Short answer: Fur seals are a cruise animal: the Puerto Egas grottoes on Santiago, Darwin Bay on Genovesa and the west coasts of Isabela and Fernandina are the usual places. Few land-based tours reach their haunts. August to November, the breeding season, is the best time.
The Galápagos fur seal is endemic and listed as Endangered. Where sea lions sprawl on beaches and benches, fur seals keep to the shade of grottoes and crevices.
When to see fur seals
Best months: Aug–Nov. Odds of seeing one: lucky.
- Aug–NovGalápagos fur seal breeding season
Where to see fur seals
Puerto Egas grottoes (James Bay)
Santiago
Darwin Bay
Genovesa
Which tour goes there
No day tour in our listings goes where fur seals live; the sites above are cruise stops or need a local boat. Compare every tour by island and animal in the day-tour finder, or weigh a cruise in land or cruise?.
Did you know?
- Fun factIt is the smallest of all eared seals.
- SizeMales about 1.5 m and 64 kg; females about 1.25 m and 27 kg.
- Scientific nameArctocephalus galapagoensis, found only in the Galápagos
On every visit: keep 2 metres from wildlife, cameras included, and visit park sites with a certified naturalist guide. The full list: visitor rules.
Questions people ask
Where can you see fur seals in the Galápagos?
At the Puerto Egas grottoes on Santiago, at Darwin Bay on Genovesa and on the west coasts of Isabela and Fernandina. All are cruise stops.
When do Galápagos fur seals breed?
From mid-August to mid-November, with the peak in late September and early October.
How big is a Galápagos fur seal?
Males are about 1.5 m and 64 kg, females about 1.25 m and 27 kg. It is the smallest of all eared seals.
Also on the card
Print the wildlife bingo card · Best month for your trip · Plan your days
Sources:Galápagos National Park and Governing Council, Charles Darwin Foundation, Galápagos Conservation Trust. More numbers:facts and figures.
Updated 2026-11-06. Fees, boat times and prices change, so confirm with the operator before you travel.