The Galapagos Islands, around 500 miles off the west coast of Ecuador, are rightly regarded as a wonderful place to observe at close quarters some of the world’s most unusual species. Not only are the majority of the species found here unique to the islands but the absence of predators has meant that most animals are fearless when it comes to welcoming an arrival of two-legged camera-wielding visitors.
Here is just a tiny selection of photos from our own collection of Galapagos images – make a visit to the islands and you’re bound to come back with your own special set of close-up images featuring many of the species that inspired Charles Darwin to produce his momentous Origin of the Species book.
![Galapagos Sea Lion with her pup]( "Galapagos Sea Lion with her pup")
- Galapagos Sea Lion with her pup
![Galapagos Flamingos]( "Galapagos Flamingos")
- Pink Flamingos – one of the few shy creatures on the Galapagos islands
![Galapagos Pelican in flight]( "Galapagos Pelican in flight")
- Pelican in flight
![A colourful Galapagos land iguana]( "A colourful Galapagos land iguana")
- A colourful Galapagos land iguana
![Galapagos Crab]( "Galapagos Crab")
- Galapagos Crab, also known as Sally Lightfoot Crab. Possesses the rare ability to walk on water.
![Galapagos wildlife shows little fear of human visitors]( "Galapagos wildlife shows little fear of human visitors")
- Galapagos wildlife shows little fear of human visitors
![Galapagos Sea Lion]( "Galapagos Sea Lion")
- Galapagos Sea Lions allow you to get very close
![Blue-footed boobies]( "Blue-footed boobies")
- Blue-footed boobies: perhaps the most popular birds of the Galapagos
Visit our dedicated site for more information about visiting the Galapagos islands.