Wildlife on the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands – Go goggle eyed

Drop anchor in the deep blue waters of the Galapagos Islands for an unforgettable marine experience. Silhouetted sharks may tease in the distance, whilst playful penguins and curious sea lions swim up for a closer look. You might even be lucky enough for a glimpse of the elusive sunfish. Watch as the graceful green Pacific turtles glide by and a fever of golden rays dart through the water.

Galapagos Marine Reserve

Comprising almost 200,000 km² the Galapagos Marine Reserve provides a sanctuary to almost 3,000 marine species. While Galapagos is a byword for biodiversity, in spite of its protected status, the islands still face threats from over-fishing, poaching and plastic pollution. Tourism is part of the solution, but only if numbers are regulated and park fees are made fully accountable. Join whale shark researcher and expert Jonathan Green on our exclusive Galapagos charter.

Join our exclusive Galapagos charter

Science and Conservation

Go behind-the-scenes of the Galapagos Science Centre to meet the scientists and hear about their important projects and community awareness programmes for the future generations, or visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre to learn about the biology, ecology and conservation of the archipelago.

Trails & Lava Tunnels

Trek to Los Gemelos craters, bypass 1.5-metre-long giant tortoises that roam freely through lush grasslands, walk (and crawl) through epic lava tunnels, explore pirate caves and bike the Wetlands Trail past colonies of iguanas to the historic Wall of Tears that once housed prisoners of World War II.

Charter a Yacht

In the company of an expert naturalist guide and a professional crew, privately charter a vessel for a feeling of complete exclusivity and quality family time. Travel around the islands, totting up the impressive list of species spotted during a single day, from land iguanas and sea lions, to blue footed boobies and sunfish.

Wildlife of the Waterworld

Don flippers and jump in the water to swim with playful sea lions, curious penguins and resting whitetip reef shark. Kayak alongside turtles, golden rays and endemic marine iguanas.

Snorkelling in the Galapagos

Blowing bubbles back and forth with sea lions, whilst penguins darted past me with great speed. A marine iguana swam past with a unique upright technique, a green turtle gracefully gliding by.

Travelling with Liz Bonnin in the Galapagos

Travelling around the Galapagos Islands in the company of Liz Bonnin and a wonderful group of Steppes Travel clients was a once in a lifetime experience, one that was punctuated by close encounters with remarkable species and meaningful conversations about the environment.

Sea Lions of the Galapagos

The reality of having sealions come up and play with you is an incredible moment to capture. Encountering wildlife on such an intimate experience when out of your comfort zone really is spine tingling.

Charles Darwin Research Centre

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre to learn about the biology, ecology and conservation of the archipelago.

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