Galápagos giant tortoise

Chelonoidis niger

EndemicOn landVulnerable

The Galápagos giant tortoise is the largest living tortoise, reaching over 180 kilograms and living more than 100 years in the wild. It is a species complex of about 15 distinct island populations, several of which are critically endangered and a few now extinct. Saddle-backed and dome-shelled forms evolved to match each island’s vegetation. Populations have recovered through decades of captive breeding and repatriation.

Best time to see it

Present year-round; highland grazing is easiest to observe in the warm wet season, roughly December to May, when tortoises congregate.

Where to see it

El Chato
Santa Cruz · Common sighting
Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado
San Cristóbal · Common sighting
Urbina Bay
Isabela · Occasional sighting

Cruises to see this species

Born of FireVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A NORTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Epic Galápagos Expedition Northwest & Southern LoopVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
7-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary C 7d/6n Western Islands.Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
7-day expedition · Galápagos
Northern + Southern Islands (A)Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A NORTHVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A5 NORTHVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos