Which islands off the coast of Ecuador are the only natural habitat of the Galápagos penguin?

The Galápagos Islands are the only natural habitat of the Galápagos penguin, a species endemic to Ecuador’s volcanic archipelago. They are also the only islands—and the only location—where penguins naturally live north of the equator.

Most Galápagos penguins live around Fernandina Island and the western coast of Isabela Island, where the equator crosses the archipelago. Smaller colonies occur on islands including Santiago, Bartolomé, northern Santa Cruz, and Floreana.

Their survival in an equatorial environment depends on unusually cool, nutrient-rich water. The Cromwell Current and Humboldt Current bring fish close to shore, allowing the penguins to feed in tropical waters. They shelter from intense sunlight in lava cracks and shaded coastal crevices.

A common misconception is that all penguins live in cold Antarctic environments. Most species actually inhabit temperate or subtropical regions, but the Galápagos penguin is especially unusual because it breeds in a hot equatorial setting. El Niño events can sharply reduce its food supply and breeding success.