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Galapagos Islands Facts

Here are some interesting Galapagos Islands Facts you should know before arriving


The Galapagos Islands are World's Second Largest Marine Reserve.

LOCATION: The Galapagos Islands are located North West of South America.

Exactly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador (This is the country to which the Galapagos islands belong) in the Pacific Ocean.

Find Cheap Air Flights to the Galapagos Islands here

  • The Galapagos Islands were declared a Marine Reserve in 1986.

  • Whale and Shark Sanctuary in 1990.

  • World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.

  • Seven major oceanic currents assemble the Galapagos marine ecosystems. Most marine species originally came with the Panama Current.

  • 17% percent of Galapagos Fish species are "endemic" to Galapagos.

  • Galapagos is divided in 3 ocean zones: A) Central and Southern Islands (most fish species), B) Northern Islands (warmest waters), and C) Western Islands (coolest waters).

    See Beautiful Galapagos Islands Pictures here

  • About 800 species of mollusks have been identified. 18% of mollusk species are endemic.

  • Mollusks: Gastropods (73%); Bivalves (24%); Chitons, Scaphopods, Octopus and Cuddle Fish (3%).

  • Echinoderms (Sea Stars, Urchins, Sea Cucumbers): 200 species; 17% endemic.

  • The Galapagos were rated as World's # 1 Scuba Diving Vacation destination in the Pacific Ocean by Rodale's Scuba Diving from 2000-2002.

  • Strange Opposites in the Marine Reserve: Moorish Idol (from the warm Indo Pacific) gently swimming next to Galapagos Penguins

  • Sea Temperature Variation: average of 8°C (from season to season)

  • Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands is one of the highest satisfaction rate of any outing: 100%

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition
This is the most comprehensive guide to the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, excellent and detailed descriptions of its extraordinary birds, mammals, and reptiles. (Highly recommended)

The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands, is world renowned for adrenaline-charged diving and unique, fearless wildlife. These "Enchanted Islands" beckon both divers and non-divers from around the globe who come to dive with whale sharks and walk with giant tortoises. (This is the best diving guide I've ever read)

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