When is it the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

Galapagos is along with Quito, one of the most is visited places in South America. However, There are two seasons and transition moments along the year. The first is a transition between the hot season and the dry season (April to June), and another is between the dry season and the hot season (November to January). In both periods the Galapagos climate becomes especially suitable for mixtures of natural events that happen at the same time. So, a very important fact to consider when taking a Galapagos Islands cruises is the climate. This is why we present you some facts about the climate you should consider before booking your place in the yatch.

Dry season Galapagos

 The dry season is from June to December. During this period the water is colder, this is due to fact that the trade winds bring the warm Humboldt current to the Galapagos. Then, from June to December, the islands are generally known for their blue skies and rains at noon. Another fact is that the highest parts of the larger islands remain green while the sea level of the islands and the shorelines have little precipitation.

Some of the animals tourist can see during this season when visiting the islands with the Galapagos Islands cruises are giant turtles, sea lions, humpback whales, penguins, blue-footed boobies, lava lizards, cormorants, brown noddies, etc. The temperature of the water makes it a perfect time to dive.

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Warm Season in Galapagos

The warm season is between December and May. During this season, the Galapagos climate is tropical with daily rain and overcast skies. In addition, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkeling.

If you decide to take a Galapagos Islands cruises during this time you will see a large number of species around the islands or at sea as marine iguanas, white- cheeked pintails , sea turtles, land iguanas , albatrosses, masked boobies etc . The water conditions during this period are perfect to do snorkeling, so it is a recommended activity.

Galapagos Islands: Wildlife

During these months of transition it is possible to live some of the most interesting moments in the activity of the many species that live or pass through the islands

• Cetaceans north migrate south
• Migratory birds of the south migrate to the north
• The frigates inflate their crops for the establishment of couples
• Sea lions establish their territories
• The blue-footed boobies begin their classic wedding party
• The waters get warm, perfect waters for snorkeling
• Albatrosses fly to the Spanish Island
• Marine iguanas nest building begin.

Then , the months of April, May , June, November, December and January are the months where almost all natural events can occur simultaneously. Galapagos weather during the month of May, especially , is described by many as the most spectacular month of the whole year in the Islands.

In April and May the blue-footed boobies are playing, and only in these months you will see the majority of these species doing their matting dance.

In April and May thanks to climate, the arid zone changes from green to brown in the absence of rain. Only the top of the islands remains green.

The result of reproduction of Darwin’s finches will be possible to see in months like April and May , as most chicks were born in February and March.

Only in the months of April and May albatrosses rejoin the Spanish island after their long journey across the Pacific Ocean. Observing their entourage will be an amazing experience for any visitor.

This does not mean that the rest of the year is not worth it. By contrast, the rest of the year includes months that reflect the natural beauty of the Galapagos from a specific point of view. So, if you are going to book your place in your first class Galapagos cruise, take a moment to check our offer for the following months and  enjoy all the beauty of the islands on our beautifull catamaran NEMO II.

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