Galapagos Tours & Travel

Galapagos Aquatic Wildlife

The Galapagos are affected by three different currents: the cold Humboldt and Cromwell currents and warm Panama currents. Roughly 17% of the marine life found in the islands are endemic to the Galapagos. Snorklers and divers are treated to a spectacular gathering of aquatic wildlife, from rare whale and hammerhead sharks, to the colorful sally light-foot crab. Although treasured by wildlife enthusiasts, Galapagos marine animals are also sought after by the fishing industry. Sharks and sea cucumbers has been particularly vulnerable; while sharks are protected by the Galapagos Marine Reserve, they are still hunted illegally for their highly-priced fins to make shark fin soup. The following tables simply offer a sample of the aquatic wildlife found in the Islands.

Key to species' class:

• Endemic = Found only in the Galapagos Islands
• Endemic Sub-species = Species exists in other parts of the world, but no interbreeding with the Galapagos population. The Galapagos population may evolve into a distinct species.
• Resident = Found on the Galapagos Islands and elsewhere in the world. Breeds on the islands and elsewhere. Arrived in the Islands naturally.
• Visitor = Does not breed in the Galapagos. Is seen on a regular basis in the Islands.

Aquatic Wildlife