15 Remarkable Facts About The Galápagos Islands

The famed Galápagos Islands are a treasure trove of natural wonders. Even many who have never been to this archipelago are aware that naturalist Charles Darwin based his Theory of Natural Selection on his travels here. However, what many may not know is that he only spent a mere five weeks in the Galápagos. Despite the relatively short stay, he made good use of his time.

Everyone also knows that these islands are a biodiversity hotspot, home to unique animals like waved albatrosses and giant tortoises. Yet another cool fact about the Galápagos is that 20% of the marine species here are endemic. That means certain animals, like marine iguanas and Galápagos penguins, can only be found on these “Enchanted Islands.” Below you’ll find 15 more Galápagos Islands facts to arm you with the info needed to ensure you make the most of any future Galápagos adventure.

1. The Galápagos is a National Park & UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Galápagos archipelago, located off the coast of Ecuador on the equator, is renowned as an unspoiled paradise of biodiversity. The reason it has maintained its purity is that the entire area is protected. In fact, Parque Nacional Galápagos was established in 1959 as Ecuador’s first-ever national park. It covers 97% of the land area and its endemic animals, with the reamining 3% inhabited by humans.

Even the 76,448 square miles (198,000 sq km) of surrounding ocean is protected as a marine reserve (est. 1998), home to more than 3,000 aquatic species. The strict conservation of this archipelago is the reason it remains a biodiversity hotspot and center of scientific research and tourism.

Also, in 1978, the Galápagos Islands became the first-ever UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. The islands were recognized because of their unique plant and animal life, and in 1984, they were declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Then, in 2002, the wetlands on Isabela Island were declared a Ramsar Site. Also noteworthy is that another Ecuadorian locale, the city of Quito, was chosen as the second-ever UNESCO site. In total, Ecuador has five properties inscribed on the World Heritage List (three cultural and two natural). They are:

• Galapagos Islands (1978)
• City of Quito (1978)
• Sangay National Park (1983)
• City of Cuenca (1999)
• Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System (2014)

2. Only 5 of the Galápagos Islands are Inhabited

There are 13 main islands in the Galápagos archipelago, and for millions of years, they were uninhabited by humans. Mass settlement only really began in the 1960s, and today there are 25,000 people living on just five islands: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, Floreana, and Baltra (Seymour). That means only 3% of the Galápagos is settled by humans. The other 97% is protected as a national park. 

As part of Ecuador, the official language of the Galápagos is Spanish. However, visitors will have no problem finding tour guides fluent in English, French, German, and other languages. 

3. These Volcanic Islands are Millions of Years Old

The Galápagos archipelago consists of 127 islands and islets. Of the total, 19 are considered large islands, and four are inhabited (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana). These islands are also volcanic, formed 3-5 million years ago due to activity on the Nazca tectonic plate. Also, according to scientist Kenneth Leonard, every island except for Isabela (the largest Galápagos island) was formed by a single underwater volcano!

4. The Galápagos’ Inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution 

Of the many interesting facts about the Galápagos Islands, few are as well-known as the story of its most famous visitor. Though the islands were first “discovered” in 1535 by Fray Tomás de Berlanga, a Dominican friar, it was British naturalist Charles Darwin who put these islands on the map. When the 26-year-old Darwin first visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835, he was instantly mesmerized.

The ship he was on, the HMS Beagle, first arrived on San Cristóbal Island before traveling to Floreana. Darwin was so inspired by the ecosystem and animals of these islands that he took samples of various plants and animals to continue his studies. Then, in 1859, 24 years after visiting the Galápagos, Darwin published his findings in “On the Origin of Species.” In the book, the scientist argued that species evolve over generations due to a process called natural selection.

5. The Galápagos is a Year-Round Destination

One of the more convenient Galápagos Islands facts is that it’s an ideal destination any time of year. Like most regions near the equator, the Galápagos enjoys two seasons:

Hot season (December through May) 

Rain and sun characterize the hot season. During the warm and wet season, tourists will find bright sunlight, lush vegetation, and an intermittent mist or refreshing drizzle (called garúa by locals), especially in the highlands.

Overall temperatures: 

• Land: avg. 72-86°F/30°C. 
• Water: avg.76°F/25°C. 

Dry season (June through November)

Though there’s less rain in the dry season, visitors can expect cloudy skies and cooler temperatures. The season is neither too hot nor too cold, making it ideal for outdoor excursions like nature hikes. Throughout the dry months, the ocean waters are nutrient-rich thanks to the Humboldt Current. This increases marine activity! 

Overall temperatures: 

• Land: avg. low/high 66-79°F/19-26°C.  
• Water: avg. 72°F/22°C.

Despite the weather patterns, visitors should know that the archipelago isn’t a Caribbean tropical destination. What makes the islands so special is that the climate is more temperate, which has allowed its unique ecosystems and wildlife to flourish. Still, when you plan your grand Galápagos tour, make sure to determine what kind of activities you want to focus on, be it snorkeling and sunbathing or nature excursions and wildlife spotting. This will determine which season is best for your visit.

6. You can Only Get to the Galápagos by Plane

The only way to access the Galápagos Islands is by plane. No international cruise liners dock here, and the islands are not served by international flights. The archipelago is located 609 miles (1,396 km) from mainland Ecuador, which is where all journeys to the Galápagos start. Flights to the islands depart from two airports on the mainland:

• José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (airport code: GYE), located in Guayaquil. 
• Mariscal Sucre International Airport (airport code: UIO), located in Quito. 

So, your trip will begin in Quito or Guayaquil. In both cities, there are many things to do, and are well worth exploring for a day or two before or after your Galápagos flight. The islands themselves have two main airports: Baltra, located at the top of Santa Cruz Island, and San Cristóbal Airport.

7. Ocean Currents Create Galápagos Ecosystems 

Ocean conditions are determined by the sea’s currents, and in the case of the Galápagos Islands, the currents define their marine ecosystems. For example, from June to December, the cool waters of the Humboldt Current flow up from Antarctica, creating ideal conditions to see penguins, orcas, albatrosses, and other endemic species. But this isn’t the only one; the Galápagos is home to a convergence of three different currents:

1. Cromwell Current 
2. Humboldt Current 
3. Panama Flow

Where Humboldt meets Cromwell, they bring colder water with temperatures around 59°F (15°C) and great diving conditions. Even considering the colder water, the Galápagos weather is still considered subtropical.

8. There are Species in the Galápagos Found Nowhere Else on Earth

Many fun Galápagos Islands facts concern their exotic animals. Wildlife lovers flock here because a majority of animals can only be found on these islands. Of the over 9,000 species of flora and fauna, 42% of the plants, 97% of reptiles and land mammals, 80% of birds, and 56% of insects are endemic. These include 600-700 native plant species and 14 endemic mammals like sea lions and rice rats. There are even 13-15 species of giant tortoises only found in the Galápagos.

In the waters of the Galápagos, 20% of marine life is endemic. For example, Marine Iguanas are unique on this planet. They are the only sea-going lizards in the world, having adapted to the water over millions of years of existence only on these islands. Also, the Galápagos penguin (the only penguin species found north of the equator) exists only in this archipelago. The same is true with other pelagic species such as tunas, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and hammerhead sharks. 

As for birds, there are 56 avian species native to the Galápagos. Of that total, 45 (80%) are endemic, and 11 are indigenous. Highlights include the Galápagos hawk, frigatebird, flycatcher, and Darwin’s finch, as well as owls, warblers, and cuckoos. Some of the most famous of all Galápagos birds are three species of booby (red-footed, blue-footed, and Nazca), flightless cormorants, and the waved albatross. Taken together, this makes the Galápagos a paradise for birders.

9. There are Two Types of Seals in the Galápagos

The first animal that most visitors meet upon their arrival in Galápagos is the sea lion. Famously friendly, you’ll likely see them hanging out on promenades in towns like Puerto Ayora, and at the docks where tourists board cruise ships. They also like to swim near the shore, and will playfully approach snorkelers and divers.

What many don’t know is that the sea lion isn’t the only species in these islands. Fur seals also inhabit the Galápagos. Though fur seals look similar to sea lions, they’re actually smaller with shorter heads and a furrier coat (hence the name). Regarding their behavior, Galápagos fur seals are nocturnal hunters and spend most of their time in colder waters. That said, look for them on shore during full moons, where they come to avoid predators like sharks.

10. The Galápagos Has the World’s Only Tropical Penguins 

Another fun bit of Galápagos wildlife trivia is that the smallest penguins in the world live in this archipelago. Galápagos Penguins are endemic to the islands — they’re also the only penguin species found north of the equator and swimming in tropical waters. The reason these penguins thrive here is due to the aforementioned sea currents, which bring cooler water and air to the region.

You’ll find 95% of the Galápagos penguin population in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Fernandina and Isabela Islands. Occasionally, they’re also seen on Bartolomé, Santiago, and Floreana islands, so you’ll need to take a cruise to spot them in these locales. They nest at sea level, and you’ll find them on the rocky coast and seaside caves. Nesting season lasts from May to December.

11. There are up to 24 Whale Species in the Galápagos

Whales and dolphins (cetaceans) are the only aquatic mammals in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. In fact, 24 different species of whales have been identified in the Galápagos, traveling by these islands on their migratory routes. Some species, however, like sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and orcas, reside in the Galápagos year-round.

Regarding the seasons, the best time to see whales in the Galápagos is from July to December. During this time, the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current increase the chance of whale sightings. Lucky tourists might be able to spot:

• Humpback whales
• Pilot whales
• Minke whales
• Blue whales (occasionally)

You stand the best chance of seeing these whales on a Galápagos cruise. And the best places to typically see them are in the western waters of the archipelago, particularly the channel between Isabela and Fernandina Islands.

12. Giant Tortoises are the Oldest Vertebrates on Earth

Some of the most interesting facts about Galápagos Islands regard one of its most iconic residents: the giant tortoise. It happens to be among the longest-living vertebrates on earth. The average Galápagos giant tortoise can live from 100 to 150+ years in the wild. Some tortoises can live even longer than that in captivity. In 1835, Charles Darwin himself collected a specimen from the islands named Harriet, who went to live at the Australia Zoo. Harriet passed away in 2006 at the ripe old age of 175 years old, making her the oldest recorded Galápagos tortoise.

Today, visitors can see wild giant Galápagos tortoises year-round in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal islands. You can also see them on Santa Cruz at the Charles Darwin Research Station. This renowned biological research center runs a breeding program that allows visitors to see hatchlings of different tortoise species.

These tortoises are considered endangered. In fact, approximately 15 species of Galápagos tortoises are listed as critically endangered due to historic overexploitation, their numbers reduced from around 250,000 to a mere 15,000-20,000 today. However, due to conservation efforts and breeding initiatives by scientific research groups, several species have been saved from extinction.

13. The Galápagos Has a Centuries-Old Post Office

Despite the remote location of these islands, it’s been possible for human visitors to send and receive correspondence for hundreds of years. Post Office Bay is Floreana Island’s unique postal service. Essentially a mailbox comprised of a wooden barrel, it was established by whalers in 1783.

The mailbox remains in use today, with tourists continuing the tradition of leaving unstamped mail for other travelers to pick up and deliver personally to the destination country. If you happen to visit, feel free to drop a letter yourself — or take one back to your home country for delivery!

14. The Galápagos Offers Some of the Best Scuba Diving in the World

The Galápagos boasts around 30 prime dive sites. Many of these are rocky outcroppings and islets—like Kicker Rock, Darwin and Wolf Islands, and Gordon Rocks—located offshore of the main islands. Generally speaking, the Galápagos is more suitable for experienced divers with 50-100 dives under their belt and an Open Water Diver certification. This is due to the Galápagos’ cold water and strong currents.

If you do make the journey to dive here, you’ll be treated to an underwater menagerie unlike anything else on earth. 20% of the Galápagos marine life is endemic, meaning some animals only exist here. These include marine iguanas and Galápagos penguins. Divers will also likely encounter sea turtles, rays, sea lions, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks (July to October). To really get the most out of the experience, it’s best to embark on a multi-day dive tour of the Galápagos.

15. The Galápagos Islands Starred in a Few Hollywood Films

Besides being a popular tourist destination, the Galápagos Islands have also been featured in some major Hollywood films. In 2025, the archipelago was the setting for the Ron Howard film “Eden,” starring Jude Law and Sydney Sweeney. It’s based on the true story of a group of Europeans who first settled the islands in the early 20th century but then saw their dreams of an isolated utopia turn into a nightmare.

Other notable films that feature the Galápagos include the 2003 film “Master and Commander,” starring Russel Crowe and Paul Bettany, and the classic Hemingway adaptation of “The Old Man and the Sea” (1958).

Additionally, there have been many documentaries made on the islands. Highlights include: 

• The Galapagos Affairs: Satan Came to Eden
• Galápagos
• Galápagos: Hope for the Future
• The Empress of Floreana

Books

If you’re looking for some beach reading or info to prime you for your upcoming Galápagos adventure, you can check out:

• Las Encantadas, or “Enchanted Isles” (1854): written by American author Herman Melville. It’s based on Melville’s travels on the islands. 
• “Galápagos” (1985) by Kurt Vonnegut: a science fiction novel set one million years in the future. 
• “Beyond the Islands” (1980) by Alicia Yánez Cossío: a magical realism novel about eight people who travel to the Galápagos. 

There’s more to learn

These are some fun Galápagos Islands facts to get you started. If you want to know more about the “Enchanted Islands,” book a tour with Rebecca Adventure Travel, and one of our Destination Experts will be happy to help!

Few destinations on Earth can match the Galápagos for sheer natural wonder — and the numbers make it easy to see why. Here’s a closer look at what sets these islands apart from anywhere else on the planet.

Fun Facts About the Galápagos Islands That Prove It’s Unlike Anywhere on Earth

Convinced? Browse our handpicked Galápagos tours above and start planning the trip of a lifetime — we’ll take care of every detail from the moment you land in Quito.

Facts about Galapagos Islands: FAQs

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Chris Wallace

Content Writer

Chris Wallace has been a guidebook author and travel writer/editor since 2012. Based mostly out of South America, he’s also covered destinations in Mexico, Central America, Europe, and Asia. When not working, you can usually find him walking his dog near his home in the Colombian countryside. You can also find him on IG at @wallaceabroad.