When is the Best Time to Visit the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination with mild weather patterns and a small number of migratory species. The best time to visit Galapagos depends on what you hope to see and plan to do there. Some periods like January to June offer the best conditions for snorkeling, given the warmer ocean temperatures and calmer seas.
The drier and colder months like July through December lend more to the highlands and hiking along the coast. Different times of the year are ideal for exploring the most remarkable wildlife and marine life that the planet offers.
The Best time to visit Galapagos For Snorkeling
Dry Season from June to November
From June to December, the dry season is also known as the ‘garua’ season because of the daily morning drizzles and mists. After the fog clears, most of the day is sunny and dry, which has cooler temperatures ranging from 19°C to 26°C.
During this time, the water temperatures are also more relaxed, and this means that although it might be less comfortable to stay in the water for a long time, there is considerably more marine life at the surface. Thanks to the cold upwelling and water that is nutrient-rich, on which all of the marine species are dependent.
Wet Season from December to May
The starting months of the year typically experience hotter temperatures between 22°C to 31°C, and there are sometimes afternoon showers as well. The water temperatures at this particular time of the year are most comfortable, helping the snorkelers and the divers spend more time in the water.
In this season, there is a lack of phytoplankton and algae in the warmer surface water basically correlates to the fewer marine species that can be found on the surface.
The Best Time for Galapagos Activities
You will enjoy the raw beauty of the Galapagos Islands at any time of the year. We can look to see the best time of the year to enjoy different Galapagos tour activities.
Hiking
Hiking is the best way to enjoy some of the more timid species in the Galapagos. Visitors must explore different coasts and highlands to observe the pockets of species scattered throughout the Galapagos Islands.
There are more visitors in April and May, and therefore, the vegetation becomes more vibrant, and the climate cools. During September & October, there is more breeze and fewer tourists, which means more pleasant hiking conditions.
Bird watching
By the time you will be leaving the islands, bird watching is something that you will be into. Whether you are on a vessel or on the islands, you will be able to see a large variety of birdlife. The most important thing for anyone to remember is that some of the big 15 iconic species that one can only see on the specific islands.
It is also worth noting that the Galapagos albatross is present only between May and December every year. If you are able to hop onto one of the cruise ships, you will have a chance to reach all the best remote hiking spots.
Snorkeling
This is the best way to observe and interact with the magical world below the waves. The months between July and December might be cooler, but these months are exceptional in terms of the variety of active sea life you will see.
If you don’t like to hop into the water, there is also a completely dry option available: the glass-bottom boat. The glass bottom allows you to spot marine life without putting on a swimsuit.
Various other activities
There are plenty of activities from mountain biking to paddle boarding and everything that is in between. This gives the perfect opportunity to explore more of the land and sea which would usually take a long time to investigate. Galapagos multisport adventures are offered throughout the year.
The Best way How to Get to Galapagos
Many travelers organize their own trips to the Galapagos. They book their flights, lodging, and all of the other activities on their own and find out that they end up spending a hefty sum and see a lot less than they expect.
Usually, the visitors who decide to change their plans at the last moment find out the hard way that deposits paid for the activities and excursions and are generally non-refundable. This can turn the fun vacation into a nightmare that is full of unreturned phone calls, stressful arguments, lost time, and money.
The lodging tends to vary in availability, so the key is to book a room well ahead of time. The peak months of the year are June, July, and December when the number of tourists is enormous. If you like to visit the Galapagos in the less busy months, then May and October might just be what you look for and might offer you a greater availability.
Best Time to Go to Galapagos Islands
It basically all depends on you to decide the best time to visit the Galapagos because it all depends on what activities you will be pursuing and what you actually like to see. The most successful way to plan your trip is to do it all in advance. You can budget your right amount and work with a reputable tour operator that has respect, full know-how, and plenty of experience to this wholly-unique destination.
There is nothing like a low or high season in Galapagos, but it all depends on your interests. Some hotels and cruises have a price difference that relies on some times of the year. As a protected National Park, the Galapagos Islands always have quite strict regulations about the schedules of the visit and the number of tourists. These regulations help the animals from being overstressed and allow the tourists to have a more relaxed and personal sight at every visitor site.
Are you ready to check the Galapagos island travel packages on your bucket list? We’d love to help you plan the perfect Galapagos vacation!
For more information about Ecuador and Galapagos island tours, contact us by WhatsApp (+593) 997677662
