14 Fascinating Facts About the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are among the most extraordinary and enchanting places on Earth. Rising from the ocean as a chain of volcanic islands, they are home to countless species found nowhere else in the world—from playful sea lions and fearless blue- and red-footed boobies to diving iguanas and beyond. Each island is a world of its own, with unique landscapes, flora, and fauna.

Ready to explore? Here are 14 captivating facts about this magical archipelago.

Volcanoes That Still Breathe

The Galápagos are dotted with majestic volcanoes—ancient-looking giants that seem frozen in time. But don’t be fooled; they’re far from dormant. The most recent eruption occurred in 2015, when Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island roared to life. Lava poured over the land and into the sea, sending a 15-kilometer ash plume into the sky.

While such eruptions create awe-inspiring views, they also bring danger. Pink and yellow iguanas, along with tortoises on the volcano’s northern slopes, were among the most affected.

A Sea Like No Other

The marine life here is nothing short of extraordinary—20% of it exists nowhere else on Earth. You might wonder: if ocean creatures can swim anywhere, why do they remain here? The answer lies in the perfect conditions of these waters. For them, the Galápagos is the ultimate home with abundant food.

Among the unique residents are the only marine iguanas in the world, the northernmost penguins on Earth, and the playful Galápagos fur seals.

Islands in Motion

The archipelago sits at the meeting point of three tectonic plates: the Pacific, Cocos, and Nazca plates. Their slow but relentless movement shapes the islands, submerging older ones while giving birth to new ones.

A Dance of Currents

Several powerful currents influence the islands: the Equatorial, Humboldt, Cromwell, and Panama currents. The Humboldt brings cold waters that allow penguins to thrive at the equator. The nutrient-rich Cromwell feeds marine life, while the warmer Panama Current softens the climate.

From the Galápagos, With Love

The first postbox in the islands appeared on Floreana Island centuries ago, in what’s now known as Post Office Bay. Whalers, often away for years, left letters there to be carried by passing ships. Delivery could take years, but the tradition lives on—tourists still leave postcards and take others to hand-deliver across the globe.

Paradise Under Threat

Sadly, the islands’ delicate ecosystem is in danger. Many endemic species are now endangered due to climate change, marine pollution, overfishing, and poaching. Sharks and sea lions are hunted for the black market, and food sources for many marine animals are being depleted.

Protecting the Precious

In 1959, the islands became a national park, and the Charles Darwin Foundation began its conservation work. UNESCO declared the Galápagos a World Heritage Site in 1978, and in 1986, surrounding waters became a marine reserve. In 1990, Ecuador declared the islands a whale sanctuary, protecting species such as humpbacks and orcas.

The World’s Rarest Flightless Bird

The flightless cormorant holds the title of the rarest bird in the world. Dependent on fish and marine life, it faces threats from climate change and fishing. Park authorities are working tirelessly to ensure these awkward but charming birds survive.

Ancient Survivors

While no dinosaurs roam here, some green sea turtles have existed for millions of years—long enough to witness the dinosaurs’ rise and fall. These gentle creatures have outlived prehistoric giants, only to now face threats from humans.

Tiny Yet Lethal Snakes

Five species of snakes, all endemic, inhabit the islands. Ranging from 60 to 90 centimeters, they use venom to subdue prey, which they then constrict. Their menu includes grasshoppers, young marine iguanas, finch chicks, and lava lizards. Their only natural predator? The Galápagos hawk.

A Scattered Population

The archipelago includes 13 main islands, 7 smaller islands, and 107 islets—but only five islands are inhabited: Santa Cruz, Baltra, Isabela, San Cristóbal, and Floreana. As of 2010, about 25,000 people lived here, mostly mestizos—descendants of Spanish settlers and Indigenous Ecuadorians—alongside families of European and North American heritage.

A Brief History of Discovery

The islands were first recorded in 1535 by Bishop Tomás de Berlanga. Over the centuries, they became a refuge for whalers, pirates, and sailors, who discovered giant tortoises could survive a year without food or water—making them a fresh meat supply. Since 1832, the Galápagos has belonged to Ecuador.

Equal Days and Nights

Situated right on the equator, the Galápagos enjoys perfect balance: 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night all year round.

Giant Hunters with Many Legs

Among the more unexpected inhabitants is the giant centipede—reaching up to 30 centimeters in length. These formidable predators use sharp claws and venom to take down lava lizards and even small rats.