Do you have a bucket list? If the answer is yes, I imagine that TRAVEL features heavily. Think about it, what places do you want to visit before you die?
Somewhere with unique experiences? Stunning scenery? Cool wildlife? Fortunately, there is a place that ticks all of those boxes.
This short photoblog shows 15 reasons why you need to add the GALAPAGOS ISLANDS to your bucket list:
- The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is the iconic symbol of the islands; weighing up to 250 kilos, these gentle giants often live to be over 100 years old.
- Penguins at the equator? These agile swimmers just love the nutrient-rich Galapagos waters!
- The clowns of Galapagos, Blue-footed boobies perform a funny mating dance, and what’s not to love with those bold blue feet?
- The graceful Galapagos Waved Albatross can spend years at a time at sea and only returns to land for mating on Española Island.
- Is there anything cuter in this world than a baby Galapagos sea lion?
- A hidden Hammerhead Shark nursery was recently discovered in the protective mangroves & reefs close to Santa Cruz Island.
- The Galapagos Islands are not just about wildlife; visitors can enjoy spectacular scenery too, like the postcard-perfect Pinnacle Rock panorama at Bartolome.
- Even Galapagos Marine Iguanas can’t resist a glorious sunset!
- A male Frigate Bird puffs out its impressive red throat pouch to attract a female partner to its nest.
- Small beginnings, Big ambitions! This Giant Tortoise hatchling is nurtured at the Charles Darwin Station until ready for release into the wild.
- No need for fancy zoom cameras, all the action is close-up, like this Swallow-Tailed Gull on Genovesa Island.
- The protected waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve are home to all manner of delicate sea life, such as this Sea Horse at Cabo Rosa, Isabela Island.
- Born of fire! There is no shortage of black lava at Galapagos, such as this surreal Pahoehoe lava field on Santiago Island.
- Witness Charles Darwin´s Theory of Evolution first-hand through the 13 species of Darwin Finch at Galapagos; each has adapted their beak, over many generations, to match different food sources on different islands.
- Last but not least, snorkeling with playful sea lions is a trip highlight for many Galapagos visitors.
I hope you enjoyed these fabulous Galapagos photos; please do leave a comment or share with your friends.
If you love what you’ve seen then drop us a line – Happy Gringo specialize in Galapagos Cruises and Land Tours, with something to fit all budgets, and friendly advice to plan your Galapagos vacation.

John Potts
John is the original founder of Happy Gringo. He is from London UK and has over 16 years of travel and work experience within Latin America. John´s biggest passion in life is travel, having had the pleasure to visit more than 75 different countries worldwide