Things to do in Galapagos Islands attractions

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A visit to this enchanted Galapagos archipelago lives up to desires of a sheltered area removed from the usual concerns of modern life. The skies are tend to be sunny, as well as ocean breezes generate that appropriate air temperature that can promptly calms the body. The ocean is an ever-welcoming turquoise green, matched by extended soft sand beaches of amazingly bright, pink, dark and green. You will find crystal coves and sheltered mangrove lagoons, as well as magnificent cliffs and caves.

When is the perfect time to go to the Galapagos?

Due to the confluence of freezing water currents coming from the west, the Galapagos archipelago has an infrequent dry and moderate climate for the tropics and is commonly considered sub-tropical. This makes Galapagos travel a year-round holiday alternative. Galapagos weather conditions are considered tropical, cooled off by the Humboldt Current, and is also characterized by two principal conditions:

The hot, wet season

Late December to June is considered the warm and wet period, with March and April usually actually being the hottest and wettest weeks. Close to December, the winds fall and the climatic equator changes south toward the Galapagos, creating the westward-flowing current to slow, decreasing the upwelling and enabling warmer water coming from the Panama Current to bathe archipelago. Galapagos weather conditions are known by rain clouds which form in the event the inversion breaks down, and the air warms and rises, producing daily mid-day rains. Even in this period; but, the small hills receive only limited rain.

The colder, dry season

This period, generally known as the “garua season” extends from the later part of June to December, when it is comparatively dry and cool with additional overcast air and periodic drizzle or mist during the day. August is the colder month. In this dry season, Galapagos weather is nice, the water temperatures are lower and there are frequently clouds on the bigger levels. Visibility is usually decreased in the water due to plankton bloom, but this mixture of conditions generates a much more action in the water and food is abundant. Because Galapagos weather conditions are not very hot during this time of year, it is also the reproduction period for numerous sea birds and shore birds, iguanas, sea lions and fur seals.

El Niño and La Niña Events

El Niño is a disturbance of the sea and atmospheric systems of the shoreline of Latin America which induces unusually warm water conditions, a change in the path of the winds, changes in currents, and drastically more rainfall. The higher rainfall results in the destructive flooding on the eastern Pacific, and, at the same time, producing drought in the western Pacific, as far as Australia. This particular event is anticipated by simply monitoring changes in temperature range on the surface of the ocean, wind conditions, and currents close to Ecuador and Peru.

The Galapagos is a year-round destination, and nature-loving visitors can expect to be stunned by the nature every calendar month. Still, the 2 main most important “periods,” each of which has its own draws and drawbacks.

High season, when families typically push occupancy levels to the max, is known June until early September and mid-December until January. From June until November, the Humboldt Current creates cooler, nutrient-rich water and (a bit) cooler temperatures. Average highs are normally around 80 degrees. Winds and seas are usually a bit harder. Skies in many cases are cloudier, but rain is unusual. The change in water attracts fish and birds, making this an incredible time to snorkel. Because of the cooler water temperature — occasionally in the low 60s– utilizing a wet suit is a great move for snorkelers hoping to keep in the water a bit longer. This is the mating season for the blue-footed boobies.

December through May, the atmosphere and water temperatures are typically much more enjoyable, in the high 80’s, and seas tend to be more calm. Light rain drops for a while each day, but the spritz is balanced with potent sunlight. Sun-fans might be proven in February and March, when tropical heat scorches the lava. Land vegetation explodes, with flowers everywhere. Numerous types of birds mate during this time period, and sea turtle nesting can also happen.

El Nino, a weather phenomenon, can upend weather-related expectations, bringing a tropical sense to the surroundings at unanticipated periods.

Plan ahead if you want to visit during the high season. Visiting out of those periods will still provide plenty of adventures and wildlife encounters, but prices may be lower with fewer other tourists around.

With little variation in air and water temperatures throughout the entire year, and many species that are not migratory, an Isabela Island cruise is an excellent adventure at any moment. Ordinarily, however, the waters are clearer between January and March, making this a perfect time for avid snorkeling fans. The driest months are typically between August and December, ideal for beach lovers.

Visit the Galapagos in January to watch green sea turtles arriving and laying eggs on the shores, and in April to find the eggs. July is the prime month for visiting whales off the western coast of Isabela Island. Bird spotters will probably prefer to visit Isabela Island between August and March, once the range of migratory birds is at its summit. October is the mating interval for fur seals, whilst brown nodes are active in November. December is the best month if you wish to see the hatching of giant tortoises.

Before linking any Galapagos cruises, you will first need to create your strategy to mainland Ecuador. International flights usually arrive at the country’s capital city of Quito, even though it’s also likely to take an international flight to Guayaquil. Flights to the Galapagos Islands leave every day from both Quito and Guayaquil. Flights from Guayaquil are shorter, and lots of departures from Quito stop in Guayaquil in route to the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Animals

The Galapagos penguin is the sole available from the northern hemisphere and to breed in the tropics.

A Galapagos tortoise can weigh around 595lb (270kg) using a carapace of 4ft (1.2m) and outlive many humans.

The endemic Galapagos fur sea lions would be the smallest one of the world’s seven species of such animals

The Galapagos Marine Iguana is the only marine lizard to exist on the planet.

The Galapagos Islands are home to the world’s largest cormorant and also the only one struggling to fly.

Galapagos has among the world’s rarest ecosystems where the herbivores at the top of the food chain are reptiles.

Galapagos Swallow-tailed gulls are the only gulls on earth to feed at night .

The Galapagos boasts the world’s biggest and only red-footed booby colony.

The Galapagos is one of those few areas of the planet where turtles are still a frequent sight. Over 400 species of fish have been recognized from the Galapagos, with 41 species unique to the islands.

In 30cm in length and with a massive pair of venomous jaws, the endemic centipede (Scolopendra galapagoensis) is one of the Islands’ most feared animals.

A lichen survey in June 2010 by the Charles Darwin Foundation uncovered more than 60 new species in the Galapagos with a estimated ten species new to science.

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