others, including Bartolome where people often swim with them around Pinnacle Rock.

Galapagos Sea Lion. These sea lions can be seen throughout the islands, swimming close to shore or lounging on the beaches.

Galapagos Fur Seal. Rarely seen out at sea, Galapagos fur seals prefer resting in shady spots along rocky coastlines throughout the islands, hunting at night.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise. One of the most famous animals in the islands, these are the largest living species of tortoise, with lifespans in the wild of more than 100 years in the wild. The largest populations can be found at Alcedo Volcano on Isabela and in the Santa Cruz highlands.