The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for extraordinary biodiversity and unique wildlife. Situated off the coast of Ecuador, this archipelago is a haven for wildlife photographers seeking to capture the unspoiled natural beauty. With a variety of ecosystems and endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth, the Galápagos offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography.
Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and among the most sought after species that can be photographed on the islands, but there is so much more on land, in the skies and beneath the surface of nearshore waters. Each island boasts its own distinct set of species and habitats, ranging from volcanic landscapes to lush highlands which allows photographers to explore different environments within a relatively small geographical area.
The best time for wildlife photography in the Galápagos Islands is during the nesting season, which typically aligns with the Southern Hemisphere's summer months, from December to April. During this time, photographers can witness a variety of species at different stages of their breeding cycles. The islands of Española and Genovesa are particularly famous for their large concentrations of nesting birds, providing ample opportunities to capture intimate moments of bird behavior. With trails that wind through nesting sites, visitors often find themselves walking alongside these remarkable creatures. It’s not uncommon to encounter a bird nesting right in the middle of a path, making it necessary to navigate carefully around them. These encounters allow photographers to get remarkably close to their subjects, offering the chance to switch from a telephoto lens to a wide-angle lens without losing proximity to the wildlife.
It’s essential to approach these experiences with respect and mindfulness. The delicate ecosystems of the islands are vulnerable, and photographers must adhere to guidelines that promote the conservation of these unique habitats. Maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, avoiding disturbances to nesting sites, and following the directives of local guides are all crucial.
Different species of Boobies in the Galápagos
A pair of blue-footed boobies perched along the trail on Española Island.
The most iconic bird in the Galápagos is without a doubt the blue-footed booby, known for its vibrant blue feet and unique mating dance. Photographers can often be found perched nearby, waiting for the perfect moment to capture these birds during their courtship rituals. The red-footed booby (left below) and Nazca booby (right below) are also present on the nesting sited at different islands. Genovesa Island is the only site where you can find all three species of boobies nesting together.
Swallow-tailed Gulls on the Galápagos Islands
Among the remarkable birds of the Galápagos Islands, the swallow-tailed gull (Creagrus furcatus) stands out with its striking appearance and unique behaviors. These gulls are the only nocturnal gull in the world. They hunt at night, using their keen eyesight to spot fish and squid near the water's surface, avoiding competition with other seabirds. Their diet mainly consists of small fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Nesting colonies can be found on rocky cliffs and beaches on different islands throughout the archipelago.
An adult swallow-tailed gull and its chick in a small tidal lagoon off Darwin’s Bay on Genovesa Island. January 2025
A pair of swallow-tailed gulls mating along the sh0reline of Genovesa Island.
Iguanas in the galápagos
The Galapagos Islands are home to two distinct species of iguanas - the marine iguana and the land iguana. Both of these species of iguanas have evolved over millions of years to survive in a variety of habitats on the islands in the archipelago.
Marine iguanas on the rocks along the shoreline of Española Island. The male is the larger more colorful iguana perched on the rock above the female iguanas. The vibrant colors on these iguanas can be observed during the mating season.
Marine iguanas, endemic to the Galapagos Islands, are fascinating reptiles that have evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in their harsh environments. Unlike other iguana species, these reptiles are excellent swimmers, using their powerful, flattened tails to glide through the water with ease. They use their sharp claws to grab onto the rocks while eating algae.
The most striking adaptations of marine iguanas is their ability to tolerate saltwater. Their specialized glands on their head excrete excess salt, allowing them to maintain a proper balance of salts in their bodies. They frequently ingest salt while feeding on algae. On land, marine iguanas can often be seen basking in the sun - they are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. During the mating season, males exhibit vibrant colors and engage in territorial displays to attract females.
The appearance of marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands varies from island to island. The variations in the appearance of the iguanas reflects the effects of environmental conditions and the adaptive radiation that characterizes the unique biodiversity in the Galápagos. Differences in the size, coloration, and physical features of the iguanas can be observed on different islands. Marine iguanas from the larger islands, such as Isabella and Fernandina, tend to be larger and bulkier compared to those from smaller islands. This size variation is often a response to the availability of food resources and predation pressures. Marine iguanas display a spectrum of hues, ranging from dark black and grey to more vibrant shades of green and red. These color differences often reflect the rocky substrate and vegetation of their respective islands, helping the iguanas blend into their surroundings and providing camouflage from predators.
Some islands have populations with distinct physical traits, such as longer snouts or different body shapes, which may have evolved in response to specific dietary preferences or environmental habitats. These variations show how marine iguanas have adapted to the varied ecological niches across the Galapagos, making them a prime example of the adaptive radiation that Darwin famously studied on the islands. These differences not only contribute to their resilience as a species but also highlight the intricate relationships between species and their environments within the archipelago.
A close-up of a land iguana on South Plaza Island.
Land iguanas thrive in the dry lowlands of Fernandia, Isabela, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Baltra, Santa Fe and the South Plaza Islands. These iguanas are larger and bulkier than their marine counterparts, with spiky yellow and orange scales that provide effective camouflage in the sparsly vegetated rocky terrain. Land iguanas are primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on different parts of prickly pear cactuses and other plant materials. The iguanas have store fat in their bodies which allows them to survive during periods of drought when food sources are scarce.
Breeding occurs during the warmer months, with females digging nests in sandy areas to lay their eggs. Conservation efforts are crucial for their survival, as land iguanas face threats from invasive species and habitat loss. Land iguanas play a vital role in seed dispersal in the Galápagos.
A large land iguana basks in the sun under a prickly pear cactus.
Giant Tortoises in the galápagos
The Galápagos land tortoise is known for its size but also for its impressive longevity, with individuals often living well over a century. Some tortoises are believed to have lived up to 150 years or more, making them one of the longest-lived vertebrates on the planet. This incredible lifespan contributes to their status as symbols of endurance and resilience in the Galapagos ecosystem.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, mariners discovered the Galapagos Islands and quickly recognized the potential of these tortoises for long sea voyages. Tortoises could be easily captured and stored alive on ships due to their size and relatively sedentary nature. Sailors found that they could keep tortoises onboard for extended periods without feeding them, as the animals could survive for months using their fat reserves. This ability to withstand long periods without food made them a valuable source of fresh meat for crews on long journeys. This practice led to significant declines in tortoise populations, particularly on islands close to maritime routes. Another factor that reduced the populations of the tortoise was the introduction of invasive species on different islands in the archipelago.
Conservation efforts have increased in modern times at the different breeding centers where tortoises are raised in captivity before being released into the wild. Efforts to reintroduce this species into historic habitats and increase their numbers are slowly becoming successful.
