Galápagos Penguins: The Penguins That Live on the Equator

When you think of penguins, you probably imagine ice and Antarctica, not tropical sunshine and black lava. In this video, I explore how the Galápagos penguin became the world’s most northerly penguin and how it survives right on the equator.

We look at the cold ocean currents that make their survival possible, how they hunt underwater, where they breed, and some of the extraordinary encounters I’ve had while snorkelling with them. On land they may look awkward, but underwater they become incredibly fast and graceful hunters.

But this highly specialised lifestyle also leaves them vulnerable. When El Niño disrupts the cold, productive waters around Galápagos, food can disappear, breeding may stop, and populations can fall dramatically.
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Planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands? 🏝️

Paul McFarling is a Galápagos guide and tour organiser with over 30 years of experience helping travellers explore the islands, wildlife, landscapes, and natural history of this extraordinary destination.

Since 1992, he has worked with leading cruise and tour operators across the Galápagos and now organises personalised adventures for private travellers, families, student groups, alumni groups, and educational expeditions.

Whether you are planning your first visit or looking for expert guidance on creating the right itinerary, Paul can help you make the most of your time in the Galápagos.

📍 Plan your Galápagos adventure: paulmcfarling.com
✉️ Contact Paul: [email protected]

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00:00 A Penguin on the Equator
00:29 The World’s Most Northerly Penguin
00:59 How They Survive the Tropical Heat
01:41 The Cold Current That Makes It Possible
02:08 Where to See Galápagos Penguins
02:38 From Awkward on Land to Fast Underwater
03:23 How Galápagos Penguins Hunt
04:28 About Paul McFarling
05:17 Molting and Surviving Without Food
05:42 Breeding and Raising Chicks
06:29 Curious Young Penguins
06:48 Why Food Controls Everything
07:03 The Danger of El Niño
07:35 Why Seeing 30 Penguins Is So Special
07:57 One of the Galápagos’ Greatest Wildlife Experiences
#penguin #penguindocumentary #nature