Species

Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island is the only place in the Galapagos where you can see all three species of boobies in one place.

The Galapagos are home to 24 ant species, four of them endemic, including the Galapagos Carpenter Ant found on San Cristobal Island.

Whitetip reef sharks are common in the shallow waters of the Galapagos, but there's little need to worry unless you're a fish.

Marine rays have an otherworldly appearance, a reminder of a time when evolution was still sorting out the basic body designs of life.

The water began to boil off the starboard side of the boat, churning and splashing amid the smooth ocean swells. Dorsal fins popped up in alternating pairs and small fish jumped haphazardly out of the water as if it was too hot for them. Soon, a flock of petrels and shearwaters began diving on the roiling patch. Then, a large dolphin launched itself steeply into the air. It ...

Among all the unique species on the Galapagos are a handful I've met before closer to home, including pelicans, herons and a passel of coastal birds.

They lounge on the beaches, frolic in the water and don't mind the company of people, unless you get too close.

The omnivorous herds preceded Darwin's arrival and even today threaten to eat the native wildlife out of house and home.

Males stake out the high ground from which they can show off for prospective mates.

The graceful birds soar along island cliffs and between the monuments of Kicker Rock.