Galápagos prickly pear

Opuntia

EndemicOn landNot evaluated

The Galápagos prickly pear is a group of giant, tree-like Opuntia cacti endemic to the Galápagos Islands, with a woody trunk and reddish bark. Species vary by island, including Opuntia echios and Opuntia galapageia, and can reach 5 meters tall. Their pads and fruit feed giant tortoises, land iguanas, and cactus finches. Grazing by introduced goats and a shortage of pollinators threaten some island populations.

Best time to see it

Perennial cactus; yellow flowers appear mainly in the warm wet season, from January to May.

Where to see it

Punta Suárez
Española · Likely sighting
Santa Fe
Santa Fe · Likely sighting

Cruises to see this species

B SOUTHVisits 6 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"E" itineraryVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
8 days (A)Visits 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
5 days (A)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (C)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B5 SOUTHVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary BVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary A 5d/4n Northern islands.Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
"D" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
A - North Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
C - East Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary BVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CM/V: Española & Floreana ExpeditionVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary A4Visits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
B4 SOUTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary A (4 days)Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos