Galapagos Islands: 10 Fascinating Facts You Should Know

A tourist is taking a picture of a baby sea lion in Puerto Ayora, Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands. The baby sea lion is perched on a brownish rock and curiously looks into our camera. The photographer is standing at its back to one side. The surrounding landscape includes black lava rocks, white sand and some arid vegetation including bushes and small trees in the background.

By Valerie Frossard on Jun 18, 2025

June 2025

Discover the fascinating world of the Galapagos Islands through this comprehensive overview.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, student, or simply curious about one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems, this is a compilation of frequently asked questions about the Galapagos Islands with concise and up-to-date answers, so you can get a quick overview of everything you need to know about the Galapagos Islands.

Why Are the Galapagos Islands Special?

The Galapagos Islands are world-renowned for their abundant wildlife that shows no fear of humans. This unique archipelago is home to iconic species including giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful sea lions, and prehistoric marine iguanas.

The islands gained international fame as the inspiration for Charles Darwin‘s groundbreaking theory of evolution, making them a living laboratory of natural history.

What Does “Galapagos” Mean?

The name “Galapagos” comes from the old Spanish word “galápago,” meaning tortoise, a fitting tribute to the giant tortoises that have become the islands’ most famous residents.

Three Galapagos giant tortoises of varying sizes. One larger and one smaller tortoise in the first plane facing the camera, amidst lime green pasture. One large tortoise in the second plane, dark green forest starting at its back.

Where Are the Galapagos Islands Located?

The Galapagos archipelago belongs to Ecuador, South America, and sits directly on the equator approximately 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) west of mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. This remote location contributes to the islands’ pristine ecosystem and unique biodiversity.

How Large Are the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos archipelago comprises 14 major islands plus numerous smaller islets and rocky outcrops.

Santa Cruz, the most developed and second-largest island, measures roughly 30 kilometers (20 miles) long and 40 kilometers (25 miles) wide.

The impressive scale of conservation efforts becomes clear when you consider that the Galapagos National Park covers 20,720 square kilometers (8,000 square miles), representing 97% of the archipelago’s total land area. Additionally, the Galapagos Marine Reserve spans an enormous 198,000 square kilometers (76,448 square miles), ranking it among the world’s largest marine protected areas.

Topographic map of the Galapagos Islands with names of the islands and the four main towns.

Do People Live in the Galapagos?

Yes, approximately 32,000 permanent residents call the Galapagos their home, living on four inhabited islands: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Floreana, and Isabela.

The largest settlement is Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, home to about 13,000 people, followed by Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (the provincial capital) on San Cristóbal Island with approximately 7,500 residents.

A small crowd is watching a game of volleyball in a public square in the town of Puerto Ayora in the Galapagos Islands. Trees and palms encompass the square. Small-rise buildings including a church and a school can be seen in the background.

What Languages Are Spoken?

Spanish serves as the official language throughout the Galapagos. However, most tours cater to international visitors with bilingual guides or tours conducted entirely in English. Guides speaking other languages are available but should be reserved well in advance.

How Many Tourists Visit Each Year?

In 2024, the Galapagos welcomed 279,277 visitors, 55% international tourists and 45% Ecuadorian nationals. To put this in perspective, Machu Picchu received 1.5 million visitors and Iceland attracted 2.3 million international visitors the same year.

Despite their global fame, the Galapagos remain refreshingly free from mass tourism, preserving their exclusive and pristine character.

Pristine bay in the Galapagos Islands with white-sand beach and crystal-clear water. Two people standing at the beach and two swimming in the calm bay. Otherwise, the bay is deserted. Mangroves can be seen to one side of the bay and in the background, the island features dense, arid vegetation. The sky is partially clouded.

Are the Galapagos Islands Safe?

The Galapagos Islands are exceptionally safe, with virtually no crime.

For the best travel experience, always book through reputable, licensed tour operators and follow all safety regulations and park guidelines.

Do I Need a Guided Tour?

Booking a tour is not mandatory but absolutely recommended.

With the Galapagos National Park encompassing 97% of the archipelago, booking a guided tour is essential for meaningful wildlife encounters. Without a tour, your visit would be restricted to populated areas and a handful of accessible sites near towns. The most spectacular wildlife experiences occur in remote, uninhabited regions that require certified naturalist guides and proper permits to access.

Dinghy boat with a group of tourists aboard at sea in the Galapagos Islands. Near to the boat, a pelican is resting on the water. The tourists look toward the pelican and the camera. In the background a vast island with dense, arid vegetation can be seen. The weather is partially clouded.

What’s the Weather Like?

Thanks to their equatorial location, the Galapagos Islands enjoy pleasant temperatures year-round, with air temperatures ranging from 20°C to 31°C (68°F to 88°F). Water temperatures can vary significantly depending the season and the location in the archipelago, with a range from 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F).

The islands experience two distinct seasons:

Rainy Season (December to May):

Warm, tropical climate with occasional refreshing rain showers
Cloudier skies but lush, green vegetation
Calmer seas with excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving

Dry Season (June to December):

Cooler temperatures with brilliant blue skies
Choppier seas with reduced underwater visibility but increased marine wildlife activity
Misty highlands contrasting with arid coastal areas

Discover More About the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a natural wonder where evolution unfolds before our eyes. Join nature lovers and scientists from around the globe to experience firsthand the islands’ unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Ready to discover the wonders of the Enchanted Islands? As Ecuador travel specialists, we offer insider knowledge and personalized itineraries that maximize your wildlife encounters while protecting these fragile ecosystems. Our expert team will help you choose the perfect tour, timing, and activities to create unforgettable memories.

Don’t just visit the Galapagos, experience them the right way with expert guidance every step of the journey. Contact us today to start planning and receive a free quote for your unique Galapagos adventure.

A father holding his toddler in one arm and showing him a Galapagos giant tortoise with the other hand. The large giant tortoise is in the first plane, the tourist father-son pair in the second plane. Green vegetation surrounding the scene.