The Galapagos: Sea Lions And Iguanas And Tortoises! Oh My!
Without a doubt, the Galapagos Islands are known for their incredible wildlife. Visitors can get up close and personal with all kinds of animals and see species that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet.
What animals were our favorites? You guessed it! Sea lions, iguanas, and tortoises. These can best be seen on Isabela Island, the largest of the islands that make up the Galapagos. Most visitors stay on Santa Cruz island, as it is the most inhabited, but it is pretty easy to find a ferry that will take you out to Isabela and back.
While you’re on Isabela, you can visit the Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza, Isabela’s Tortoise Breeding Center. There are SO many tortoises walking around, eating, and even… getting frisky…
While exploring the islands you’re also bound to run into iguanas. These were different than the iguanas I’m used to seeing in Florida. These looked… prehistoric…
And, of course, there are the sea lions. These cuties just love to lounge around and they don’t care what’s going on around them. I’m telling you, these guys have got it made…
The amount of animals you can see in the Galapagos is surreal though. Besides these three favorites, we also saw dolphins, sharks, stingrays, crabs, and a huge variety of birds (including flamingos). So if you’re an animal lover, you need to visit the Galapagos.
A few tips:
- – Although most animals are used to humans and will allow you to get pretty close, remember that these are still wild animals.
- – Bring sunblock. You’re on the equator, so the sun is pretty brutal. Trust me.
- – If you get seasick at all, I’d recommend taking some Dramamine. The trips between islands can get a bit choppy.
- – Have cash on you for snacks and souvenirs. Most places only take cash and there are only a few ATMs.
- – Please, please, please remember where you are. Don’t litter or do anything that could hurt the wildlife of this amazing habitat.
Have you been to the Galapagos? What animal was your favorite? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂
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Wow! You really got up close and personal with such exotic animals. Looks like so much fun!
Yup! It was awesome! 😀
What an opportunity! This is definitely very high on our family bucket list. The variety of animals you saw is amazing! Which other islands did you visit?
Hi Christina! It was a quick visit, so we were only able to visit Santa Cruz and Isabela. But there was still plenty to see on both.
This sounds like a really amazing adventure. We would love, love, love to visit here some day. Love your pics!
Thank you! 😀
How amazingly cool!! We visited Palomino Island in Puerto Rico and saw a TON of iguanas- some of them being crazy big. But no turtles or sea lions there. I have only read about the Galapagos in books, but how amazing that you got to visit there and experience this in person. 🙂
I know! Definitely something that most only hear about in school. I’m pretty thrilled that I was able to go. 😀
Galapagos has been high on my list for so long. I finally book a trip to Guayaquil next Feb. and I’m going to make sure to make it to Galapagos then. I may have to pick your brain for some tips.
Definitely! Any time! 🙂
I loved my time in the Galapagos! It was funny when we first arrived and everyone was taking pictures of the sea lions- our guides were like, “guys, there are a lot more of them to come!!”
Haha! That’s so funny!
I’ve always wanted to go to the Galapagos. It would be so awesome to see those ancient-looking tortoises just wandering around like that. What awesome pictures you got of them all.
Thank you Laura!
Wow, those iguanas are impressive. I agree, they look prehistoric. And omg, those sea lions are just too cute. I’m going to have to make it to the Galapagos soon!Mi
Right?? Too cute! 😀
Man, I am dying to go to the Galapagos. The seals are so cute! We have seals here too and they are passive but you are right they are still wild animals and should be treated as such. Great tips and photos, hoping to get there at some point in the next couple years!
Thanks Mary! Hope you’re able to make it 🙂
I’ve been reading and watching shows on Galapagos all my life. I’ve always wanted to go and it sounds and looks so much better in this post. I hope to make it there sometime soon.
I hope you’re able to Alina! 🙂
I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands! Those sea lions are so cute! I would definitely need the Dramamine. I get seasick pretty easily.
Aww, well I think after taking some you’d really be able to enjoy the experience.
For me it’s so amazing that all these animals just live here freely. A friend of mine recently was in Galapagos and she loved it, now I can totally see why from your photos!
It’s such a cool experience to see them roaming freely 🙂
Galapagos has always been part of my bucketlist. These are all great experiences. I would really love to try them.
I hope you’re able to go one day Karla! 🙂
Hi Vicky,
Those sea lions are really posing! It seems like the love being photographed! I have never visited to Galapagos but now it goes straight up to my bucket list. Thank you for this post!
Zaria
They certainly do! lol I’m glad you enjoyed the post Zaria 🙂
We are going to try to make it to the Galapagos later this year and hope to see as much wildlife as you did. This post has got me super excited!
I hope you guys are able to make it! I know you’ll love it! 🙂