The lava gull is only found in the Galapagos Islands. With only 300 to 600 individuals left in the wild, it is the rarest gull in the world. It is named for its distinctive lava gray plumage, which allows it to blend in with abundant volcanic rock and sand in the Galapagos archipelago.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands might be the single best love-at-first-sight solution for what I call “complacent nature deficit disorder.” These are islands of instant gratification, where you’re almost guaranteed to encounter the cerulean foot of a blue-footed booby, the Godzilla-like gaze of a marine iguana and the lumbering girth of a giant tortoise.
Galapagos Islands
First, whales. One morning in September, we woke up earlier than usual. We had been navigating overnight toward Bartolome Island, and our guides, Roberto and Giancarlo, had prepared us for possible whale sightings on the final leg of our voyage. We bundled up and stood on the top deck, hot cups of coffee in hand.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the world’s most recognizable wildlife, and few species attract more attention than the blue-footed booby. Known for their turquoise-blue feet, comic-looking courtship displays and remarkable diving skills, these seabirds are a highlight of many Galapagos wildlife adventures.
