Galápagos penguin

Spheniscus mendiculus

EndemicWater and landEndangered

The Galápagos penguin is the only penguin that lives and breeds north of the equator, and the rarest penguin species in the world. It is endemic to the Galápagos, concentrated around Fernandina and Isabela where cool currents supply fish. The population is estimated between roughly 1,500 and 4,700 birds.

Best time to see it

JunJulAugSepOctNov

Most active in the cool, nutrient-rich season, roughly June to November; breeding is opportunistic and collapses in warm El Niño years.

Where to see it

Albemarle Point
Isabela · Rare sighting
Bartolomé
Bartolomé · Likely sighting
Elizabeth Bay
Isabela · Occasional sighting
Las Tintoreras
Isabela · Occasional sighting
Punta Espinoza
Fernandina · Occasional sighting
Punta Mangle
Fernandina · Occasional sighting
Sombrero Chino
Sombrero Chino · Occasional sighting
Sullivan Bay
Santiago · Occasional sighting
Tagus Cove
Isabela · Occasional sighting

Cruises to see this species

B SOUTHVisits 6 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
8 days (A)Visits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Born of FireVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"A" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"B" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (C)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"F" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (D)Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A NORTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B - West Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
B - West Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
B4 SOUTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Epic Galápagos Expedition Northwest & Southern LoopVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"C" itineraryVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
4 Days (A)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
5 days (B)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (B)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A - North Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
A4 NORTHVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
A5 NORTHVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
C - East Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Diving ItineraryVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary B4Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
4 days(B)
4-day expedition · Galápagos