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Since the Galapagos Islands are the result of an underwater volcanic eruption and hence were never connected to the mainland, the variety of wildlife which inhabits the islands could only have found their way to it by swimming, flying or floating across on bits of vegetation thousands of years ago. Because of this separation from mainland predators and competition, there are many species here that are not found anywhere else on earth, and which are relatively unafraid of people. Seals, penguins and other birds will let you come as close as a few feet away from them and will sometimes even come up to inspect you!
 Of all the animals on the Galapagos, the giant tortoises are perhaps the most famous. These giants can live up to 150 years and can only be found in the Galapagos. In the 18th and 19th centuries, whalers and sealers killed thousands of tortoises and now only about 15,000 remain. However, breeding projects have been very successful in bringing many of the separate subspecies back from near extinction. A good place to go to see these giant reptiles is in the Charles Darwin Research Station, located on Academy Bay in Puerto Ayora, where you can see young tortoises and hatchlings, and actually climb into some pens to pet older tortoises. You can also try the Tortoise Reserve in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island, and the visitors who make the trip to the rim of the Alcedo Volcano on Isabella Island are sure to see a small "herd" of tortoises, which make this area their home. Other reptiles include marine turtles, which can be seen during their mating season in the later part of the year in secluded lagoons, and both marine and land iguanas, which are often seen basking on lava rock shores.
 There are 58 resident bird species on the Galapagos, nearly half of which are endemic (don't breed anywhere else in the world). Among these are waved albatross, pelicans, flamingos, flightless cormorants, blue footed, red footed, and masked boobies and Galapagos' penguins, the most northerly penguins in the world. The birds on the islands are so plentiful, even the most casual visitor is certain to see 20 to 30 different species in the course of a week.
 The Galapagos Islands are also home to two types of seals, the sea lion, a subspecies of the Californian sea lion, and the Galapagos fur seal. Sea lions are spotted very frequently along rocky beaches and shores and often amuse visitors with their above and underwater antics. The males can be quite aggressive so it is recommended not to approach them too closely. Females and young however are extremely playful, and will sometimes fearlessly approach swimmers and divers. Fur seals are shyer and are less commonly seen. The majority live in the northern and western parts of the archipelago. There are also seven species of whales you might see when cruising between islands, the finback, humpback, sei, killer, pilot, minke and sperm whales. Bottle-nosed dolphins are often spotted surfing the bow waves of boats. At night, these dolphins cause the ocean to glow when they stir up thousands of tiny phosphorescent creatures, which glow when disturbed. Also sometimes seen are the common and spinner dolphins.
 The fish of Galapagos are equally intriguing. There are 307 species of fish around the islands and it is expected that more will be discovered. Snorkeling in the Galapagos is an incredible experience since schools containing thousands of colorful tropical fish are routinely seen. Several species of shark are also often spotted, including hammerheads and the white-tipped reef shark. The sharks of Galapagos have never been known to attack or injure a human swimmer, but you should leave the water if you cut or graze yourself. Other underwater creatures include several species of ray, colorful crabs, sea urchins, anemones, starfish and coral.
The Galapagos also have a rich diversity of plant life. In the highlands bromeliads, orchids and the endemic Scalesia or tree daisy can be found, while along the coasts giant prickly pears, and incredible candelabra cacti thrive. The islands also have several endemic species such as their own cotton, tomato, pepper, guava and passion flower plants.
For more background visit the Charles Darwin Foundation website.
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