The Galápagos penguins are the smallest South American penguin and the only ones to be found naturally north of the equator. The Galápagos penguins are an endemic species (flightless birds exclusive to the archipelago), and they’re one of the eighteen species that inhabit the world.
On April 25th, we celebrated World Penguin Day, a day to raise awareness about these aquatic flightless birds to preserve their species so that future generations get to see these distinguished and extraordinary creatures.
To celebrate, let’s dive into some interesting facts about the Galápagos penguins that will make you love them even more.
Penguins’ natural habitat is in the Southern hemisphere, with the exception of the Galápagos ones. They nest entirely in the tropics. Eleven interesting facts about the Galápagos penguins
- They’re the rarest penguin species on earth. Unlike many other penguin species, the Galápagos penguins don’t migrate.
- According to the MarineBio Conservation Society, it is reported that there are only 800 breeding pairs left in the Galápagos. However, their population is recovering.
- Female Galápagos penguins lay 2 eggs. The two eggs are laid directly on the lava flows – either in fissures or depressions.
- Galápagos penguins live in large groups. They take advantage of group hunting and defense from predators.
- They’re incredible swimmers and can dive to depths of 50 meters while hunting their preys.
- They’re only found in the Galápagos Islands and nowhere else in the world.
- Both Galápagos penguin parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks.
- To subsist the equatorial climate, they’ve adapted in several ways.
- They live further north than any other penguin species.
- They’re the second smallest penguins in the world.
- Galápagos Penguins mate for life.
How and Where to Spot Galápagos Penguins?
William Lucin, our expert naturalist guide, gives some advice on how and where to spot the Galápagos penguins:
On Bartolomé Island, there is small population of penguins. However, on certain occasions, during our Itinerary “C” of 8 days, it is possible to observe Galápagos penguins during snorkeling.
Another place on the archipelago where it is possible to observe these flightless endemic birds is at Chinese Hat, during our Itinerary “D” and Itinerary “B” (of 8 days and 5 days, respectively).
In addition to Bartolomé Island and Chinese Hat William mentions that Tagus Cove, on Isabela Island, is another site where it is possible to spot penguins either swimming or on the rocks. Fragata Yacht and Golondrina Yacht visit this sheltered deep-water bay during the Itinerary “D” and “B”.
Our naturalist guide also remarks that Punta Vicente Roca is another natural habitat for small colonies of penguins either swimming or on the rocks. We visit this deep-water snorkeling site during our 8-day and 5-day itineraries.
Lately, large colonies of penguins have also been observed at Villamil Port, although the Galápagos National Park restricts certain activities such as snorkeling, it is possible to observe them during a panga ride.
Fragata Yacht and Golondrina Yacht offer their guests five exclusive itineraries of 4, 5 and 8 days in order to offer an unforgettable and unique travel experience.
