6 Amazing Animals from the Galapagos Islands ...

Photo Credit: Wiggum03

This famous bird is often used as a symbol of the Galapagos Islands, and it’s not hard to see why! It’s the only seabird known that has gripping feet, and they can be seen in their hundreds on the Genovesa Island. Curious about the name? Booby comes from the Spanish word for ‘Silly’.

Photo Credit: matt duke

Sealions are gorgeous, but the baby ones are irresistible! The Island is full of very friendly sealions, and many tours offer you the chance to go up close and personal to them and say hello! If you can plan your trip to be in line with the babies being born, you are sure to get some photos to remember! They are so playful...Sealions are adorable!

Photo Credit: Tristan27

Land Iguanas are stunning things...they cover the Island, and come in many gorgeous colours! They look a little scary, and the males can be up to a metre long, but they are vegetarians and survive on a prickly pear diet. The territorial fights can be stunning to watch...the males headbutt each other! I have an iguana and two geckos, so I’d love to see how they compare to these huge beasts!

Photo Credit: Tristan27

These lightfoot crabs can also be known as red rock crabs, and are a very common crab. I love the gorgeous colours they present...they are quite charismatic and don’t hide from view, so you can watch them scuttle across the volcanic rock and even across iguanas in their path!

Photo Credit: Gravity Bun

I love turtles! I’d love to have one, but to see other’s playing in the water, and watch baby turtles run towards the water at sunset would be my dream. They are just so gentle and cute...they look so happy just chewing on seaweed! The seas around the Island are full of turtles, so you should have plenty of chance to get to know some if you take a trip out there. If you love turtles too, make sure you visit the Island’s most famous turtle, lonesome George. He’s a giant turtle, and 150 years old!

Photo Credit: Andrea Westmoreland

These gorgeous creatures are unmissable. They are the only seagoing lizard known, and they line the beaches in piles. The males tend to measure around 2m, and sitting with them lying around on top of each other and sneezing (which sounds hilarious) is my idea of heaven. I’m even lucky enough to have watched a video of one pulling seaweed up and eating it...amazing creatures!

As you can tell, I’d love to go to the Galapagos, and I’m saving up for a trip now! It’s packed with amazing views, gorgeous scenery and fantastic animals, and there will be something there that everyone will love. I can’t wait to go! Which country do you think has amazing wildlife, or what did you think of the Galapagos Islands? Let me know what you think!

Top Photo Credit: ScottS101