27 photos that will transport you to the Galápagos Islands

Written By: The Planet D

A visit to the Galapagos is like no other place on earth.

An archipelago of volcanic islands straddling the equator in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are famous for their numerous endemic species.

galapagos pictures birds

The Galapagos Islands in Photos

The Galapagos Islands are often referred to as a living museum and once you witness the photos below, you will understand why.

Galapagos Islands Ecuador turquoise waters
The turquoise waters on the Galapagos Islands

Once you’ve visited the Galapagos, you’ll be spoiled for all other travels.

Galapagos Blue-Footed Boobies

Galapagos Islands Ecuador blue footed boobies
Blue footed boobies in the Galapagos

Here, wildlife will approach you or casually ignore you as you pass by. They have no need to fear humans as it is a protected marine reserve.

Galapagos Islands blue footed boobies
Blue footed boobies are some of the more interesting birds found on the Galapagos Islands

Just a little bit more about the Galapagos Islands…

Located a thousand miles off the shore of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are one of the richest marine ecosystems on earth.

Their isolation and the fact that they are located at the confluence of three ocean currents has led to the development of many one-of-a-kind species.

Galapagos Islands Ecuador blue footed boobie
Blue footed boobies sitting on rocks

You’ll see animals found nowhere else in the world like the giant tortoise and the marine iguana.

Galapagos Islands Ecuador marine iguana
The Galapagos Marine Iguana is only found here.

It was after a visit to the Galapagos Islands that Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution.

The Sierra Negre Volcano on Isabela Island in the Galapagos
The Sierra Negre Volcano on Isabela Island in the Galapagos
Saving the Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos on Santa Cruz
Saving the Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos on Santa Cruz
penguins in the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Penguin..Yes there are penguins in the Galapagos Islands.

Sea Lions on the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands Ecuador sea lions
Sea Lions on the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands Ecuador sea lions
Galapagos baby sea lion
Galapagos Islands Ecuador sea lions
A sea lion emerges from the water
Galapagos Islands Ecuador sea lions
A sleeping sea lion in the Galapagos
The Deserted White Sand beaches of the Galapagos Islands
The Deserted White Sand beaches of the Galapagos Islands
Giant Tortoise on Santa Cruz and Isabela Island Galapagos Islands
The Giant Tortoise is everywhere on the Galapagos Islands. Especially on Santa Cruz and Isabela Island.
Galapagos Islands Ecuador pelican
Pelicans patrol the water in the islands.
Galapagos Islands Ecuador photos caldera on Isabela Island
Looking over the caldera on Isabela Island
Marine Iguana in the Galapagos Islands
A closeup of the Marine Iguana in the Galapagos Islands
crab on Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands
Don’t do it! A Crab tempts fate on the shores of Isabela Island
Galapagos Islands Ecuador Kicker Rock shark diving
Kicker Rock where you can dive with sharks.
wildlife in the Galapagos Islands - a tern
The Galapagos Frigate Bird
animals on the Galapagos Islands Ecuador - tortoise
This is what dinner time looks like on Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands Wall of Tears of Isabela Island
The Wall of Tears of Isabela Island
The White tipped reef shark in the Galapagos
The White tipped reef shark in the Galapagos
Galapagos Islands Ecuador colourful crab
The resident crabs are so colourful.
Galapagos Islands Ecuador deserted island
Enjoying the deserted islands of the Galapagos
Galapagos Islands Ecuador turtle

We hope you enjoyed our photo story of the Galapagos.

galapagos wildlife marine iguana

If you have the opportunity to visit one day, take it. It’s one of the most extraordinary vacation destinations on the planet.

pictures of the galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are often referred to as a living museum and once you witness the photos below, you'll understand why.They are unlike any other place on earth.

Read More:

Galapagos Tortoise, the Gentle Giant
Wanna Know What It’s Like on an Active Galapagos Tour?
The Dark History of the Galapagos Islands

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Leave a Comment

27 thoughts on “27 photos that will transport you to the Galápagos Islands”

  1. Very nice photos! Great sceneries! All pics discuss their beauty itself. Galapagos is one of the great places for wildlife and Landscape photography.

    Reply
  2. Beautiful photography, can you please let us know what type of camera and lenses you used, what would you recommend, telephoto? or just a zoom lense. Would a wide angle come in handy at any time?

    It would be amazing if you could send some presets and lenses configurations used.

    Please send me your thoughts.

    Thanks,

    Andre

    Reply
  3. Your photos are amazing!
    I just love Ecuador. I made my trip with the tour operator Gulliver Expeditions from Quito, they were amazing.
    If you love nature, adventure, mountains, animals and of course the Galapagos Islands, I really recommend you to go to Ecuador.
    Greetings from Germany
    Ursi

    Reply
  4. Very amazing photos , my foverigte is “The resident crabs are so colourful.” really unknown creature like so really unknown creature like so bad warrior.

    Reply
  5. Great photo choices – especially love the detail in the photo of the iguana. The eye is so intricate. Such an amazing set of islands 🙂

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  6. Great photos! However the display is so large that my 15 inch laptop screen can not display all of one photo at a time, making it hard to fully appreciate the photo. I think the layout would work much better on a desk top.

    Reply
  7. Such unspoilt beauty. Hope Galapos stays untouched by human over-population-visitation and pollution. We need placed on the planet that remains undisturbed by human craziness.

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    • I hope so too! It’s becoming more difficult to keep destinations pristine, but with more travellers thinking about conservation and responsible tourism, the demand for taking care of a place is growing. Hopefully the Galapagos stays beautiful

      Reply
  8. Beautiful photos, hard to pick a favorite but here goes. I really like the front shot of the turtle and also the pelican. Of course the beach photos are great but I am a sucker for a beautiful beach. Like the new layout also.

    Reply
  9. Very amazing photos , my foverigte is “The resident crabs are so colourful.” really unknown creature like so really unknown creature like so bad warrior.

    Reply
    • Great addition. I forgot about the crabs, but you are so right, they are very colourful. I believe we have a picture or two of them as well. we should have dug that one out! Great addition.

      Reply
    • Thanks Becky. The Galapagos is pretty spectacular. I hope you get there one day. It took us over a decade of travel before we finally made it, so I’m sure you’ll make it a part of your travels one day.

      Reply
  10. Thanks for sharing these incredible photos. The seal on the bench is classic! The close-up of the Giant Tortoise feels as if he is about to impart a nugget of wisdom.

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    • Thanks for the kind words. Isn’t that priceless. The Sea Lions on San Cristobal have taken over the beach front as their own. It’s adorable.

      Reply
  11. Haha! And totally agree with Laura, the animals do look like they’re talking. For me, the 7th picture with the penguin puffing it’s chest out is just so proud of him/herself!

    Reply
  12. The Galapagos look SO AMAZING!! I’m so annoyed that I wasn’t able to get there on my recent 5 month journey of South America. I didn’t even get to Ecuador for that matter!

    That photo of the seal on the bench is awesome. The human and natural look like they intertwine in such an amazing fashion there. Love it!

    Gabe

    Reply
    • That’s the way it goes isn’t it? We’ve had that happen so many times, when we are in a certain part of the world and then miss something spectacular. The good thing about the Galapagos is that it really is a destination unto itself, so you can always go back!

      Reply
  13. Wow! such a good eye for taking photos. But I got to say, for some of them I imagined the animals talking. Like the first one photo with a “grumpy Galapagos tortoise”.

    Reply