10 Interesting Facts About the Galápagos Islands

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you’ve likely already gathered that I am head over heels in love with the Galápagos Islands. These magical islands are unlike anywhere else on the planet, serving as a lovely reminder of how incredibly special and profoundly beautiful our world really is.

A province of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are located about 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Created by a series of volcanic eruptions, this enchanting place is made up of 19 islands and countless islets.

I’ve had the amazing opportunity to explore the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove, dive Tagus Cove, bird watch in Genovesa Island, and see other gorgeous sites of these Ecuadorian islands.

Want to learn more? Read on for 10 interesting facts about the Galápagos Islands.

1. It’s The Most Biodiverse Place on Earth

A whopping 97% of the islands are considered a national park. The Galápagos National Park was established back in 1959 as Ecuador’s first national park.

Half of the land species (and 1/5 of the marine species) are endemic to the Galapagos. There are so many incredible feats of nature to see on these islands; the opportunity for interaction with the wildlife is endless!

Read More: The Ultimate Galápagos Islands Travel Guide

2. They’ve Got Northern Penguins

Since adopting South Africa as my new home, I get to spy on these adorable little guys strutting the sandy shores of Boulders Beach. When it comes to seeing penguins in the Northern Hemisphere, however, you’ll only find them in the Galápagos.

3. There are Perfect Days and Nights

Owing to its location on the equator, the Galápagos Islands gets 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night all year long – so it’s a lovely year-round destination!

4. It’s Magical Under the Sea

There are a mind-blowing 800 species of mollusks and 400 species of fish swimming around the Galápagos Islands. If you are looking for a dream scuba-dive destination, look no further.

5. It’s an Archipelago

The Galápagos Islands are made up of 20 islands, 42 islets, and over 250 rocks. The oldest island, Espanola, is estimated to be 3.5 million years old, while the youngest, Fernandina, is still forming after 1 million years.

The Islands formed from various internal processes of Earth. They are a combination of converging tectonic plates and volcanic formation.  

The Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 600 miles from mainland Ecuador. There are 180 land and marine destinations for travelers to visit.

Read More: Visiting Fernandina Island in the Galápagos

6. Giant Tortoises

If you have seen photos of the Galápagos Islands before, you likely already know that the Galápagos are famous for their giant tortoises. They’re so famous that the islands are named after these grand animals.

Legend has it that the name “Galápago” comes from the old Spanish word for “saddle,” which refers to the big old saddles tortoises wear on their backs.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos

7. It Changed the World

Charles Darwin spent five world-altering weeks in the Galápagos Islands. Years later he presented his “On The Origin of Species,” which explained the theory of evolution.

The Galápagos were responsible for some of the most noteworthy scientific discoveries in history!

8. Unesco World Heritage Site

In 1978 UNESCO designated Galapagos as the first World Heritage site! A World Heritage site is is a “landmark or area which is selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as having cultural, historic, scientific or other forms of significance, and is legally protected by international treaties.”^[1]

This also means that there are no human inhabitants on certain islands, and the Galapagos National Park charges an entrance fee from visitors

This site and its unique wildlife have been carefully preserved over the years for future generations to enjoy.

9. Underwater Reptiles

Life really is different in the Galápagos! The local Galápagos Marine Iguana is the only lizard on the planet that has evolved to live in the sea.

10. It’s a Sea Lion’s Life

Forget about pushing through crowds of people at travel hotspots. The most common mammals that you will run into in the Galápagos Islands aren’t humans — they’re sea lions!

These adorable guys are always out soaking up the sun at the beach and exploring the seaside wonders.