Your Pre-Trip Guide: Galápagos Books, Films, Podcasts, and Documentaries

The Galápagos are not just a destination, they are a living laboratory of evolution, shaped by isolation, powerful ocean currents, and time. Watching documentaries, reading books, or listening to podcasts before your trip helps you understand why the wildlife behaves the way it does, how the islands were formed, and what makes this place so unique on our planet. Suddenly, a marine iguana warming itself on black lava or a finch feeding along a trail becomes part of a much bigger story.

One of the best ways to begin your journey, long before you arrive, is by learning more about the islands, their wildlife, their human history, and the natural forces that continue to shape them. Exploring these stories in advance deepens your curiosity and adds meaning to every encounter once you’re here. Below, you’ll find our complete guide on what to watch, read, or listen to before your Galápagos adventure.

Documentaries & Films

Galápagos with David Attenborough (2013)
A beautifully narrated look into the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galápagos by renowned naturalist David Attenborough. This documentary explores the archipelago’s historical importance and the remarkable wildlife that inspired Darwin’s ideas.

Galápagos (BBC, three-part series)
A visually stunning nature documentary showcasing the islands’ landscapes and wildlife, while connecting them to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Sea Lions of the Galápagos (Disney Nature)
Narrated by Brendan Fraser, this heartwarming documentary follows a young sea lion pup learning how to survive in this extraordinary environment.

Eden (2024)
A thriller dramatization inspired by the real-life mystery that unfolded on Floreana Island in the early days of its human settlement. While the film takes creative liberties, it offers a compelling glimpse into the intrigue, isolation, and challenges faced by the island’s first permanent settlers.

Books

The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time – Jonathan Weiner
An engaging account of the groundbreaking research by Peter and Rosemary Grant, whose long-term studies of finches in the Galápagos reveal evolution in action.

The Galápagos: A Natural History – Henry Nicholls
A lively overview of the islands’ geology, ocean life, birds, plants, reptiles, and human history, perfect for readers wanting a broad introduction.

Floreana – Margaret Wittmer
For a glimpse into the human history of the Galápagos, Floreana is a must-read. This remarkable book tells the true story of life on one of the archipelago’s most mysterious islands, filled with tales of adventure, intrigue, and survival. Written by Margaret Wittmer, one of Floreana’s first permanent settlers, it offers a rare, firsthand perspective on what it meant to build a life in isolation. An essential read if you’re curious about the island’s enigmatic past and the people who once called it home.

A Sheltered Life: The Unexpected History of the Giant Tortoise – Paul Chambers
A compelling look at the history, conservation challenges, and genetic discoveries surrounding one of the Galápagos’ most iconic species.

Galápagos Diary – Herman Heinzel & Barnaby Hall
A beautifully illustrated and photographed guide to the birdlife of the islands, combining art, maps, and insightful text.

Wish You Were Here – Jodi Picoult
A novel about a woman stranded in the Galápagos during the pandemic, using the islands as a backdrop for reflection, change, and self-discovery.

Podcast

BBC – The Documentary Podcast: “Galápagos Islands: A Little World Within Itself”
Presented by Sarah Darwin, the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, this episode explores the islands through history, science, and personal reflection.

This knowledge deepens your perspective once you arrive. You move beyond simply observing wildlife to truly appreciating it. You notice details, ask better questions, and connect more meaningfully with your naturalist guide and the landscapes around you. Learning in advance also fosters respect, understanding the fragility of the ecosystem encourages more mindful travel and a stronger commitment to conservation.

Researching the Galápagos before your visit doesn’t take away from the sense of wonder, it enhances it. The more you know, the richer the experience becomes, turning your journey into something not just memorable, but deeply meaningful.

Ready to experience the Galápagos with insight, care, and local connection? Explore our land-based Galápagos tours or get in touch to start planning an adventure shaped around you.