#Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are wild, raw, and alive. Think fearless wildlife, lava-sculpted landscapes, and up-close encounters you won’t get anywhere else. That’s why they’re called the Enchanted Isles, and these are the best ways to experience them.

The iconic wildlife of Galápagos – from giant tortoises to scaly iguanas – is for the most part unbothered by human presence, making photographic encounters all the more rewarding.

The Galápagos Islands are one of the world’s best-protected ecosystems. Strict conservation rules, tightly managed tourism, and responsible visitor habits safeguard the wildlife and landscapes, while still allowing for truly meaningful travel experiences. 

Winning the Water Life category at the British Photography Awards 2024 was an incredible honour and a dream come true for me. As a wildlife photographer, it’s the culmination of years of dedication to capturing the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The award-winning image of the seal was taken in the Galápagos Islands that I was privileged to explore on an expedition with HX.

Meet the Galápagos ‘Big 15’: the archipelago’s most iconic animals. This guide shows where you’re most likely to see them, from the brightly coloured Española marine iguanas (often nicknamed the ‘Christmas iguanas’) to the famous Galápagos giant tortoise.