The Galápagos penguin is the only penguin species found north of the equator in the wild, and the rarest on Earth with just 1,200-2,000 individuals. Tiny compared to their Antarctic cousins (just 49 cm tall), they survive thanks to the cold Humboldt Current. Best spotted snorkelling from boats around Bartolomé Island, Isabela's Punta Vicente Roca, and Fernandina — agile swimmers often torpedoing past divers in pursuit of sardines. Peak season is the cool dry 'garúa' months of May-November.
