Explore the Best Fall Island Wildlife: A Nature Lover's Dream

Autumn is a time of change, and nowhere is this more apparent than on the world’s most stunning islands. While most travelers focus on summer beach escapes, fall offers nature lovers a hidden treasure: incredible wildlife encounters with fewer tourists and cooler weather. As the seasons shift, animals migrate, mate, or raise their young, providing a front-row seat to nature’s most spectacular moments. Whether you're spotting penguins on the equator, watching bears hunt for salmon, or witnessing majestic bird migrations, fall is the ideal season to see wildlife in action.

If you’re a nature lover looking for the perfect fall escape, here are the top islands to visit for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

1. The Galápagos Islands: Penguins, Sea Lions, and Marine Iguanas

The Galápagos Islands are a dream destination for wildlife lovers year-round, but the fall months—particularly September to November—offer some of the best opportunities to see the islands' most iconic creatures. The cooler Humboldt Current sweeps in, bringing with it an abundance of marine life, making this the perfect time for wildlife viewing both on land and in the sea.

October is the sweet spot for seeing Galápagos penguins in action. The only penguins that live north of the equator, these pint-sized creatures thrive in the cool waters off the western islands like Isabela and Fernandina. Watching them zip through the water while you snorkel or dive is an unforgettable experience. You’ll also encounter marine iguanas, the world’s only sea-going lizards, feeding on algae underwater—a fascinating and almost prehistoric sight.

Sea lions are another highlight of fall in the Galápagos. In October, you’ll spot newborn sea lion pups playing along the shores while their mothers hunt for fish. One of my favorite memories is watching a group of curious sea lions swim right up to us while snorkeling—playful and mischievous, they seemed to enjoy showing off their underwater acrobatics. The fall season brings fewer visitors, so you can enjoy these magical wildlife experiences in peace.

2. Scotland's Shetland Islands: Bird Migrations and Seal Pups

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, the Shetland Islands off the northern coast of Scotland are a must-visit in the fall. From late September through November, the islands become a haven for migrating birds making their way south. The skies and cliffs are filled with a dazzling array of species, from puffins to Arctic skuas and the rare American golden plover.

The highlight for many visitors is the October migration of thousands of birds, including the striking gannets, whose dramatic dives into the ocean for fish are a sight to behold. The rugged cliffs of Noss and Hermaness are prime spots for birdwatching, offering sweeping views of the North Sea as seabirds soar overhead.

In October, grey seals also begin their pupping season, with fluffy white pups appearing along the shorelines. Watching these adorable newborns huddle close to their mothers is a heartwarming experience, especially against the stunning backdrop of the windswept Shetland landscape. During my visit, I found myself enchanted by the serene beauty of the islands, where the crisp autumn air and the sight of seals lounging on the rocks made it feel like a scene straight out of a nature documentary.

3. Madagascar: Lemurs, Chameleons, and Baby Lemurs

Madagascar is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true, with over 90% of its animal species found nowhere else on Earth. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of Madagascar’s famous lemurs, fall is the perfect time to visit. From September through November, baby lemurs are born, making it an especially magical time to explore the island’s lush forests.

In October and November, national parks like Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana are alive with the sight of baby lemurs clinging to their mothers as they leap gracefully through the trees. The haunting calls of the Indri lemur, one of the largest and most vocal species, echo through the forest, creating an eerie yet enchanting soundtrack to your wildlife adventure.

Madagascar’s biodiversity extends beyond lemurs. October is also a fantastic time to spot the island’s vibrant chameleons. Madagascar is home to over half of the world’s chameleon species, and during the fall, you’ll find these incredible reptiles displaying their vivid colors as they move slowly through the foliage. I spent hours wandering through the rainforest, mesmerized by the sight of bright green leaf-tailed geckos blending seamlessly into their surroundings. For nature lovers, fall in Madagascar offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with wildlife encounters you won’t find anywhere else.

4. Vancouver Island, Canada: Orcas, Bears, and Bald Eagles

Located off Canada’s west coast, Vancouver Island is a fall wildlife paradise. From September through November, this Pacific island becomes one of the best places in the world to see orcas. Pods of these majestic whales migrate through the waters surrounding the island, providing thrilling opportunities for whale watching. Mid-October is an ideal time to visit, with multiple whale-watching tours departing from towns like Victoria and Tofino.

On a crisp October afternoon, I was lucky enough to spot a pod of orcas as they breached near our boat. The sight of their black-and-white bodies slicing through the water left me speechless. It’s not just orcas you’ll see, either—humpback whales and gray whales also make appearances during this season.

Fall on Vancouver Island isn’t just about marine life. October and November are prime months to witness black bears hunting for salmon in the rivers. Visit the Great Bear Rainforest or Goldstream Provincial Park, and you’ll see bears wading through the water, grabbing salmon with their powerful paws. The island’s forests also come alive with the sound of bald eagles screeching overhead, their impressive wingspans visible as they hunt for fish along the rivers.

Vancouver Island in the fall is a nature lover’s paradise, where the mix of vibrant autumn foliage and incredible wildlife creates a truly unforgettable experience.

5. Kangaroo Island, Australia: Kangaroos, Koalas, and Echidnas

While fall in the Northern Hemisphere means cooler weather, October and November bring the warmth of spring to Australia’s Kangaroo Island. Located off the coast of South Australia, this wildlife haven is famous for its diverse animal population, and the milder temperatures in fall make it an ideal time for nature lovers to visit.

As the island’s name suggests, kangaroos are one of the main attractions. During the fall months, kangaroos and wallabies are particularly active, grazing in open fields and hopping through the eucalyptus forests. October is also a great time to see koalas, which spend their days napping in the trees but can often be spotted foraging at dusk.

One of the island’s more unusual residents is the echidna, a small spiny mammal that resembles a porcupine. November is the best time to see these creatures as they roam the forests in search of insects. Kangaroo Island also offers a stunning array of birdlife, including colorful parrots and the endangered glossy black cockatoo.

During my visit, I was amazed by how easily the wildlife coexists with the landscape. Watching kangaroos graze at sunset while koalas dozed in the trees made me feel like I’d stepped into another world—one where nature truly thrives.

6. South Georgia Island: King Penguins, Elephant Seals, and Albatross

For those willing to venture further afield, South Georgia Island in the Southern Atlantic Ocean offers some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters on the planet. From October through December, this remote island comes alive with an explosion of animal activity. King penguins, the second-largest penguin species, begin their breeding season, forming massive colonies along the beaches. Thousands of penguins standing shoulder to shoulder, their bright orange markings contrasting against the stark icy landscapes, is a sight like no other.

October is also elephant seal mating season. The beaches turn into battlegrounds as massive males, weighing up to four tons, engage in noisy and dramatic fights for dominance. Watching these colossal creatures bellow and clash over territory is both thrilling and a bit terrifying.

In addition to penguins and seals, October and November are great months for spotting wandering albatross, which glide effortlessly over the ocean with their enormous wingspans. South Georgia is one of the few places where you can see these incredible birds up close as they return to breed. The combination of wildlife and untouched wilderness makes South Georgia one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations in the world.

7. The Falkland Islands: Penguins, Dolphins, and Sea Lions

If penguins are high on your wildlife bucket list, the Falkland Islands are a must-visit in the fall. Located in the South Atlantic, the islands are home to five species of penguins, and October and November are the best months to see them in action. Rockhopper, Magellanic, and gentoo penguins begin their breeding season during this time, and you’ll witness them waddling across the beaches, nesting, and caring for their chicks.

The Falklands are also home to a healthy population of marine mammals. November is an excellent time to see Commerson’s dolphins, recognizable by their striking black-and-white markings, as they frolic in the shallow coastal waters. The dolphins often swim close to shore and are known to ride the waves created by passing boats.

Along the beaches, sea lions and fur seals are a common sight, often lounging in the sun or playing in the surf. The Falklands’ remote location means fewer tourists and a more intimate experience with the wildlife, making it a paradise for anyone looking to get up close and personal with nature.

As the cool winds of fall sweep across the islands, they carry with them nature’s most magical performances. It's a time when the islands' wild residents steal the show, reminding us of the delicate balance and beauty of the natural world. So, why not break away from the usual fall destinations and dive into an unforgettable adventure where nature takes center stage?