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The Galapagos sit on a volcanic hotspot beside the Galapagos Triple Junction, with active volcanoes and frequent offshore quakes. This page pulls real records for Galapagos Islands: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Galapagos Islands.
Earthquake risk in Galapagos Islands - FAQ
Is Galapagos Islands at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 5 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 389 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M6.8 in 1909.
What was the biggest earthquake in Galapagos Islands?
The strongest earthquake on record near Galapagos Islands is M6.8, in 1909 (287 km N of Puerto Villamil, Ecuador), from USGS.
Does Galapagos Islands get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 389 km of Galapagos Islands in the NOAA database - though coastlines everywhere carry some residual risk after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Galapagos Islands?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.