Galapagos Wildlife

Rainy Season: December to May

If you are looking for tropical weather, this may be the best time of year to visit the Galapagos. Warm and sunny with occasional rains, this season brings calm seas, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. Marine iguanas bask in vibrant hues, sea turtles nest, and iconic bird species on Galapagos land, like blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, begin their courtship displays.

Galapagos Travel in December

Travel Tip: Book your Christmas and New Year’s departures at least 6 months in advance to secure your spot during this popular season.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Reptiles: Giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch; green sea turtles start their mating displays.
• Birds: Young waved albatrosses fledge and leave Española Island; marine and land iguanas begin mating.
• Marine Life: Sea lion pups are playful in the water, especially around central and southern islands.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in January

Travel Tip: Pack polarized sunglasses and a waterproof camera to capture stunning birdwatching moments and the vivid colors of marine iguanas.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Land birds, like finches, begin nesting after the first rains. Hawks hunt marine iguana hatchlings.
• Reptiles: Española Marine iguanas turn vivid red and green; land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela.
• Marine Life: Green sea turtles arrive to lay eggs on sandy beaches.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in February

Travel Tip: Known for calm seas and warm waters, this is the ideal time to visit if you are prone to seasickness and don't want to miss out on all the fun of water activities.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Greater flamingos nest on Floreana; Nazca boobies end their nesting season on Española.
• Reptiles: Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz; Galapagos dove nesting peaks.
• Marine Life: Penguins migrate to cooler waters near Isabela and Fernandina, making sightings rare in central islands.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in March

Travel Tip: The warm water temperatures are ideal for extended snorkeling sessions. Bring reef-safe sunscreen for your marine adventures.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Frigatebirds on Genovesa inflate their red throat sacs for courtship; waved albatrosses return to Española.
• Reptiles: Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina.
• Marine Life: Snorkeling alongside tropical fish and white-tipped sharks is common.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in April

Travel Tip: Enjoy a perfect mix of weather and wildlife by packing lightweight hiking boots for exploring trails during land excursions.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Waved albatross courtship dances are in full swing; blue-footed boobies begin their fancy mating displays, especially on North Seymour.
• Reptiles: Green sea turtle and land iguana eggs start hatching.
• Marine Life: Sea lion pups are still abundant and playful.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in May

Travel Tip: Enjoy a more private experience with fewer crowds. Opt for smaller cruise vessels for intimate wildlife encounters.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Blue-footed booby courtship continues; storm petrels begin nesting on Genovesa.
• Reptiles: Marine iguana hatchlings emerge, and giant tortoises begin migrating to lower elevations.
• Marine Life: Penguins sightings on Bartholomew Island are possible.

Cruise Availability

Dry Season: June to November

Cooler temperatures prevail as nutrient-rich currents attract a spectacular variety of marine life, dolphins, whales, and large schools of fish. Expect increased marine activity and larger opportunities to observe penguins and flightless cormorants. Underwater visibility decreases slightly, but the rich marine life makes it the best season to visit galapagos islands for avid swimmers and snorkelers.

Galapagos Travel in June

Travel Tip: June ushers in the dry season and is the ideal for observing large marine animals. Cooler weather calls for layers—pack a light jacket to stay comfortable during evenings and al-fresco meals.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Waved albatrosses lay eggs; storm petrels nest; frigatebirds are active.
• Reptiles: Giant tortoises continue to migrate to lowlands; green sea turtles continue hatching.
• Marine Life: Dolphins and whales frequent the western and southern islands.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in July

Travel Tip: Marine life remains active and to counteract choppy seas, consider taking motion sickness medication or booking a cabin in the middle of the ship for a smoother cruise experience.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Nazca boobies are nesting; flightless cormorants court along western islands.
• Reptiles: Lava lizards mate, and giant tortoises continue their migration
• Marine Life: Peak whale-watching season near Isabela and Fernandina.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in August

Travel Tip: Make the most of your itinerary with hiking activities in comfortable weather. Don’t miss out on snorkeling opportunities as marine life continues to be active.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Swallow-tailed gulls nest; waved albatrosses care for chicks on Española.
• Mammals: Sea lions give birth, and pups are seen on shorelines.
• Marine Life: Penguins and flightless cormorants thrive in cool waters near western islands.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in September

Travel Tip: September's tranquility is perfect for wildlife photographers. Fewer tourists means undisturbed wildlife encounters. Bring a high-quality zoom lens to capture unique moments.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Galapagos hawks mate; Nazca booby chicks hatch.
• Marine Life: Sea lions are very active, and whales are still commonly spotted.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in October

Travel Tip: Prime time for spotting marine megafauna like dolphins, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks. Your Royal Galapagos Naturalist guide will help spot them.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Blue-footed boobies raise chicks; flamingos nest on Floreana.
• Marine Life: Dolphins playfully interact with boats, and sharks are common sightings during water activities.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Travel in November

Travel Tip: November's calm seas and milder weather make it perfect for snorkeling and other water activities, especially in the western islands, where sharks, whales, and dolphins are still active.

Galapagos Wildlife

• Birds: Frigatebirds begin courtship displays on Genovesa.
• Reptiles: Sea turtles prepare for the next mating season.
• Marine Life: Manta rays and hammerhead sharks are often seen near dive sites.

Cruise Availability

Galapagos Islands Wildlife

Giant Tortoise

Land Iguana

Marine Iguana

Sea Lion

Frigatebird

Blue-footed Booby

Waved Albatross

Galapagos Penguin

Ray, Manta Ray

Pink Flamingo

Galapagos Hawk

Flightless Cormorant