One of the natural habitats of the marine iguanas are the Galapagos. The special thing about them is that they have a unique ability among all the other modern lizards - they can forage in the sea. If you wish to observe this unique creature, the most exciting events are iguanas nestings on Santa Cruz island in February and on Fernandina and North Seymour islands in March.
Generally, the mating season runs December through March, and nesting season from January to April. And this is the time when marine iguanas become more colourful. It is an amazing experience to witness male iguanas defending their territories.
Practical info
When is the recommended period to observe the unique features of marine iguanas in Galapagos Islands?
Marine iguanas in Galapagos Islands showcase their unique features during their mating period lasting from December to March and nesting season from January to April. During this period, these iguanas display increased coloration, and visitors get to witness male iguanas fiercely defending their territories. Show more
Which natural habitat presents the opportunity to witness marine iguanas foraging in the sea?
In Galapagos Islands, marine iguanas can be found foraging in the sea. These iguanas possess a distinctive ability compared to other existing iguanas, i.e. to forage in the sea. The spectacular sight of these iguanas can be witnessed in different habitats during particular periods of the year, such as Fernandina and North Seymour Islands in March. Show more
What is distinctive about marine iguanas compared to modern lizards and what features set them apart?
Marine iguanas display a unique ability to feed on marine algae present in the sea when compared to modern-day lizards. The flattened tails present in marine iguanas facilitate their movement through water. Unlike other lizards, the skin of marine iguanas changes color as per their mood and temperature. Show more
When is the best time to observe the intriguing iguana nesting events?
It is recommended to witness iguana nesting events in Santa Cruz Island during February and Fernandina and North Seymour Islands in March. Nesting season lasts from January to April. During the nesting period, females dig a hole in sand of approximately 20 cm and bury the eggs before leaving them behind without any further attention. The tourists can observe the hatchlings making their way towards the sea after their hatching from the eggs. Show more
How can I witness male iguanas fiercely guarding their territories during the mating season?
Guided tours provide an excellent opportunity to witness male iguanas fiercely guarding their territories during the mating period, lasting from December until March. Fernandina and North Seymour Islands, and Santa Cruz provide some such exciting locations for visitors to behold the spectacle. Male iguanas display head-bobbing acts, engaging in fights with other males to establish their dominance in the iguana community. Show more
