Marine iguana
Marine iguana
Amblyrhynchus cristatus
IUCN status: VulnerableBucket-list species
The only marine-foraging lizard on Earth, endemic to the Galápagos. Larger males dive to graze subtidal algae and are commonly seen feeding underwater at shallow central and western sites. Populations vary from vulnerable to critically endangered by island.
- Max size
- Up to ~1.5m including tail
- Habitat
- Rocky Galápagos coastlines; forages on algae in shallow water
Best places to dive with Marine iguana
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Galápagos
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Resident year-round; underwater feeding is more frequent in cooler, algae-rich conditions.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Sharks of Galápagos — Galapagos Conservation Trust