Galapagos Wildlife on Land and Sea

The Galápagos Islands were put on the map by Darwin, his finches and the other unique creatures he studied on the shores of this legendary archipelago. But if the famed naturalist had donned diving gear, he would have found another incredible world beneath the waves—a vibrant ecosystem, now protected by the Galápagos Marine Reserve and home to more than 3,000 species. Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories, And Exclusive Offers. Sign Up

When you explore Galápagos with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, you’ll enjoy an in-depth 360° experience that will give you the incredible opportunity to discover the wealth of wildlife both on shore and below the waves. In honor of International Darwin Day, learn more about these fascinating land and sea counterparts.

Galápagos Land Iguanas vs. Galápagos Marine Iguanas

These Galápagos lizards may look somewhat alike, but the reptilian cousins have drastically different preferences when it comes to habitat. The leathery land iguana lives on the arid coast where it has access to its favorite meal: the blossoms and pads of the prickly pear cactus. Land iguanas have especially tough mouths, often swallowing pads spines and all. On islands with land iguanas, the prickly pear have evolved into tall trees. Meanwhile, marine iguanas—the world’s only ocean-going lizards—feed exclusively at sea, propelling themselves easily through the water with that long, flattened tail. In between foraging trips, they haul-out in massive piles on the rocky shoreline and warm up in the sun.

Galápagos Giant Tortoises vs. Green Sea Turtles

Giant tortoises and green sea turtles may both be reptiles that lay their eggs on land—but that's about the extent of their common ground. With flipper-like limbs, the sea turtle is a master swimmer and migrator, coming from faraway countries like Chile and Costa Rica to nest on Galápagos beaches. The plodding giant tortoise can’t travel nearly as far and you’ll typically find them in the highlands munching on plants, fruits and flowers and wallowing in mud pools.

Galápagos Hawks vs. Galápagos Sharks

In the Galápagos, where few natural predators roam, two species sit comfortably at the top of their food chains. Here, endemic Galápagos hawks rule the land and sky, feeding on everything from locusts to young marine iguanas. One of the world’s rarest raptors, there may be as few as 150 known breeding pairs. Beneath the waves, the Galápagos shark reigns supreme, hunting for bony fishes and cephalopods along rocky sea floors and coral reefs. Despite their name, these sharks are not endemic to the islands—they were first discovered here but can be found in many other parts of the world.

Galápagos Flamingos vs. Galápagos Penguins

When you think of bird species of the Galápagos a few famous ones likely come to mind: blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, finches. But did you know that two avian icons—one typically tropical, the other primarily polar—also inhabit the archipelago? That’s right, Galápagos is the only place in the world where you can spot flamingos and penguins. Leggy flamingos wade in shallow lagoons found on many of the islands, foraging for tiny crustaceans which give these birds their signature pink color. Galápagos penguins, the only penguin species found north of the equator, rocket through the cool ocean currents and make their homes in lava tubes, caves and crevices.

Galápagos Fur Seals vs. Galápagos Sea Lions

Looking for an easy way to tell Galápagos sea lions and fur seals apart? If you spot one of these marine mammals in the ocean, it’s very likely a sea lion—spot one catching some z’s on a coastal cliff, and there’s a good chance it’s a fur seal. In fact, fur seals spend much of the day on land, taking shelter from the sun under lava ledges in rocky, protected grottos. They only dive into the water to hunt after dark. Sea lions, on the other hand, can’t get enough of the ocean. You’ll find these playful swimmers showing off somersaults, back flips and other aquatic acrobatics (when they’re not snoozing on beaches, docks or benches throughout the islands.)

Galápagos Wildlife Above and Below

Galápagos Land Iguanas vs. Galápagos Marine Iguanas

Galápagos Giant Tortoises vs. Green Sea Turtles

Galápagos Hawks vs. Galápagos Sharks

Galápagos Flamingos vs. Galápagos Penguins

Galápagos Fur Seals vs. Galápagos Sea Lions

Making a Difference in Galápagos

Expedition Spotlight: A Milestone Celebration in Galápagos

Webinar: Introducing Two New Ships in the Galapagos

Galápagos Wildlife Above and Below

Galápagos Land Iguanas vs. Galápagos Marine Iguanas

Galápagos Giant Tortoises vs. Green Sea Turtles

Galápagos Hawks vs. Galápagos Sharks

Galápagos Flamingos vs. Galápagos Penguins

Galápagos Fur Seals vs. Galápagos Sea Lions

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