The Galapagos Islands are stuff of lore. Settled in the middle of the Pacific Islands, and known for being the birthplace of Darwin’s “a-ha!” moment of evolution, they are stuffed full with strange creatures, and strange people.

I had an opportunity to go there years ago with my aunt. And these enchanted islands did not disappoint. I saw the salt-spitting marine iguanas, the massive black volcanic rock fields, the seals who did not care if we were humans or not, the blue crabs with the red claws, and of course, the stars of the show–the huge, long-lived land tortoises, which back then was all about Lonesome George, the last of tortoise of his particular species.

I hiked up the mountain to view a caldera, and climbed in a tree to take pictures for other visitors of Lonesome George in his enclosure. I swam in the ocean, and watched the frigate birds puff out their blood red neck in an effort to impress. And of course, I watched the blue-footed boobies dance to show off their brilliant turquoise webbed feet to each other. I highly recommend going to this magical place if you can.

Because this island chain is remote and isolated, there aren’t many books written about it, let alone historical fiction books. I’ve included the dates of original publication here, because while this list isn’t entirely historical fiction, most include bits on the history of the Galapagos, and some are part of the lore itself (cough, cough, Darwin).

The amazing thing about books is that you can time travel in a chair, so if you are going to the Galapagos, here are 16 books to help amp up your excitement. If you aren’t going, here are 16 books to help you picture yourself there.

Historical Fiction Books Set in the Galapagos

Enchanted Islands (2016) by Allison Amend (historical fiction)

Based on real people, this WWII-centered book features the friendship of two women, Francis and Rosalie. While the setting of the Galapagos is smaller than the rest of the novel, it is the meat of the spy-centered action for Francis and Ainslie, her “husband” as US Intelligence informs her. Years later, the two women collide in a Jewish retirement home, and while Rosalie also helped the war effort, Francis is not allowed to tell her story, not even to her newly rediscovered best friend. Find out more onor the author’s website.

Galapagos Regained (2015) by James Morrow (historical fiction)

2016 Nominee for the John W. Campbell Best Science Fiction Novel, this Victoria era novel is about actress Chloe Bathurst who finds Darwin’s research and tries to become famous by winning a £10,000 scientific prize. She heads to the Galapagos to gather specimens as proof to demonstrate evolutionary theory. Described as both silly and satirical, this one is for fun. Find out more on Goodreads or the author’s website.

The Far Side of the World (1984) by Patrick O’Brian (historical fiction)

During the War of 1812, British whaling ship encounter an Americal frigate. Chaos ensues in the South Seas and the Galapagos. Inspiration for the movie “Master and Commander” starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. Find out more on Goodreads.

Fiction Set in the Galapagos

Wish You Were Here (2021) by Jodi Picoult (fiction)

Art curator Diana lives in New York, and is about to marry her boyfriend Finn, a surgical resident. They have their pre-honeymoon vacation to the Galapagos already booked, and then Covid hits. Finn assures her that she should go ahead, as the trip is non-refundable, but then Covid gets even worse, and islands shut down and isolate. Diana is stuck there under quarantine, and finds she must befriend the locals in order to speak to any human at all. Nominee for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction 2022. Find out more on Goodreads or the author’s website.

Galapagos (1985) by Kurt Vonnegut (fiction)

In the usual satirical affect of Vonnegut, a vacation cruise goes awry during the apocalypse. The survivors are stranded on the Galapagos Islands and become the progenitors of a new human race. Nominee for the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel of 1986. Find out more on Goodreads.

Romance Set in the Galapagos

Shipped (2021) by Angie Hockman (contemporary romance)

Work enemies Henley and remote social media manager Graeme are vying for the same promotion. The best proposal on how to boost the bookings to the Galapagos islands wins the promotion, but to figure out the best method, they must go on the company cruise to the remote islands–together. The first time they meet is onboard the ship, and Henley learns that Graeme is not at all what he seems. This rom-com was a nominee for the Goodreads Choice Award for Romance in 2021. Find out more on Goodreads or the author’s website.

There Galapagos My Heart (2020) by Phillip William Stover (gay contemporary romance)

This short, flirty gay (M/M) rom-com is a forced-proximity second-chance romance. Artist Mike gets a job on a cruise ship teaching wealthy patrons how to paint. His ex, British zoologist Benton, is also on the cruise ship to lead the wildlife tours. Praised for its intimate knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Galapagos, this fun romance won the 2021 Vivian Award for contemporary short romance. Find out more on Goodreads or the author’s website.

Children’s Books Set in the Galapagos

Time of the Turtle King (Magic Treehouse #38) (2023) by Mary Pope Osborne (kid lit)

While the book description references sea turtles, they must mean the famous tortoises that exist on the front illustration, as that is why anyone would be whisked to the Galapagos Islands in the first place. Regular kids Jack and Annie must help the…shelled creature from lava, and the magic of the magic treehouse helps them become experts. Find out more on Goodreads or the Magic Treehouse website.

Benjamin’s Blue Feet (2020) by Sue Macartney (kid lit)

This cutie-patootie picture book features the iconic bird of the islands, the Blue-footed Booby. Benjamin is a young expert treasure finder, and when he discovers a mirror, he decides he doesn’t like his beak or his blue feet. He decides to use his treasure to change his image. This book explores themes of self-image and self-worth. Find out more on Goodreads or the author’s website.

Island: A Story of the Galapagos (2012) by Jason Chin (kid lit)

This educational, non-fiction picture book about the Galapagos islands is filled with research and beautiful paintings of the islands. It focuses on the animals and environment and evolution of both. Nominee for the Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award for Grades K-3 in 2014.  Find out more on Goodreads.

Nonfiction About the Galapagos

Floreana (1961) by Margaret Wittmer (memoir)

 

In this so-remarkable-could-it-possibly-be-true memoir, Margaret Wittmer details leaving Germany in 1932 with her husband to settle the island of Floreana in the Galapagos chain. Over time, they acquire neighbors, and Margaret has a child. They live a strange life, with visitors of all walks of life, including Franklin Roosevelt and Thor Heyerdahl. It’s a quick read, and you’ll find yourself shaking your head more than one. Find out more on Goodreads.

In the Galapagos Islands with Herman Melville (1854) by Herman Melville (Tourism)

Melville first visited the islands as a young whaler aboard the Acushnet out of Massachusetts. Years later, after the publication of Moby Dick, he returned as a tourist, writing ten sketches for a magazine. These are meant for the armchair traveller, and include some photographs by Moses Michelsohn. Find out more on Goodreads.

Voyage of the Beagle (1839) by Charles Darwin (journals)

This is a collection of Charles Darwin’s notes taken while aboard the five year voyage of the HMS Beagle. It records not just his patient observations of the natural world, but also the movements of people, from the civil war in Argentina to the colonial settlements of Australia. Find out more on Goodreads.

The Beak of the Finch (1994) by Jonathan Weiner (science)

Science writer Jonathan Weiner covers the story of how two scientists, Rosemary and Peter Grant, who camp on the small island of Daphne Major, tracking the evolution of the finches that Darwin made famous. It is a real-time proof of natural selection and generational change in response to food availability and sexual selection. Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Science and Technology in 1994, and the Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction in 1995.

Find out more on Goodreads or the author’s website.

The Galapagos: A Natural History (2014) by Henry Nicholls (science)

Science writer Henry Nicholls weaves together the incredible variety of species from the islands, the history of human involvement with the islands, the interest of scientists, the explosion of ecotourism, and his own experiences. There are challenges facing the islands, ones that can be extrapolated into our world at large. Find out more on Goodreads or the author’s website.

On the Backs of Tortoises: Darwin, the Galapagos, and the Fate of an Evolutionary Eden (2019) by Elizabeth Hennessy (science)

The giant Galapagos tortoises capture visitors’ hearts. Nosing about the foliage, tourists can wander with these slow-moving creatures. This conservation-focused book uses the tortoises to review the history of the islands, from pirates and whalers to island settlers. Nominated for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award in 2020. Find out more on Goodreads or the author’s website.