The Babies of the Galapagos Islands: A Photo Essay
The Galapagos Islands will spoil your camera, there is no doubt about it. In fact, it is said that when people first arrive on the island they take pictures of each and every animal, but by the third day they refuse to give up memory card space for anything short of, say, a baby sea lion riding a turtle across the ocean like a cowboy. It is just too easy getting great photos of the Galapagos Islands. I have never been somewhere in the world that there was just such a wild abundance of approachable wildlife, you do not even get this close in zoos.
Personally, I shot about 4,000 photos over the period of 8 days on the islands. Of those 4,000 I kept just under 900. Of those 900 photos I’m willing to bet about 300 are of baby animals. A street photographer once told me that if you aim your camera at the elderly and the young you will never go wrong. I’ve taken that theory to heart while shooting wildlife as well. Below are some of my favourite photos of young wildlife in the Galapagos. Enjoy.
Sea lions
The Sea Lions cubs were perhaps the biggest hit among visitors. Partly because they were so approachable, partly because they were always really active and playful, but mostly because, well, they’re really cute. There were simply so many sea lions on the islands I almost got to the point where I only shot babies (that sounded bad… you know I meant photographed). I had a hard time choosing which photos to show off since there were so many, but here are a few:
This is maybe my favourite image of the trip... so cute rolling in the sand
Ok, those sea lions are SERIOUSLY cute! I probably would have tried to steal one, so maybe it’s a good thing I haven’t been to the Galapagos.
Emily in Chile recently posted..Saturday in Santiago: Aquí Está Coco
Awww.. The Sea Lion babies are too cute.
lol… they get the attention alright! lol
The animals and birds are all beyond cute, of course, but your photography is superb! Especially that first one – not surprised it’s your favorite. You captured just the right moment. Must have taken a lot of skill and patience. Congratulations!
Linda recently posted..Fine Dining in Tenerife, or Why Should the Tourists Get All the Good Stuff?
The baby sealion eating the rock is adorable! You were lucky to find so many newborns – what a great collection!
Fiona recently posted..The Photo Edit: Mostar Bridge Bosnia
@linda – skill: maybe. Patience: a little bit. Luck: LOTS OF IT.
@Fiona – Thanks! Yes, we were very lucky, the quality of wildlife was very high.
That first sea lion pup is pure love! I have got to get to the Galapagos! Peru can call Paracas “the poor man’s Galapagos” if they want, but it’s really not on the same level. Great shots!
Katrina Mauro recently posted..Paititi – Cusco, Peru
Wow, great photos! Not only are the animals cute (especially the little sea lions), but you’ve composed the photos really well, too! Looking forward to following more of your adventures!
Bryan recently posted..Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler
Baby sea lion definitely wins!
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Have You Been to the Toilets and Bidets Museum?
Even the baby iguana is cute! But yeah, that sea lion eating a rock is the biggest win. So. freaking. adorable.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Sunny Views and a Shady Owner: Apartment Hunting in Chiang Mai
@Katrina – That pup should be signing autographs haha
Thanks Bryan, Appreciate the positive feedback.
@Steph – Now I feel bad for all the other baby animals!
I think I like the marine iguana best since he looks like a baby dinosaur.
Great work, Brendan! We went to the Galapagos in October and had a similar experience– so many great baby photos. There was one baby sea lion in particular of whom I must have taken at least 50 shots, and in every one he/she had a different pose. Amazing stuff…
Bret Love recently posted..ECO NEWS: New Legislation Threatens Increased Deforestation In Brazil’s Amazon
@Bret – Those baby sea lions are serious entertainers, and the fact that they are always moving around makes for some great shots.
BEYOND amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the one of the sea lion chewing on the rock.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..Andi’s Picks: Villa Il Poggiale
i just fell in love with the baby sea lion!
trvl8dintern recently posted..Miami Art Basel: Up & Coming Artist Carmelo “Memo” Rios
I think a lot of people have fallen in love with that little guy/gal haha
This is a gorgeous photo essay. Glad I stumbled on your site!
Maria of the Culture-ist recently posted..No Time or Space For an Outdoor Garden? Try One that Hangs Tastefully from Your Window
thank you Maria!
As fotos são simplesmente lindas, tu és uma ótima fotografa, parabéns,
Obrigado Marilena!
Ahhh! So cute! I’m a sucker for the sea lions, for sure.
Rachel recently posted..Korean Phrase of the Week
Some truly adorable captures! Thanks for sharing the magic of the Galapagos Islands.
Robin Slater recently posted..Higos con Queso (Fiugs with Cheese)
Thanks Robin!