Top 10 Marine Species to Spot in the Galapagos Islands
- The Scuba Holiday Blog Team
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
A Living Evolutionary Laboratory Beneath the Waves
The Galapagos Islands are famed for their role in shaping Darwin’s theory of evolution — and that legacy extends underwater. These remote Pacific islands harbor a wealth of iconic, endemic, and awe-inspiring marine species found nowhere else on Earth.
For divers, the Galapagos isn’t just a bucket-list destination — it’s a deep dive into a world where hammerheads school in the hundreds, penguins swim beside reef fish, and prehistoric-looking marine iguanas nibble algae from lava rock.
Here are the top 10 marine species you should keep an eye out for on your next liveaboard adventure in the Galapagos.
1. Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks
The undisputed stars of Galapagos diving, these elegant predators cruise in large schools around islands like Wolf and Darwin.
Behavior: Shy but harmless; best viewed from a distance
Best Time to See: June to November (cooler season)
Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN)
2. Galapagos Sea Lions
Playful and curious, sea lions will often initiate interaction with divers — somersaulting and blowing bubbles in your face.
Behavior: Social and acrobatic; common at dive entries and exits
Best Time to See: Year-round
Status: Endemic and protected
3. Marine Iguanas
The world’s only sea-going lizard, these cold-blooded vegetarians dive down to graze on algae.
Behavior: Usually seen on rocky shorelines or shallow reef areas
Best Time to See: December to March for mating and nesting
Status: Vulnerable (IUCN)
4. Galapagos Sharks
Often confused with reef sharks, Galapagos sharks are robust, confident swimmers that are frequently seen on deep dives.
Behavior: Curious but not aggressive
Best Time to See: June to November
Status: Near Threatened
5. Green Sea Turtles
These gentle grazers can be seen near most islands, especially around Santa Cruz and Floreana.
Behavior: Calm and slow-moving; commonly seen on safety stops
Best Time to See: Year-round
Status: Endangered (IUCN)
6. Manta Rays
Graceful and majestic, giant oceanic mantas can be spotted in deeper, plankton-rich waters.
Behavior: Glide past in open water, often near cleaning stations
Best Time to See: December to May (warmer season)
Status: Vulnerable (IUCN)
7. Galapagos Penguins
The only penguin species north of the equator, they dart through water faster than most fish.
Behavior: Nest on shore, hunt small fish; best seen while snorkeling
Best Time to See: May to December
Status: Endangered
8. Fur Seals
Less social than sea lions, Galapagos fur seals prefer shaded rocky crevices.
Behavior: Sleep on shore during the day, hunt at night
Best Time to See: Year-round, often on night dives
Status: Endangered
9. Red-lipped Batfish
This quirky, bottom-dwelling species is known for its pouty lips and walking fins.
Behavior: Found on sandy bottoms; rare but fascinating
Best Time to See: Year-round, more common around Floreana
Status: Least Concern
10. Whale Sharks
The largest fish in the sea, whale sharks occasionally pass through Galapagos waters — especially near Darwin Island.
Behavior: Gentle filter-feeders, often seen near the surface
Best Time to See: June to November
Status: Endangered
Tips for Responsible Marine Life Encounters
To protect the Galapagos’ unique marine species:
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife — no chasing or touching
Perfect your buoyancy to avoid disturbing reef habitats
Never feed marine life or disturb nesting areas
Use a reef-safe sunscreen
Plan Your Galapagos Dive Adventure
Most of these species are best observed from a liveaboard, like the Tiburon Explorer or Galapagos Sky, which offer itineraries to Wolf and Darwin Islands — the true wildlife epicenters.
Ready to meet hammerheads, iguanas, and sea lions in their natural habitat?
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