Wildlife in Galapagos | Athala II Cruise

A Galapagos cruise is the perfect way to see different wildlife on each of the islands, with intriguing and unique species at every turn.

From Pink Flamingos to the Waved Albatross, you can see a whole host of species from the Athala. Here is a selection of what you may see during the cruise.

marine iguana

The Marine Iguana is found only on the Galapagos Islands and has the ability to live and feed in the sea, which makes it a marine reptile. It has now spread to all islands in the Archipelago and lives predominantly on the rocky shoreline. It can also be found in marshes and mangrove beaches. Estimates from the Charles Darwin Research Station put their numbers in the hundered of thousands.

galapagos tortoise

The giant tortoise is the biggest living tortoise, native to seven islands of the Galapagos Archipelago. When fully grown, it can weigh over 300 kilograms (661pounds) and measure 1.2 meters (4 feet) long. It can live to between 100 - 150 years old. The population has decreased over recent years due to hunting and the introduction of predators and herbivores by humans since the 17th century. Nowadays, there are ten subspecies from the original twelve that still exist on the islands.

pink flamingo

The Pink Flamingo is a common species in the Galapagos Islands. They are characterised by their long legs, peculiar walk and distinctive colour. The estimated population of these birds is around 600, and you will be able to ﬁnd them on Santiago, Isabela, Floreana and Rabida Islands.

frigate bird

The Great and Magnificent Frigate Birds are endemic subspecies to the Galapagos. You can see the two species nesting on the Islands of North Seymour, Floreana, Isabela, Genovesa and also on the fresh water lake called El Junco, on San Cristobal Island. The Great Frigate is harder to spot because they tend to fly away much farther out at sea, while the Magnificent tends to fly above the Islands and are thus easier to see.

waved albatross

Albatrosses nest only on Espanola (Hood) Island, and stay there from late March through early January. The 15,000 to 17,000 pairs of albatrosses represent almost the entire population of this species on the planet. They perform one of the most spectacular courtship rituals of the animal world and is a beautiful sight to behold.