Spotting flamingos in the Galapagos was an unexpected treat for us during our trip. The vibrant Galapagos flamingo, one of the most stunningly pink flamingos in the world, has adapted in fascinating ways to thrive in this unique environment. Although the species here is limited, there’s a strong chance that we’d get to see them during our Galapagos adventure.
One of the best spots where my wife and I were lucky enough to see these beautiful birds up close was Laguna de Los Flamingos on Isabela Island.
We’ve visited Flamingo Lagoon as a part of our Galapagos Islands Trip:
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How to Get to Laguna de Los Flamingos
To the west of Puerto Villamil, we found a series of salt and brackish lagoons that are home to a variety of coastal and marine birds. Here, we also saw the largest concentration of flamingos in the Galapagos—a breathtaking sight!
We made our way to Laguna de Los Flamingos after visiting the tortoise reserve, renting a bike to get there, though taking a cab is also an option. This spot became one of our favorites on Isabela Island!
What to Expect in Flamingo Lagoon
This salt-water lagoon near Punta Cormorant is the largest in the Galapagos Islands and serves as one of the primary nesting grounds for most of the flamingo population. We recommend visiting early in the morning, as that’s when you’ll see the most flamingos wading gracefully across the shallow waters.
In the lagoon, we watched a few flamingos elegantly foraging through the mud, sifting for shrimp as they made their way through the brackish water. It was a serene and memorable sight to witness these vibrant pink birds in such a natural, untouched setting.
These flamingos are similar to those found in the Caribbean, with their striking pink hue coming from their diet of shrimp and crustaceans. Each pair only lays a single egg, and both parents share the responsibility of caring for it. If one parent is lost, the egg is at greater risk, as the remaining parent has to leave it unattended while finding food. This delicate balance adds to the species’ vulnerability.
Besides flamingos, we also spotted various other shorebirds, including pintail ducks, stilts, and large-billed flycatchers, which added to the rich birdwatching experience.
Best Time to Visit Flamingo Lagoon
Flamingos can be seen year-round at Laguna de Los Flamingos, but if you want to catch their fascinating courtship dances and glimpse hatchlings, plan to visit during the nesting season from March to July. This time of year offers a special treat, as you’ll see these elegant birds performing their intricate mating displays, a highlight of any Galapagos trip.
Quick Tips About Flamingos
- Visitors to the Galapagos Islands are accustomed to encountering gentle wildlife that is unafraid of people. However, flamingos are quite timid, so stay your distance and make as little noise as possible.
- During the breeding season, Galapagos flamingos execute a stunning courtship dance. The courting of flamingos is a collective affair. The courting duo dances in unison, flapping their wings, swinging their necks, and calling to one another. Other flamingo couples join in on the fun, almost like a parade of flamingos.
- Flamingos, believe it or not, can only eat with their heads upside down! To eat, they first shuffle their feet around, stirring up particles that may be food.
Bottom Line
If you find yourself with some free time on Isabela Island, visiting Laguna de Los Flamingos, or Flamingos Lagoon, is well worth it. These fascinating creatures are a sight to behold, and getting a chance to see them in their natural habitat truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at these beautiful birds while you’re exploring the Galapagos.
