Wildlife Pics From 20 Islands With Unusual Ecosystems

Step into a world where nature thrives in its most unique forms. These 20 islands are home to extraordinary ecosystems, each offering rare wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

From unusual creatures to amazing habitats, every destination promises an unforgettable adventure.

Let’s embark on a journey to explore these isolated wonders and uncover the secrets of their thriving biodiversity!

1. Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands
© Metropolitan Touring

Ever fancied chatting with a giant tortoise? The Galápagos Islands have got you covered. Home to the notorious blue-footed booby, these islands offer wildlife without the usual hustle and bustle. You’ll find marine iguanas sunbathing like they own the beach.

Get ready to snorkel with playful sea lions. And if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive pink iguana. Charles Darwin would surely approve of your adventure! So pack your bags and cameras, these islands are a wildlife bingo card come to life.

These islands are a true testament to nature’s creativity.

2. Madagascar

Madagascar
© AVG Travels

Lemur lovers, Madagascar is your dream come true. This island is as diverse as a five-course meal. From the towering baobabs to quirky chameleons, it’s a wildlife buffet. You will feel like stepping into a nature documentary.

Madagascar’s flora is just as enchanting. The island plays host to plants you won’t find anywhere else. And who can resist the charm of the fossa? It’s an ecological wonderland.

So, grab your hiking boots and experience the biodiversity that’s as lively as a carnival.

3. Komodo Island

Komodo Island
© The New York Times

Dragons do exist, and they are not in fairytales. Komodo Island is home to the mighty Komodo dragon, a creature that could out-stare a stone. These lizards are as captivating as they are intimidating.

Imagine hiking through rugged terrains with these prehistoric beauties lurking around. Don’t forget your camera; these are memories worth capturing. The island offers more than just dragons, with stunning views and unique flora.

It’s a place where adventure meets awe. You might leave with a newfound appreciation for the scaly and the sunny.

4. Borneo

Borneo
© Treehugger

Step into Borneo’s rainforest, where the wild calls. It’s a symphony of orangutans and pygmy elephants. A place where birds sing sweeter than any morning alarm. The jungle is alive and teeming with life.

You can trek through the dense undergrowth, keeping your eyes peeled for the rare proboscis monkey. Their iconic noses are larger than life! The flora is equally captivating, with ancient trees towering above.

It’s a place where nature’s orchestra never stops playing, and the harmony is unmatched.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand
© The Guardian

New Zealand is more than just a film set of hobbits and elves. It’s a land where the flightless kiwi waddles under the stars. The country’s landscapes are as dramatic as a Shakespearean play.

From the majestic albatross to the nocturnal kakapo, the avian life is a wonder. Every corner you turn offers a new vista to admire. The forests and mountains form a backdrop that is nothing short of magical.

New Zealand’s wildlife is a testament to nature’s artistry, a place where every leaf tells a story.

6. Socotra

Socotra
© socotra trek tours

Socotra is Earth’s own little alien planet. The landscape feels like stepping onto another world. Home to the unique dragon’s blood tree, it looks as if nature had a creative brainstorm.

The flora and fauna are as exclusive as a VIP club. Endemic species call this place home, adding to its mystique. It’s a botanical dream with a hint of the surreal.

Visiting Socotra is like flipping through a fantasy novel, each page more intriguing than the last. A true gem for adventurers seeking the extraordinary.

7. Iceland

Iceland
© Nordic Visitor

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, where volcanoes and glaciers coexist. The wildlife is as striking as the geography. Puffins waddle along the cliffs, and Arctic foxes roam the tundra.

The landscapes are surreal, with geysers and hot springs bubbling away. It’s a photographer’s paradise, where every snapshot is frame-worthy. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the untouched beauty.

Iceland isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. The island invites you to explore with all your senses, promising wonder at every turn.

8. Tasmania

Tasmania
© Australian Animals

Welcome to Tasmania, where the devils don’t wear Prada, but they’re just as iconic. The Tasmanian devil roams these lands, the star of this wild show. Dense forests and rugged mountains create a drama-filled backdrop.

Nature here is a spectacle, an intricate dance of flora and fauna. Birdsong and the rustle of leaves fill the air, creating a natural symphony.

Tasmania’s charm lies in its raw, untamed beauty, a place where every step is a new adventure. It’s not just an island; it’s a wild playground.

9. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka
© Timbuktu Travel

Sri Lanka is the island where elephants are kings and leopards are the elusive royals. The landscapes are lush, a green canvas painted by nature’s hand. Tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see.

The island’s biodiversity is impressive, with every corner offering a glimpse of wildlife. It’s a place where nature and culture blend seamlessly. Adventure seekers and peace lovers alike will find their haven here.

Sri Lanka is more than just a destination, it’s a celebration of life in all its beautiful forms.

10. Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands
© Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are a penguin’s paradise. These flightless birds waddle around like they own the place. The coastline is rugged but beautiful, a stark contrast to the playful nature of its inhabitants.

Alongside penguins, sea lions laze around, basking in the sun. The islands offer an escape into nature, untouched and wild. It’s a scene frozen in time, where wildlife takes center stage.

For those seeking solitude with a dash of charm, the Falkland Islands are the perfect getaway. It’s nature’s own little theater, performing daily.

11. Palawan

Palawan
© Rainforest Trust

Palawan is the Philippines’ crown jewel, where beaches are as pristine as they come. Limestone cliffs stand tall, guarding the secret treasures underneath. The marine life is as colorful as a painter’s palette.

Snorkeling here feels like diving into an artist’s dream. Every coral and fish adds a splash of color to the ocean’s canvas. It’s a paradise for those who crave the sea’s embrace.

From experience, Palawan feels like stepping into a dream. Whether you’re exploring hidden lagoons or soaking up the island vibe, it’s a place that stays with you.

12. Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands
© USA Today

Fancy a chat with a giant tortoise? The Galapagos Islands are your chance. Home to the playful sea lions and the peculiar blue-footed booby, these islands are a wildlife wonderland.

Discover marine iguanas lounging like sunbathers on vacation. The landscape is as dramatic as a nature documentary. Every moment here feels curated by Mother Nature herself.

Your camera won’t rest as you capture the islands’ unique charm. It’s a place where evolution is tangible, and wildlife roams free. The Galapagos are a testament to nature’s ingenuity.

13. Seychelles

Seychelles
© Jacada Travel

The Seychelles are as dreamy as they sound. Turquoise waters kiss the shores, while coral reefs bustle with life below. It’s a haven for marine enthusiasts and sun-worshippers alike.

The rare Seychelles black parrot calls these islands home. Its song is a melody you won’t soon forget. The landscape is a postcard-perfect escape, inviting exploration and relaxation.

These islands offer more than just a vacation. They’re a chance to witness wildlife in a setting that’s as vibrant as it is serene. The Seychelles are where paradise meets reality.

14. Sumatra

Sumatra
© Hugh Lansdown

Sumatra is an island where nature writes its own epic. The rainforests are dense, home to orangutans and rare plants. It’s a wildlife haven, where every rustle could be a new adventure.

The island’s flora is as captivating as its fauna. Trekking through the undergrowth feels like exploring nature’s best-kept secrets. The air is filled with the symphony of the wild.

Looking for a destination that fuels your adventurous spirit? Sumatra delivers untamed nature, rich wildlife, and endless opportunities to explore.

15. Mauritius

Mauritius
© BBC Wildlife Magazine

Mauritius, where the dodo once roamed, is an island of lush greenery and pristine beaches. The landscapes are as picturesque as a storybook illustration. Though the dodo is gone, the island is alive with unique birds.

Every trail leads to enchanting views and natural beauty. The island’s charm lies in its tranquility and warmth. It’s a place where relaxation and exploration go hand in hand.

Mauritius welcomes you with open arms, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From turquoise waters to rich history, every moment feels unforgettable.

16. Hawaii

Hawaii
© And You Creations

Hawaii is not just a vacation spot, it’s an experience. The islands boast volcanic landscapes and iconic beaches. Marine life thrives here, adding to the islands’ allure.

Snorkeling in Hawaii is like meeting marine royalty. Every wave seems to carry a new discovery. The land above is just as captivating, with greenery and volcanic wonders.

The spirit of Aloha is alive in Hawaii, welcoming all who seek beauty and adventure. It’s a destination where paradise is a daily reality.

17. Bali

Bali
© Medium

Bali is a tapestry of rice terraces and culture. The island’s biodiversity is as rich as its traditions. It’s a place where every sunrise brings new possibilities.

The landscapes are as diverse as the cultures that call Bali home. Wildlife thrives here, lending an air of enchantment to the island. Adventure and serenity coexist in perfect harmony.

From experience, Bali feels like a world of its own. The beaches, the jungles, the traditions every corner holds something to discover.

18. Corsica

Corsica
© Corse Vacances : Guide de Tourisme en Corse

Looking for a destination that offers both adventure and relaxation? Corsica’s mix of towering peaks, hidden coves, and diverse wildlife makes it a dream to explore.

The island’s charm lies in its rugged beauty and rich history. Nature enthusiasts will find a haven here, with trails that promise adventure. The wildlife is both captivating and elusive.

Corsica offers a taste of the wild and the serene, a destination where nature and culture dance in harmony. It’s an island that invites travelers to discover its many faces.

19. Reunion Island

Reunion Island
© Wikipedia

If you crave landscapes that surprise at every turn, Reunion Island delivers. Hike, explore, and witness the wild beauty shaped by fire and time.

The coral reefs are beautiful, alive with marine life. Every dive reveals a new spectacle. On land, the forests are a symphony of sights and sounds.

Reunion Island offers a journey through nature’s marvels, a place where adventure awaits. It’s a destination that promises awe and excitement, captivating all who visit.

20. Greenland

Greenland
© Secret Atlas

Why settle for ordinary when Greenland offers something truly unique? Witness vast ice fields, spot Arctic wildlife, and feel the untouched beauty of this frozen land.

The northern lights dance in the sky, a spectacle that leaves visitors mesmerized. Every moment in Greenland feels like a brush with the extraordinary.

For adventurers and dreamers alike, Greenland is a call to the wild. It’s a destination where nature’s beauty is both stark and stunning, offering experiences that are truly unforgettable.