The remote Galapagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are famous for their endemic species – and none is more emblematic of the islands than the giant Galapagos tortoise. Yet this large turtle is not the only one to be found on the islands. The Galapagos are also home to a healthy population of endangered sea turtles which come on shore each year to nest and lay eggs.
Sea Turtles of the Galapagos
Although sea turtle species such as the olive ridley, hawksbill, and leatherback can occasionally be seen in the waters of the Galapagos Islands – it is the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi) that is truly native to the island. This Galapagos island turtle can be seen all year long, swimming about the islands and eating algae. Tourists on Galapagos cruise ships often see at least one or two green turtles as they surface to breathe.
However, those visiting the Galapagos Islands from November to February have the best chance of seeing turtles – and a lot of them at once. At this time males are looking for mates along the beaches and lagoons of the Galapagos and females are coming ashore to dig nests for their eggs. December and January are peak egg-laying times. A female will lay 70-80 eggs at once and hatchlings emerge roughly 55 days later.
Where to Find a Galapagos Island Turtle
Seeing these Galapagos turtles come ashore to lay their eggs or finding hatchlings scurrying to the water for the first time can be an exciting experience. Tour companies such as Galapagos Voyagers claim that between 1200 and 3000 females come to nest on the Islands each year. Although not as large as their Galapagos tortoise cousins, these sea turtles are hefty and can reach 135kg in weight. For those who want to see these impressive Galapagos animals, the best places to look are:
The Galapagos Turtle Compared to Other Sea Turtles
The green sea turtle found in the Galapagos is not endemic to the island. The turtles can and do leave migrating to the shores of mainland Central and South America; and green sea turtles in general can be found from Tanzania to Thailand to the Turks & Caicos. Despite their travels though, females will return to their birthplace to lay their eggs.
This may help the Galapagos turtle preserve a couple of its distinct characteristics, marking its population different from the others. The Galapagos green sea turtle is darker in coloration than other turtles to the point that some call it the black sea turtle. The Galapagos turtle is also a common sunbather, often coming on shore to bask – a trait which is uncommon amongst most sea turtles.
The Galapagos Island Turtle and Conservation Efforts
Although seeing sea turtles in the Galapagos may make them seem like an abundant species, they are in fact considered endangered by the IUCN. Sea turtles are often the victims of poaching, pollution, and are often found in the bycatch of fishing vessels.
Thankfully, sea turtles, and for that matter all Galapagos animals, are protected within the Galapagos Marine Reserve. According to the Galapagos Conservation Trust, visitors must follow Galapagos National Park rules when visiting. These include no littering – sea turtles can die from swallowing a plastic bag, no touching or disturbing animals, and no collecting materials from the island. Galapagos visitors must also be accompanied by a guide and stick to carefully marked trails when exploring the island. Ultimately, it is important to treat all Galapagos animals with respect so that they can continue to flourish on these unique islands.
Sea Turtles of the Galapagos
Although sea turtle species such as the olive ridley, hawksbill, and leatherback can occasionally be seen in the waters of the Galapagos Islands – it is the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi) that is truly native to the island. This Galapagos island turtle can be seen all year long, swimming about the islands and eating algae. Tourists on Galapagos cruise ships often see at least one or two green turtles as they surface to breathe.
However, those visiting the Galapagos Islands from November to February have the best chance of seeing turtles – and a lot of them at once. At this time males are looking for mates along the beaches and lagoons of the Galapagos and females are coming ashore to dig nests for their eggs. December and January are peak egg-laying times. A female will lay 70-80 eggs at once and hatchlings emerge roughly 55 days later.
Where to Find a Galapagos Island Turtle
Seeing these Galapagos turtles come ashore to lay their eggs or finding hatchlings scurrying to the water for the first time can be an exciting experience. Tour companies such as Galapagos Voyagers claim that between 1200 and 3000 females come to nest on the Islands each year. Although not as large as their Galapagos tortoise cousins, these sea turtles are hefty and can reach 135kg in weight. For those who want to see these impressive Galapagos animals, the best places to look are:
- Black Turtle Lagoon on the North Side of Santa Cruz
- Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island
- Los Tunelos on Isabela Island
- Santa Fe Bay – scuba divers can find a turtle cleaning station on the sandy bottom
The Galapagos Turtle Compared to Other Sea Turtles
The green sea turtle found in the Galapagos is not endemic to the island. The turtles can and do leave migrating to the shores of mainland Central and South America; and green sea turtles in general can be found from Tanzania to Thailand to the Turks & Caicos. Despite their travels though, females will return to their birthplace to lay their eggs.
This may help the Galapagos turtle preserve a couple of its distinct characteristics, marking its population different from the others. The Galapagos green sea turtle is darker in coloration than other turtles to the point that some call it the black sea turtle. The Galapagos turtle is also a common sunbather, often coming on shore to bask – a trait which is uncommon amongst most sea turtles.
The Galapagos Island Turtle and Conservation Efforts
Although seeing sea turtles in the Galapagos may make them seem like an abundant species, they are in fact considered endangered by the IUCN. Sea turtles are often the victims of poaching, pollution, and are often found in the bycatch of fishing vessels.
Thankfully, sea turtles, and for that matter all Galapagos animals, are protected within the Galapagos Marine Reserve. According to the Galapagos Conservation Trust, visitors must follow Galapagos National Park rules when visiting. These include no littering – sea turtles can die from swallowing a plastic bag, no touching or disturbing animals, and no collecting materials from the island. Galapagos visitors must also be accompanied by a guide and stick to carefully marked trails when exploring the island. Ultimately, it is important to treat all Galapagos animals with respect so that they can continue to flourish on these unique islands.
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