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Discover the Wonders of Galapagos Birdlife

One of the most remarkable aspects of Galapagos bird life is its diversity; the islands are home to over 60 bird species, with nearly half being endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. These birds have adapted to the unique conditions of the islands, resulting in species with fascinating behaviors and characteristics.

Blue-Footed Booby

  • Blue-footed boobies are one of three booby species found on Galapagos. They are large, distinctive birds, found along the Eastern Pacific coastline where they often nest on small islands with rocky coasts.
  • Their name comes from the Spanish word ‘bobo’, meaning foolish or clown – referring to their clumsy movement on land. Their plumage is brown on top, with a white rump and black tail, whilst their underparts are white.
  • The most distinctive characteristic of the blue-footed booby is its large blue feet, which play an important role in courtship.

Red-Footed Booby

  • One of the most intriguing and colorful birds you’ll encounter in the Galápagos is the red-footed booby. Their striking red feet, used in mating displays, make them a fascinating sight for birdwatchers.
  • Unlike their blue-footed cousins, red-footed boobies prefer to nest in trees, particularly in dense mangrove forests.
  • Red-footed boobies are superb divers, plunging into the ocean to catch fish and squid. Their streamlined bodies and long wings allow them to cover vast distances in search of food.

The Galapagos Flamingo

  • One of the most striking birds you’ll encounter in the Galápagos is the Galápagos flamingo. These elegant creatures, with their vibrant pink feathers and long, slender legs, are a captivating sight as they wade gracefully through the shallow lagoons of the islands.
  • Unlike their more widespread relatives, Galápagos flamingos are a smaller, more delicate species, and their numbers are relatively low, making sightings even more special.
  • The intense pink color of their feathers is a result of the carotenoid pigments in their diet, and their graceful movements make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
  • You can find Galápagos flamingos in places like Floreana Island’s Cormorant Point, Isabela Island’s Punta Moreno, and the lagoons near Rabida Island.

The Best Islands in the Galapagos

Where to Go

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Galapagos Safaris

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Galapagos Land-Based Safari

An epic, lodge-based Galapagos wildlife safari staying in some wonderful accommodation. Perfect for anyone who doesn't want to stay aboard an expedition ship. This lodge-based Galapagos itinerary visits the incredible Santa Cruz and Isabela islands and includes boat trips to surrounding islands. This is an incredible way to see the wildlife of the Galapagos for those land-lovers with an aversion to spending too much time on the sea. Swim with playful sea lions; watch the blue footed boobies as they perform in a charming courtship dance; see the emblematic tortoises in their natural habitat and a whole host of other fearless animals.

From 8000 per person
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Wildlife of the South And Western Islands

Sailing on board the luxurious Natural Paradise yacht, spend 10 days exploring the natural highlights of the Galapagos Islands; snorkelling with sea lions and sea turtles, observing the abundant birdlife and encountering marine iguanas and other endemic wildlife.

From 11000 per person
St Ecuador Amazon Eva Kali

Islands, Andes and Amazon Adventure

On this adventure you will spend 7 nights on the Grand Majestic yacht, a luxury vessel specifically designed to explore the Galapagos Islands, getting up close with the Galapagos wildlife; from iguanas and frigate birds, to tortoises and boobies. Enjoy a relaxing few days in the Zuleta region, one of Ecuador’s true hidden gem. Spend time in the mighty Amazon Rainforest with expert guides searching for caiman, primates, scarlet macaws, sloth or even elusive wildcat.

From 14000 per person
Royal Galapagos

Plan your Own Galapagos Island Bird Safari

Best Birdwatching Spots in the Galapagos

To make the most of your birdwatching adventure in the Galapagos, consider visiting these key locations:

  • Isabela Island: The largest island in the archipelago, Isabela offers a diverse range of habitats. Here, you can find Galapagos penguins, flamingos, and several species of finches, along with other seabirds like pelicans and cormorants.
  • Genovesa Island: Known as "Bird Island," Genovesa is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring large colonies of red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds. The island’s steep cliffs and dense vegetation make it a prime location for observing seabirds.
  • Floreana Island: Cormorant Point on Floreana Island is one of the best places to see Galápagos flamingos in their natural habitat. The nearby Devil’s Crown is also a great spot for snorkeling, where you might catch a glimpse of seabirds diving for fish.
  • Fernandina Island: Along with Isabela, Fernandina Island is one of the best places to observe Galapagos penguins. The island’s remote location and pristine environment provide an excellent backdrop for birdwatching.


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Isabela Island

The sea-horse shaped island of Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands and at only one million years of age, it is also one of the youngest. Thought by many to be the most beautiful, Isabela is home to the typical white-sandy beaches, palm trees, rocky islets and mangroves you would expect from a pacific island. World renowned for its population of tortoises, there are five subspecies found on the island, each living in the calderas of the five remaining active volcanoes. These subspecies are thought to have developed as the slow moving creatures could not cross the topographical barriers that the volcanoes presented. On the west coast there is the Cromwell Current providing a feeding ground for fish, dolphins and whales. Birders will not be disappointed either, with Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants nesting nearby. Elsewhere on the island you can also spot Galapagos hawks, mangrove finches, brown pelicans, pink flamingos and blue herons.

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Royal Galapagos

Genovesa Island

Known as Tower Island, the small, outlying and relatively flat island of Genovesa is a haven for birds, earning itself the nickname ‘Bird Island’.

Being the northernmost of the Galapagos Islands, Genovesa is outlying and accessible mainly on longer itineraries, or those that specifically target the north. In our opinion, this is one of the most interesting and exciting islands and is well worth the trip out.

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Royal Galapagos

Fernandina Island

Known to be the most pristine of the larger Galapagos Islands, the unique Fernandina Island is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago. The ever-changing landscapes caused by volcanic eruptions every few years keep the island scarce of vegetation, leaving it with a surreal, end-of-the-earth atmosphere. Fernandia’s numerous volcanic eruptions have led to a bizarre rocky landscape with lava fields bursting with cracks and fissures.

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Royal Galapagos

Floreana Island

Floreana Island bears a unique personality where its history has become the main attraction, even more than the lava fields, boobies and azure waters. Floreana Island is situated towards the southern part of the Galápagos Archipelago. It lies southwest of Santa Cruz Island and southeast of Isabela Island

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Royal Galapagos

Conservation and Responsible Birdwatching

Conservation and Responsible Birdwatching

The Galapagos Islands have a fragile ecosystem, and the birds here are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activity. You can practice responsible birdwatching by staying on marked trails, maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife, and supporting conservation efforts. The strict regulations help ensure that the islands’ unique bird species continue to thrive for generations to come.

The Galapagos Penguin

  • The only penguin species to live north of the equator, the Galapagos penguin is a true testament to the islands’ unique biodiversity. These small, hardy penguins have adapted to the warmer climate of the Galápagos by seeking cooler waters along the western coasts of Isabela and Fernandina Islands, where the nutrient-rich Humboldt and Cromwell currents bring cold waters and an abundance of food.
  • Galápagos penguins are a delight to watch as they zip through the water with incredible agility, hunting for small fish and crustaceans. On land, they can often be seen waddling along rocky shores or basking in the sun. Their endearing nature and the stark contrast of their black-and-white plumage against the volcanic landscapes make them a highlight for any birdwatcher.
  • The best places to see Galápagos penguins are along the western coasts of Isabela and Fernandina Islands, particularly around Punta Vicente Roca and Tagus Cove. These areas offer excellent opportunities to observe penguins both on land and in the water, where their true agility shines.

The Magnificent Frigatebird

  • Another iconic bird of the Galápagos is the magnificent frigatebird, known for its impressive wingspan and distinctive red throat pouch.
  • During the breeding season, male frigatebirds inflate their throat pouches like balloons to attract females, creating a spectacular display.
  • These birds are masters of the air, rarely landing on water, and often steal food from other seabirds in mid-flight—a behavior known as kleptoparasitism.
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