Marine Iguanas Feeding Underwater in the Galapagos

Written By: The Planet D

Before we left for the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, everyone told us that we’d be sick of seeing iguanas. I was prepared to see millions of iguanas and after a day or two I would look at them with a tired yawn and a ho-hum. But that was not the case. 

The Galapagos Iguanas are some of the most fascinating creatures we have ever encountered.

First of all, I was expecting a green or turqouise “gecko-like” creature that scampered around the grounds of our hotel or walked along the streets. As you can see, I did no research before boarding our plane to Quito.

About the Galapagos Iguana

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Packs of Marne Iguanas in Galapagos

Instead we viewed these giant black lizards basking in the sun atop hot lava rocks looking Oh So regal and poised as if they could conquer any intruder that crossed their path.

We learned a great deal from our guide Sambo and I want to share with you a few of the interesting facts that we picked up about the Galapagos marine iguana during our time in the world’s most unique eco-system.

The Galapagos Iguana is the only iguana in the world that feeds underwater. 

Marine Iguanas are amazing in the fact that they can hold their breath for up to half an hour and dive to 30 meters. Check out this incredible footage of iguanas eating under water.

marine iguana feeding underwater in the Galapagos

The Galapagos islands are a chain of islands created by volcanic activity. No animals are native to the Galapagos.

Every species of animal came to the Galapagos floating on ocean and air currents and they ended up creating a very unique living environment.

Over the years the Galapagos Iguana adapted and became the only iguana in the world that feeds underwater.

Iguanas Hang in Packs to Keep Warm

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Marine Iguanas Basking in the Sun in Packs

Contrary to how they look, iguanas are not social reptiles. They actually only hang in packs to keep each other warm.

Throughout the day, iguanas face the sun absorbing as much of its warm rays as possible. They absorb all the sun’s rays and store it up for when the sun goes down.

Once night falls, they all sleep together in burrows, huddling together to keep each other warm.

Galapagos Iguanas Have a White Wig

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White Head of the Iguana Caused by Salt Water

Since the Galapagos Iguanas swim and eat in salt water they ingest a lot of salt.

Because of this, they sneeze a lot and when they do so, salt sprays onto their heads giving them a white noggin that almost looks like an old-fashioned white wig that men wore during the Baroque Period of the 1700s. I like it!

Iguanas stand on high rocks to deter predators

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Standing Tall on a high Rock

When an iguanas territory is being threatened, they position themselves on a high rock, stand up straight on their legs and look down upon their enemy.

Because they blend so easily with the volcanic rocks around them, they appear much larger than they really are scaring the intruder off and causing it to turn away.

Galapagos Iguanas are cute

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Just look at that face! Charles Darwin may have said that they are hideous looking and most disgusting, but I found them to be adorable.

These Galapagos Iguanas reminded me of our family pet, Kerry. I had a poodle growing up that had scraggly hair and bald ears and some people thought he was really ugly.

I thought he was the cutest little thing. Some things end up being so odd-looking that they become cute. That is what we feel the Galapagos Iguana is. Strange to the point of cute.

Charles Darwin may have been the brainchild of the theory of evolution, but he certainly didn’t have any clue about the iguanas.

He looked at the iguanas as he did the turtles of the Galapagos…nothing more than a source of food.

Sadly both the Galapagos turtle and iguanas were hunted nearly to the point of extinction. Today however it is a national park and world heritage site protecting the endemic wildlife of this remarkable destination.

Read more about Galapagos Trave:

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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.

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19 thoughts on “Marine Iguanas Feeding Underwater in the Galapagos”

  1. I had no idea they swam. Did you take the video while diving or snorkeling? I’m trying to decide if I want to do the optional diving while there.

    Reply
  2. They look really cool, although I can’t say they’re cute! I’d love to go to the Galapagos someday, looks like an awesome place!

    Reply
    • Thanks Alex! I think that we were ver lucky in the Galapagos. However, I have a feeling that everyone is lucky in one way or another. Wildlife encounters are abundant there.

      Reply