“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”
-Stephen King (On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft)
With the enchanted isles on your mind, there’s nothing better than to find some great Galapagos books that’ll boost your excitement in going. With countless scientists, researchers, scholars, and wildlife enthusiasts that have visited the Galapagos Islands, it’s no small wonder that there’s been plenty of Galapagos books written and published on the matter. It’s always best to know a bit about your destination before heading off into the unknown. Here are a few of our pics for great Galapagos reads.
Our Top 8 Galapagos Books
#8
Galapagos Basics
By Metrojourneys
Genre: Guide book
This magnificent guide book will give you everything you need to know about the Galapagos Islands before you and while you embark on your journey. From choosing where to stay, animals you must see and more, this is the most complete e-book about the Galapagos Islands. The best part? It’s available FOR FREE!
#7
Charles Darwin Slept Here
By John Woram
Genre: Human history
A book that focuses on the human history of the Galapagos Islands, all the way from a to z. It reads like a captivating novel and is well researched, with a perfect dose of humor.
#6
Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galápagos Islands: An Identification Guide
By Andy Swash
Genre: Field guide
Simple, easy to use pocket field guide with excellent photos for identifying species throughout the archipelago. It encompasses all the birds, mammals, and reptiles that a visitor might encounter.
Remember that the best way to learn about the Galapagos Islands is to visit them!
#5
The Galapagos: A Natural History
By Henry Nicholls
Genre: Natural history
A great book to read prior to visiting the Galapagos. It provides general and useful information regarding the history, geology, fauna, flora, and conservation of the islands.
#4
Volcanic Galapagos Volcanico
By Theofilos Toulkeridis
Genre: Field guide
The true rock star! Animals aside, Galapagos is a wonderland for geologists. Theo makes geology (with a focus on vulcanology) fun and easy to comprehend. Colorful images and plenty of photos, this book explains the unique geology of every island.
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” – Charles William Eliot
#3
The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time
By Jonathan Weiner
Genre: Science conservation and history
While the book focuses on the field studies done by the Grants (Peter and Rosemary Grant), Weiner updates the history of the idea of evolution, examining it from its inception with Darwin all the way to the modern-day DNA era The book focuses on the meticulous study of over 20 generations of finches by the grants.
#2
Flowering Plants of the Galapagos
By Conley K. McMullen
Genre: Field guide
Botany of the Galapagos made simple. This is a great guide of the Galapagos flora, covering endemic, native and exotic plants with a detailed explanation of each species. Conveniently gives a list of plants likely to be seen at popular tourist sites. The introductory bit not only assists readers in knowing where to find specific plants but also provides insight into the ecology of the plants. Beautiful photos accompany the text as well.
#1
Reef Fish Identification: Galapagos
By Paul Humann
Genre: Field guide
The best companion guide for snorkellers (keep in mind that non-snorkellers can use our lass-bottom boat) that are looking to marvel at the fascinating underwater creatures of the Galapagos. As an added bonus, the book also details the ranges and depths at which the fish are likely to be found. Definitely a must-have for all those willing to check out the underwater life of the Galapagos.
