Galapagos Tours & Travel

Galapagos Mammals

Many visitors recall swimming with sea lion pups or watching dolphins race along the bow of their ship as some of their favorite Galapagos memories. But ironically, there are a very limiting number of mammals on the islands - instead the Galapagos' land animals are predominately reptiles. Because of its isolation, there are very few native mammals that reside in the Galapagos Islands. Mammals are not able to survive long periods without water and thus were unequipped to make the epic 620 mile-long journey to the volcanic islands from mainland South and Central America. Galapagos travel offers amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. The following tables simply offer a sample of the mammals found on 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.
• Possible Resident = Found throughout the year, but currently no records of breeding in the Islands
• Visitor = Does not breed in the Galapagos. Is seen on a regular basis in the Islands.

Land Mammals

Aquatic Mammals