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Round the World Travel Guide

Galapagos Penguins & White Tip Reef Sharks at Las Tintoreras

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Las Tintoreras off the coast of Isabela Island wasn't on our original cruise itinerary with the Eden Yacht, but after we switched ships, we inherited the stop.

Galapagos Penguins are the only kind of penguin that live along the Equator, so it was a nice treat to see a few.

Even cooler were the dozens of White Tip Reef Sharks hanging out in shallow waters, making them easily viewable from above.

Galapagos Penguins
Galapagos Penguins are well camouflaged between the black volcanic rock, and massive amounts of white bird guaro. How many can you spot?
Galapagos Penguins
After our hike along the volcanic rocks to see the sharks, we returned to the same spot and found many more penguins.
Birds of the Galapagos Islands
Penguin on the left, pelican in the middle, and Blue Footed Boobie to the right. This diversity is what the Galapagos are all about!
Marine Iguanas
There were tons of Marine Iguanas sunning themselves on the volcanic rocks, while the water below was filled with sleepy sharks.
White Tip Reef Sharks
During the day, dozens of White Tip Reef Sharks hang out in this shallow channel. At night, they leave to go hunting nearby. Red Sally Lightfoot Crabs are on the far rocks.
White Tip Reef Sharks in the Galapagos Islands
White Tip Reef Sharks
White Tip Reef Shark
I was secretly hoping a Marine Iguana would slip and fall in the water so we could watch the sharks eat 'em, but it never happened.

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Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking. For more of his adventures, follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

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Comments

  2. Kenny and Karen says

    October 9, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Just love the picture of the marine iguanas- Were you able to get int he water while you were there?

    • Dave says

      October 9, 2011 at 5:20 pm

      We went snorkeling almost every day, and sometimes twice a day, but not in the area where you see these penguins and sharks.

  3. Sue says

    January 17, 2012 at 4:16 pm

    On which island did you see the penguin? How many islands did you visit? Would San Cristobal be the one if I only had one choice?
    I love your blogs. So interesting. Thanks

    • Dave says

      January 17, 2012 at 9:41 pm

      We saw the Galapagos Penguins on Las Tintoreras Island off the coast of Isabela Island, which is by far the largest island in the Galapagos chain. I think you can spot them in other places as well.

      My itinerary spent time on/around 4 islands (Santa Cruz, Espanola — my favorite, Floreana, and Isabela). If you could only visit one, and do day trips from there to the surrounding areas and nearby islands, you might want to go with Santa Cruz. It’s more central, and may give you more options than San Cristobal.

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