Galapagos Wildlife

Galapagos tortoises, one of the longest-living animal species, lounge together in the Charles Darwin Research Station. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

Fishing boats and liveaboard vessels dock near Puerto Ayora at sunset. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

A brave Brown Pelican takes a break from the flock, just in time for a close-up. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

Birds circle overhead as fishermen gut fish among onlookers. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

Brown Pelicans typically dive for live fish, but this fellow snagged a fish head from a nearby fisherman. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

A semi-terrestrial Sally Lightfoot Crab scuttles back toward the water. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

The pristine Tortuga Bay is accessible via water taxi or a 1.5 mile pathway from Puerto Ayora. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

The marine iguana, unique to the Galapagos Islands, is the only lizard capable of living in the sea or on land. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

Masked boobies are commonly found on tropical islands and are considered fantastic divers. // © 2013 Richard Lowe

Scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands is a great way to see the area’s diverse marine life up close. // © 2013 Richard Lowe