MARINE IGUANA

A must-see attraction for any visitor to the Galapagos Islands

What you need to know about the Marine iguana

Marine Iguanas are the only sea lizards in the world. They appear ungainly as they travel slowly in and around the rocky shoreline, but once in the water, they turn into graceful and powerful swimmers. Their food consists of the nutrient-rich algae that grows on the volcanic rocks around the Galápagos Islands. The larger males will frequently swim further out to observe, clinging fast to underwater rocks in the waves with sharp claws. Smaller individuals will congregate at the high water line in rock pools, waiting for the algae to be revealed by the lowering tide. They are not gregarious creatures, but they are quite tolerant of one another and may frequently gather near together for warmth on chilly nights. They are quite active during the day and may be spotted basking in the early sun before their first swim of the day. When these ectothermic creatures dive into the water, their heart rate slows by up to 50% in order to conserve some energy.

Interesting facts

The salt on their bodies is the reason close-up photos of Galápagos Marine Iguanas will often show them with salt crystals around their nostrils.

Male marine iguanas change color to impress the females during the mating season

They eliminate salt out of their bodies by eating algaes.

Pictures
Where can it be seen?
A walk on Bartholomew Galapagos Islands

A walk on Bartholomew

Most popular place to visit in Galápagos. Its unreal landscapes and panoramic views are the most photographed spots in the Island...

A walk on North Seymour Galapagos Islands

A walk on North Seymour

The Island has a path visitors can go through to experience some adventure. The path goes through both the island's interior and coastline section...

Bachas Beach Galapagos Islands

Bachas Beach

Today, visitors may see the rusted sides of the barge jutting out from beneath the sand. Las Bachas is a beautiful swimming beach where...

Whale Bay Galapagos Islands

Whale Bay

A green sand beach used by whalers as a dock and camp to transport huge tortoises for subsequent trips. The sand's distinctive tint is caused by...

Black Turtle Cove Galapagos Islands

Black Turtle Cove

Tranquil cove surrounded by mangroves on Santa Cruz's north coast. Around Black Turtle Cove, there are three varieties of mangroves...

Buccaneer Cove Galapagos Islands

Buccaneer Cove

This cove was formerly a haven for pirates, where they could escape punishment and resupply their ships with food (turtle flesh) and water...

Cape Douglas Fernandina Galapagos Islands

Cape Douglas

Perfect spot for scuba diving! Cape Douglas has very moderate currents which is adequate for divers to go in without having any trouble...

Carrion Point Galapagos Islands

Carrion Point

Eastern coast outwards into the water, providing a secluded bay that is ideal for snorkeling. There is no need...

Champion Islet Galapagos Islands

Champion Islet

This little Islet is perfect for yacht cruises and for snorkeling. It is known for their fantastic opportunity to snorkel with a huge amount of...

Chinese Hat Galapagos Islands

Chinese Hat

Here, there is a path following the shore into an unsettling scene of jet black lava. These hardy shrubs can thrive in the absence of soil and were...

Concha Perla Isabela Galapagos Islands

Concha de Perla

A bay full of crystalline and tempered waters. There is also a yellow sanded little beach. Visitors can go snorkeling, hiking and scuba diving...

Cormorant Point Galapagos Islands

Cormorant Point

The abundance of olivine crystals is what gives the green sand beach its distinctive tint. While the thin, crushed coral-based white sand of...

Cowley Islet Galapagos Islands

Cowley Islet

Perfect place for diving and seeking beautiful marine wildlife. It was given that name in honor of Ambrose Cowley, an English pirate who...

Darwin Bay Galapagos Islands

Darwin Bay

Also known as a paradise to watch birds, Darwin Bay is a stunning white coral beach with sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, sea lions, and great...

Elizabeth Bay Isabela Galapagos Islands

Elizabeth Bay

You can't go and step on to the actual bay but you can go by panga, it is only accessible that way. There is a lange range of...

Lobos Island Galapagos

Lobos Island

Perfect place to relax, sunbathe and swim with joy. There is a protected lagoon that is the ideal area to go snorkeling with sea lions and turtles during...

Mangle Point Galapagos Islands

Mangle Point

A visit to this place takes you to a panga ride to where you will find a nice place to go snorkeling as well as a tiny inlet for animals. Both Galapagos...

Post Office Bay Galapagos Islands

Post Office Bay

Famous place where you can leave a postcard even without a stamp on it. This Office Bay was created by whalers (Balleneros) in 1793...

Puerto Ayora Galapagos Islands

Puerto Ayora

There are many hotels, stores, and restaurants in the city to accommodate visitors of all sizes and types. Additionally, this is where the...

Sullivan Bay Galapagos Islands

Sullivan Bay

Here, black lava fields will be next to you. This is the closest thing to ancient lava flows in the Galapagos Islands. Pahoehoe lava is...

Tagus Cove Galapagos Islands

Tagus Cove

La Tagus Cove was a well-known hideout for pirates and balladeers throughout the years, and its calm waters shielded...

Urbina Bay Galapagos Islands

Urbina Bay

One of the strangest locations on the Isabela Islands is Baha Urbina. Coral reefs and fossils were made visible...

Vicente Rock Point Galapagos Islands

Vicente Rock Point

A stopping point for diving vessels like the Galapagos Sky. This dive is a wall dive with lots of coral-covered crevices to search for...

Witch Hill Galapagos Island

Witch Hill

Has a stunning white coral beach in which Sea Lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs are easily to be found...

Our Trips
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Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

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$ 4,999

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$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865