Though not as famous as the Galapagos land creatures, the marine life around the islands is every bit as impressive. From the capering sealions to the menacing schools of hammerheads that patrol the depths, there is an almost limitless variety of life beneath the waves.
Over 450 species of fish have so far been recorded - 17% of them unique to the archipelago - ranging from the leviathan whale shark, magnificent manta rays and huge sunfish to tiny gobies and Pacific seahorses. Whales and dolphins proliferate after nearly being hunted to local extinction, while turtles also visit. There is the unique marine iguana, which swims to the ocean floor to graze, and also the world’s most northerly colony of penguins, which came all the way up to the equator on the cold Humboldt Current that also brings rich nutrients and is the basis for the thriving submarine ecosystem.
For those with diving experience there is no more magical place in the world. Unfortunately, currents and low temperatures make much of the ocean around the Galapagos unsuitable for novice scuba divers, but much of the marine life is found less than 60 feet down, there are plenty of snorkel spots for good swimmers and glass-bottom boats for those who don’t want to get their feet wet at all.