The Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands—And How to Do It
Patrick J. Endres/Getty
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands? As a bucket list destination for so many, the answer might be “anytime you can.” This archipelago in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador is near the equator, which means the weather is manageable all year long. It varies only slightly in temperature (warm or hot) and wetness (a little rainy or dry). But regardless of season, there is always plenty of wildlife to see while visiting the archipelago: Wildlife spotting on land, as well as while diving and snorkeling, is most visitors’ focus. And there are also several ways to do these activities—so it’s important to strategize when to go in order to decide how to spend your time and money on your trip.
To get the inside scoop on the best time to visit the Galapagos, I spoke to two of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists, Jennifer Gillmore of Travel Beyond who specializes in trips throughout Latin America, and Tom Damon of Southwind Adventures, a company that has led culinary and adventure tours to Central and South America for more than 30 years. “The Galapagos is truly a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on the experience you are looking for,” Gillmore says. Damon adds, “A traveler's goals play a factor in terms of experiences, wildlife, and if you want to go on a cruise or stay at a lodge.”
Below, we discuss with travel experts the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, how long to stay, and what to do to get the best of the destination.
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos?
The Galapagos is an outdoor destination—visitors are typically on boats, in the water, or hiking—so good weather is important. Luckily, because the archipelago is near the equator, the weather is almost always hot and sunny, although this means sometimes heat can be a problem, and sun protection is important.
There are rainy and dry seasons, but the differences between them are not drastic. “Late December through mid-May is the hot and sunny time of year; it’s also officially the rainy season, but this rarely hampers activities. Any rain you do encounter can be a welcome break from the intense heat,” Gillmore says. “The moisture also brings color to the vegetation, which is a nice addition to the island landscapes.”
Both Gillmore and Damon name May as their preferred time in the Galapagos. “That’s when the water is warm, the vegetation colorful, and the skies start to cloud a bit to temper the heat of the sun,” Gillmore says. “May is nice for hiking and exploring the islands on foot, also for calmer seas with warmer ocean temperatures that are good for swimming and snorkeling. Green sea turtles are nesting and it’s a good time for snorkeling and diving,” Damon adds.
The dry season in the Galapagos runs from June through early December, although skies are sometimes overcast with cooler temperatures. Gillmore advises that the water temperature is also especially cold during these months: If you’re a diver or plan to snorkel, wetsuits are a must. If you’re prone to seasickness, the water can be rough from June through September, she says. Even if you do a land-based trip, you’ll still be spending at least part of some days aboard a boat.
Of course, weather isn’t the only thing to pay attention to: “School breaks and holidays are popular,” says Gillmore. “If you prefer to avoid families with children, aim for January, February, late April, May, or September through mid-December.” One final note from Gillmore: Many boats go into annual dry dock for renovations and updates during September and October, so cruising options might be limited during those times.
When is the cheapest time to visit the Galapagos?
“Most tour operators in the Galapagos work with set pricing, which usually have surcharges for the holiday season,” says Damon. “Other than this, rates are usually the same throughout the year.” However, if you’re able to travel last-minute, Damon says it’s sometimes possible to find discounts a few weeks before departure, but you likely won’t get a tailored itinerary or specific vessel. And according to Gillmore, the best deals are usually found in September, October, and November.
When is peak season in the Galapagos?
Peak seasons in the Galapagos generally correspond to school holidays in the Northern Hemisphere, including Christmas and New Year’s, spring breaks in March and April, and summer until school starts, says Gillmore. Damon adds that overall, wintertime in the Northern Hemisphere, from December to March, brings more visitors to the warm and sunny Galapagos.
Group of travelers in Galapagos Islands
When can you see the most wildlife in the Galapagos?
Amazingly, wildlife sightings are not only possible but typical throughout the year in the Galapagos, including many of the only-in-the-Galapagos species many visitors come to spot. “There is constant wildlife activity,” says Damon. The Galapagos has the highest concentration of endemic land species, meaning animals and birds that you can only see in the Galapagos. And visitors are generally able to get very close to the wildlife.
“Nowhere else in the world can animals be observed in the wild so intimately and so calmly,” says Damon. “Galapagos species have no fear of humans, providing an amazing opportunity to see their daily lives.” This is due to the fact that almost no humans have ever hunted on the islands, and for thousands of years, humans had never even stepped foot there. Now, humans visits are heavily regulated to protect the animals, so they have no reason to be afraid.
Gillmore agrees: “With the exception of migratory species, you will find most animals in their resident locations year-round.” Still, some fauna is easier to spot at certain times of year. If you want to see whales, visit between June and November, Gillmore says; to see the waved albatross, visit Española Island between April and November; and for a larger concentration of giant tortoises (there are always some around), visit the Santa Cruz highlands between August and March. Damon adds that the cooler season is better for observing penguins and whales, and is especially good for observing the blue-footed boobies’ mating displays.
How many days do I need to spend in the Galapagos as a first-timer?
One week is an ideal amount of time for exploring the Galapagos, according to Gillmore. Seven nights on a boat will typically include visits to six to eight islands, she says, and because the Galapagos is “such an epic destination that is a bit of a trek to reach, I don’t recommend fewer than five nights in total, which can also be a combination of land and sea.”
How do I choose between a land-based or sea-based trip to the Galapagos?
You may not realize it, but it is possible to visit the Galapagos without going on a cruise. When I visited in 2023, I stayed at Pikaia Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux hotel, and visited four different islands. I get seasick, so not having to sleep on a ship was the right choice for me. (Although I didn’t make it to the farther flung islands that take several days of sailing to reach.)
A main difference is that Galapagos cruises offer structured itineraries that allow seeing more islands and visitor sites, says Damon: “Cruise ships are not required to travel back to the same location every night so they are able to reach islands located farther from the main population centers and, with that, entirely new ecosystems.” On the other hand, land-based trips give you a different experience, he says. “You’re more in control of what you see and where you go, oftentimes allowing you to build your own itinerary as you see fit. You also have more interaction with the local island culture on a land-based trip.”
If giant land tortoises are on your list, consider spending some time on Santa Cruz Island. “While it’s possible to find giant tortoises in various locations around the archipelago, the best place to see them in the wild is in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island,” explains Gillmore. “Visit a reserve or stay at a lodge in tortoise territory to maximize your opportunities.”
When visiting the Galapagos for the first time, what should I do?
The Galapagos are mostly all about animals, all the time—whether on land or in the water. You’ll see animals in guided land hikes, on beaches, in the sky, and by snorkeling or diving in the water. A good guide will take you to known animal hangouts. But to be honest, almost anyone can stumble upon some giant land tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions here. My highlights were snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, seeing baby blue-footed boobies, and observing the mating dance of frigate birds.
Aside from wildlife observation, Gillmore says, “the top activities include slow-paced guided island walks and snorkeling. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding [are also offered] in certain areas of the archipelago, where permitted by the National Park Service.”
What else should I know before visiting the Galapagos?
Visiting the Galapagos is not a cheap endeavor—and for many, you will only do it once—so you want to do it right. Because of this, there are many things to consider as you try to figure out when and how to go. In general, it helps to plan in advance, says Damon, as you’ll need to determine whether you want a cruise or land-based trip, type of cruise vessels, when to go, flights, cabin or room availability, and touring plans before or after the islands on mainland Ecuador or a neighboring country.
“If you are hoping to travel over festive season, plan to book a year or more in advance as those weeks fill very early,” Gillmore adds. "For other peak windows, six to eight months should ensure your choice of accommodation.”
It’s also important to note that independent exploration in Galapagos National Park—which encompasses 97% of the Galapagos archipelago—is prohibited. So if you want to see the full breadth of wildlife, plan on going on a tour with a naturalist guide (all of whom must be permanent residents of the Galapagos Islands), whether it is land- or sea-based. Otherwise, you’ll be relegated to the non-park areas of the human-populated islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Floreana, and Isabela, which probably isn’t the reason you're coming to the archipelago.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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