The Shore or "Littoral" Zone

The shore (or littoral) zone of the Galapagos encompasses the range of habitats that occur close to the sea, including salt-water lagoons. These habitats include rocky shores, sea cliffs, sandy beaches and lagoons, as well as areas of mangroves, saltbush and Sea Purslane Sesuvium which are able to tolerate the saline conditions. The habitats of the shore zone support many seabirds, waterbirds and shorebirds as well as some landbirds. The most obvious mammalian inhabitants are the sea lions, and the shore zone is also home to Marine Iguanas and Green Sea Turtles. In addition, lava lizards and leaf-toed geckos are found here, and snakes can occasionally be seen.



Rocky Shore at Punta Moreno on Isabela Island

Sandy Beach at Gardner Bay on Española Island

Mangrove Lagoon on Black Turtle Cove - Santa Cruz Island

Flamingo Lagoon at Rabida Island