Galapagos Islands
Ecuador
140+
species
28
endemics
skill level
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
best months
Overview
The Galapagos are where Darwin's finches rewrote our understanding of life on Earth. With 28 endemic species and wildlife that has no fear of humans, this is birding at point-blank range. The total species count is modest, but the quality of every encounter is unmatched anywhere.
28 endemic species including 13 species of Darwin's finches
Wildlife has no natural fear of humans, allowing extraordinary close encounters
The Flightless Cormorant exists nowhere else on the planet
Waved Albatross breeds exclusively on Espanola Island
Key Species to Target
Blue-footed Booby
Iconic courtship dance. North Seymour Island is the classic site.
Flightless Cormorant
Found only on Fernandina and Isabela. Unique in all the world.
Waved Albatross
Breeds on Espanola from April through December.
Galapagos Penguin
The only penguin north of the equator. Isabela's west coast.
Magnificent Frigatebird
Males inflate crimson throat pouches during breeding season.
Galapagos Hawk
Fearless apex predator. Will land meters from you.
Top Hotspots
North Seymour Island
35+ speciesBlue-footed Boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls.
Espanola Island
40+ speciesWaved Albatross colony and blowhole viewpoint.
Fernandina Island
30+ speciesMost pristine island. Flightless Cormorants and marine iguanas.
Santa Cruz Highlands
45+ speciesDarwin's finches and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Highlighted months indicate peak birding conditions based on weather, breeding activity, and species availability.
Travel Tips
Cruise-based trips cover more islands and species than land-based stays.
December through May is warm and wet with more breeding activity.
Park fees ($100 USD) and transit cards ($20 USD) are required on arrival.
Bring a waterproof camera. Zodiac landings and snorkeling are part of the experience.
From the Community
Recent sightings shared by Birdr members in this region.
Male high-stepping and sky-pointing right on the trail. We were close enough to see the pupil dilate. The feet really are that blue.
Watched one dry its vestigial wings on a lava rock. Evolution in front of your eyes. It then dove and came up with an octopus.
Pair doing the full bill-clapping courtship display. The wingspan when they take off from the cliff edge is staggering.
Quick Facts
Total Species
140+
Endemic Species
28
Skill Level
BeginnerPeak Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Region
South America
Key Species