At a Glance: Wildlife Encounters at Camp

This guide focuses on the wildlife and native plant life found at Galapagos Safari Camp itself, highlighting the experience of living among the flora and fauna of the Galapagos highlands. Bordering the National Park, the Camp is a wildlife destination in its own right, where encounters continue beyond guided excursions and unfold naturally throughout the day and night.

It introduces the species guests commonly see in and around Camp, from giant tortoises wandering between tents and songbirds at breakfast, to owls, petrels, and lesser-noticed but ecologically vital species, alongside the native plants that support this ecosystem. It also explains our reforestation efforts, why endemic plants matter, and how guests can participate through initiatives such as planting a native tree.

Complementing our guide to Wildlife seen on Safari, the focus here is on less mediated wildlife experiences, where wildlife is not a feature of a guided tour, but part of daily life at Camp, shaped by conservation, restoration, and living in close proximity to the natural surroundings.

Where The Wild Things Are

Located in the rugged highlands of Santa Cruz Island, and bordering the National Park, Galapagos Safari Camp is a wildlife destination in itself. Home to numerous species of birds, and frequently visited by giant tortoises, our Camp serves as an ideal base for wildlife lovers who wish to fully immerse themselves in the islands’ remarkable flora and fauna, day and night.

“Galapagos Safari Camp reminds me of the original Galapagos” – Johanna Angermeyer, author of My Father’s Island.

My Father’s Island, by Johanna Angermeyer

Living Among The Wildlife

This page highlights some of the creatures and plants you’ll share your Galapagos home with, from the songbirds at the break of dawn, to the iconic giant tortoises, finches and mockingbirds that the islands are famous for.

You may also encounter species that are often overlooked on the ‘must-see checklists,’ yet vital to the islands’ ecosystems. For example, Galapagos barn owls, the critically endangered Galapagos petrel (seasonal), and numerous endemic plants, as showcased in our Reforestation Project.

For what you might see further afield on our day excursions, explore Wildlife Seen On A Galapagos Safari.

Galapagos barn owl at Galapagos Safari Camp

Fauna at Galapagos Safari Camp

These are some of species that have been seen in and around Camp.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise · Darwin’s Finch · Galapagos Mockingbird · Yellow Warbler · Galapagos Flycatcher · Galapagos Dove · Galapagos Petrel · Galapagos Owls · Galapagos Rail · Galapagos Hawk · Frigatebird · Galapagos Bat · Insects

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

As you make your way up the private lane to Galapagos Safari Camp, don’t be surprised if you share the road with a number of giant tortoises. They often wander right into Camp, where they can be spotted grazing beneath the Safari Tents and shuffling along the Camp’s network of lava paths.

GIANT TORTOISE

Darwin’s Finch (aka Galapagos Finch)

One of the best places to see Darwin finches is at Camp. Here they flutter around the trees and may even hop onto the dining tables at breakfast time. After a few days, many guests start recognising individuals. Even Sir David Attenborough filmed a piece-to-camera about finches, and the tameness of Galapagos animals in general at our swimming pool, where they frequently seen.

DARWIN FINCH

Darwin's Finch at the swimming pool of Galapagos Safari Camp

Galapagos Mockingbird

One of the best places to observe them is at Camp, especially at dawn. You’ll hear them before you see them, singing their hearts out (to borrow from Harper Lee). Watch them foraging for moths on your balcony or sipping dew from the canvas.

GALAPAGOS MOCKINGBIRD

Yellow Warbler

This pretty little songbird is the only bright yellow bird on the islands, making it easy to identify. It is also a regular at Galapagos Safari Camp, often heard singing during breakfast. The male has a red cap and dark reddish-brown streaks across his chest. Females show faint or no streaking, and juveniles are noticeably duller. Also common across the archipelago.

YELLOW WARBLER

Galapagos Flycatcher

Small, tame, and irresistibly curious. Often seen flitting between branches around Camp, and sometimes popping into the main lodge to snap up moths drawn to the lights. They’re known to pluck hairs from livestock for their nests (and have even been reported trying a strand from unwary visitors).

GALAPAGOS FLYCATCHER

Galapagos Dove

From afar, the Galapagos Dove looks much like a regular pigeon, and it’s only when you get up close to it that you appreciate how beautiful this bird actually is with reddish-brown feathers, bright red legs and feet, and a circle of brilliant blue around its eye. Seen across the archipelago, it is a regular around Camp, often spotted near the pool. Breeding activity typically ramps up after the first rains of the hot/wet season.

GALAPAGOS DOVE

Galapagos Petrel

The critically endangered Galapagos petrel is a seabird rarely seen by visitors, spending most of its life at sea and returning to the highlands only to breed. Recently, nesting activity was confirmed at Galapagos Safari Camp, a hopeful sign that our rewilded land is becoming a safe haven for this elusive species.

GALAPAGOS PETREL

Galapagos Owls

The Galapagos Short-Eared Owl and the Galapagos Barn Owl are the only two species of owls in the Galapagos and both are endemic to the Islands. Both species have been seen on the property at close range, more commonly the barn owls which have taken up residence in the rafters of the main lodge, and are occasionally spotted late in the evening, quietly watching our guests as they dine out on the verandah.

GALAPAGOS BARN OWL

Galapagos Rail (aka Galapagos Crake)

Extremely shy and reluctant to fly, this small, secretive bird spends most of its time hidden in dense vegetation, making sightings at Camp a privilege. Once found across many habitats, it is now restricted to the highlands of the main islands, and is classed as threatened, mainly due to introduced predators such as rats and cats.

Galapagos Hawk

A few years ago they made their mark on Galapagos Safari Camp (by killing our chickens!) but it’s been a while since anyone has seen one at Camp or in the area. A relief for the hens, but concerning for the species. Nevertheless, the Galapagos is full of surprises, so it’s always worth keeping your eyes peeled!

GALAPAGOS HAWK

Frigatebird

While commonly seen around the coasts, frigatebirds occasionally venture inland. From Camp, you may see them gliding high over the National Park. Long, angular wings and a forked tail make them easy to spot.

FRIGATEBIRDS

Galapagos Bat

Occasionally seen at dusk from our Viewpoint, flickering over the treeline. Relatively little is known about the bats of the Galapagos, and species are hard to identify in low light, but these flying mammals are insectivores that help control insect populations on the islands – including at Camp.

GALAPAGOS BAT

Insects

Look closely and you’ll discover a hidden world of insects at Galapagos Safari Camp. From delicate butterflies to camouflaged stick insects and busy grasshoppers. Far from scary or dangerous, these tiny creatures are essential to the balance of the ecosystem, yet are so often overlooked.

Flora at Galapagos Safari Camp

In partnership with the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park, we’ve restored a former cattle farm to highland native forest. This includes our Endemic Garden, showcasing flora found only in the Galapagos.

Why Native Plants?

Endemic Garden at Galapagos Safari Camp

Introduced garden plants are among the biggest threats to Galapagos biodiversity. Many of the worst invaders are also attractive ornamentals, which is why they so often end up in gardens and then spread into surrounding habitats.

Our aim is to demonstrate that endemic species can be every bit as beautiful. By planting natives, we hope more islanders will do the same.

Our reforestation prioritises species such as Scalesia pedunculata (lechoso), Bursera graveolens (palo santo), and Opuntia echios (prickly pear), while phasing out invasive species like Lantana camara (lantana), one of the world’s most problematic weeds.

More recently, we’ve planted native cacao to provide much-needed shade for young seedlings, and to support our effort to craft the Galapagos’ first ever chocolate bar.

Plant a Native Tree

Plant a tree at Galapagos Safari Camp

Guests are welcome to support our restoration by planting a native tree species (such as Clerodendrum molle – rodilla de caballo) in designated areas around camp. It’s a simple, guided contribution that helps habitat take hold, and a meaningful way to mark a special occasion or honour a loved one.

If you’d like to plant a tree during your stay, please let your Safari Designer know in advance.

Wildlife Year Round

Wildlife is present year-round; with occasional seasonal shifts. On our blog, we break down the year, month-by-month, sharing photos our staff have snapped at Camp, and guides have taken on Safari to give you an idea of what to expect.

Follow the links below to find out what the weather and wildlife is up to at Galapagos Safari Camp in …

January, February, March, April, May. June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

Galapagos Wildlife

What makes the Galapagos Islands so special?

Wildlife

Wildlife on Safari

Who will you meet on your Safari? Discover the Galapagos icons, and many more.

Wildlife Seen On A Galapagos Safari

When To Visit

The Galapagos is a year-round destination with most species seen at any time of year. Learn more about its two key seasons.

When to Visit

Wildlife Disclaimer

As with any wildlife vacation experience, we cannot guarantee sightings of specific species or animal behaviours.

Wildlife and Nature at Galapagos Safari Camp

Fully immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the Galapagos highlands

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WILDLIFE GUIDES