Galapagos Conditions for Marine Animals

Updated on October 13, 2026
Galapagos Conditions for Marine Animals

Marine life in the Galapagos is very rich, though not so varied as in warmer tropical waters. Due to the cold water there are only a few species of corals and those grow mostly in the subtidal zone. There are nice reefs near Floreana (Devil’s Crown, Onslow island), Bartolomé Island, Champion island and Wolf and Darwin.

In the cool season (roughly June to November), the chance to see whale sharks at Darwin and Wolf is at its highest. In the warm season (roughly December to May) sightings are less frequent, and you see more rays instead — mantas, mobulas and eagle rays

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