Galapagos travel offers amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. 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 is a very limited 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. 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
Species
Islands Best Viewed
Class
Characteristics
Galapagos Rice Rat
Santa Fe
Endemic
Small brown rat with bat-like ears. Live in holes, under rocks and in Opuntia cacti.
Black or Ship Rat
Widespread
Pest
An introduced species to the Galapagos that is a serious threat to the ecosystem. A dark brown/black rat. Tail is longer than the body.
Galapagos Bat
Santa Cruz, San Cristobal
Endemic
A close relative of the Red Bat in South America. Roosts in dense shrubs and mangroves during the day.
Hoary Bat
Santa Cruz, San Cristobal
Resident
Has rust colored fur, cream colored throat and a very distinctive call. Also widespread in North America.
Sea lions napping in Punto Egas
Aquatic Mammals
Species
Islands Best Viewed
Class
Characteristics
Galapagos Sea Lion
Widespread - coasts
Resident
Largest animal found on the Islands. Male is much larger than female. Pups are very curious and commonly swim with humans.
Galapagos Fur Seal
Widespread - rocky coasts
Endemic
Smaller than sea lions with a short snout and bear-like head. Prefer shady spots on rocky cliffs where deep water is easily accessible.
Bryde's Whale
Surrounding waters
Visitor
Is known to approach boats and is the most likely seen variety of baleen whale.
Minke Whale
Surrounding waters
Visitor
Has distinct white patches on the flippers. Also approaches ships, but is less common than the Bryde. Begins blowing underwater - full spout is only seen when it breaches.
Humpback Whale
Surrounding waters
Visitor
White underbelly, with a distinctive knobby head and humped back, and very long flippers.
Sperm Whale
Surrounding waters
Visitor
Very large square head. Body is dark gray and often scarred - reminders of deep sea battles with giant squids. Can dive a mile into the depths of the ocean.
Shortfin Pilot Whale
Surrounding waters
Possible Resident
Often seen in groups of 30-40, and in the company of dolphins. All black with a rounded head that is easily seen when it breathes.
Orca
Surrounding waters
Possible Resident
A frequently viewed toothed whale. Primarily black with distinctive white marks on the belly and near the eyes. Very tall dorsal fin.
Bottle-nosed Dolphin
Surrounding waters
Possible Resident
The most commonly viewed dolphin in the islands. Enjoys riding the waves near the bows of ships. Generally travel in groups of 20 to 30.
Common Dolphin
Surrounding waters
Visitor
Travels in large groups of several hundred dolphins. Smaller than the bottle-nosed with elaborate coloring of dark and light grays.
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Jess was very easy going and answered all our questions. It’s not easy dealing with 6 people at once but she did an outstanding job!
Diane Foster
4 weeks ago
Working with Mary was a pleasure. She was attentive, knowledgeable, and persistent in getting my clients the best deal.
Susan Hommel
1 month ago
Staff on ship (Alya), food, rooms, excursions and naturalist (Alex) were all top notch!
Suzanne
1 month ago
We loved our time aboard the Angel. Beautiful boat and crew. Naturalist Jose Luis was incredible-very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He adapted tours to our group and we all had an amazing trip. Love staying a the quaint hacienda and the recommended activities.