Our Expeditions

Explore the field expeditions of the Cetacea Galápagos Program. Each expedition documents our scientific surveys, research activities, species observations, and key discoveries, creating a long-term archive of our work to understand and conserve the whales and dolphins of the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

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Galápagos Cetacean Expedition 2026

Dates:

20–30 July 2026

Study Area:

Western Galápagos Marine Reserve

Vessel:

M/Y Yubalca

Duration:

7 days

Team:

Daniela Alarcón, Juan Pablo Muñoz, Annet Galan

Expedition Summary:

This expedition focused on documenting whale distribution and collecting photo-identification images in the western Galápagos Marine Reserve. Surveys also included opportunistic observations of whale sharks and oceanographic conditions.

Blue Whale Research in the Galápagos:

Between October 2025 and July 2026, scientists surveyed waters around San Cristóbal, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago, including the Bolívar Channel, to locate blue whales and study their movements.

No blue whales were found during the intensive expedition, despite historical records in these areas.
Researchers recorded unusually warm ocean conditions, with surface temperatures of 25.52–27.56°C.
The 20°C isotherm, normally found at 20–45 m depth, was much deeper at 78–96 m.
The depth where blue whales' preferred feeding conditions occurred did not match the depth where their food was concentrated, potentially affecting where whales were found.
These conditions occurred during a period associated with El Niño, but scientists emphasize that the absence of whales cannot yet be attributed to El Niño.
In 2025, 45 blue whale sightings were recorded through standardized monitoring.
Importantly, in early September 2026, a mother blue whale and calf were documented at Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal, showing that blue whales were still present in the Galápagos.
Scientists believe more research is needed to understand changes in arrival times, feeding areas, and migration routes.
The research contributes to the Eastern Pacific Blue Corridor, which seeks to protect the migratory routes of large whales across the Pacific and reduce threats such as ship strikes, fishing interactions, pollution, and underwater noise.

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