Galápagos Islands for Nature Lovers

The Galápagos Islands offer one of the most spectacular and immersive wildlife experiences on the planet. Whether you’re snorkelling with sea lions, birdwatching for blue-footed boobies, or trekking volcanic terrain, unparalleled opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to connect with nature—on land and sea—can be found throughout the Galápagos travel experience. 

Best Time to Visit Galápagos for Wildlife Viewing

The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their abundant wildlife—nature lovers are in for a treat! Although the climate is relatively consistent throughout the year, there are specific seasons that offer more opportunities to witness the activities of resident wildlife. Time your visit to see the Galápagos tortoises and sea lions, marine iguanas, and exotic birds aplenty up close.

When is the best time to visit the Galápagos Islands?

• Being located right on the equator means the Galápagos Islands enjoy a consistency in temperatures throughout the year.
• The rainy season runs from January to June, with the heaviest rain usually between March and May.
• The dry season is from July to December. There is more sunshine and less rainfall during this time.  
• Choosing the best season for your trip will depend on which birds and wildlife you’re keen to see. Read on for more recommendations!
  
  

Galápagos Tortoises

Galápagos tortoises are one of the most iconic species in the Archipelago, and their behaviour changes depending on the time of year. January and February mark the mating season and from December to March, it’s hatching season–perhaps the sweetest season to witness–when the baby tortoises begin their perilous journey from the nest to the ocean. It's an exceptional moment to witness and something you won’t forget.

On our 8 Day Inspiring Galapagos Islands Small Group Tour, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora is a highlight. You'll learn about ongoing research projects, breeding programs for endangered species, and conservation efforts to protect the islands’ biodiversity.

At the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, you’ll also see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them. On our 25 Day Inspiring South America with Galapagos Cruise Tour you’ll travel to Santa Cruz Island, where you'll have the opportunity to get up close to the Galápagos tortoises—a truly “pinch me” moment!

Marine Iguanas

The black-and-grey coloured marine iguanas are another fascinating species. Famous for their ability to dive into the ocean to feed on algae, they’re easy to spot year-round but are most active and out and about during the dry season from June to November when the colder waters bring the iguanas to the shorelines. During the mating season, in January and February, male iguanas display bright colours to attract females. You may even see them in territorial battles.

Galápagos Sea Lions

Sea lions are Galápagos residents through and through! They are playful, curious, and more often than not, enjoy interacting with snorkellers and divers. You’ll see pups and adults throughout the year, but unsurprisingly, they’re especially easy to spot during the breeding seasons, from June to November.

Exotic Bird Species

A birdwatcher's paradise, the Galápagos provides plenty of excellent viewing opportunities year-round but if you’re keen on viewing specific species such as the blue-footed booby and frigatebirds, there are some months which are better than others to spot them. By timing your trip around nesting and mating periods, you’ll be able to easily spot the birds when they’re most visible.

Dive into the Natural Wonders in the Galápagos Islands

Whether you're an avid diver or a first-time snorkeller, the Galápagos Islands are renowned for their diverse and easily accessible wildlife, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers, although there are some peak months to keep in mind. From December to May, the wet season brings warmer and calmer seas, making it the ideal time for snorkelling, especially for beginners. For diving enthusiasts, the dry season (June to November) means cooler waters with better visibility, particularly around the Wolf and Darwin Islands, 140km north of the Archipelago. 

Galápagos snorkelling tours for beginners 

There are plenty of Inspiring Vacations snorkelling tours options if you’re keen to venture beneath the surface. On the 14 Day Peru & Galapagos Small Group Tour, a snorkelling excursion to Kicker Rock, a rock formation just 90 minutes from San Cristóbal Island, is a bucket-list experience! Expect to spot marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, Galápagos sharks, schools of colourful fish and, if you’re lucky, hammerhead sharks. On our 25 Day Inspiring South America with Galapagos Cruise tour, you may be lucky enough to see sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays on a visit to Santa Fe Island, and on a visit to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, keep your eyes peeled for marine iguanas, green turtles and even flamingos!

Whale Sharks

The world’s largest fish, whale sharks, migrate to the Galápagos Islands during the breeding season, especially around Wolf and Darwin Islands. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience.

Hammerhead Sharks

Hammerhead sharks are often seen in large schools and are more likely to be spotted by divers than snorkellers. You’ll be able to see them year-round, but the peak season for sightings is from January to May.

Galápagos Sharks

Galápagos sharks, otherwise known as grey reef whalers, can be difficult to spot when alongside other sharks because of their inconspicuous grey bodies. They're not known to be aggressive and are bottom feeders who enjoy hanging out in coral reef areas, one of their feeding grounds. If you see sea lions, keep in mind that a Galápagos shark won’t be too far away.   

Schools of Fish

There are over 450 different Galápagos fish species and 10% of them are only found here.  The waters around the Galápagos are home to a variety of species, including surgeonfish (like Dory!), parrotfish, and butterflyfish, which can be seen throughout the year.

Manta Rays

Galápagos is home to 15 different species, including the spotted eagle ray, the golden ray and the manta ray. Manta rays are often spotted near the Isabela and Fernandina islands, where the waters are full of nutrients, while spotted eagle rays and golden rays can be seen in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela. Giant manta rays can be seen in the waters off Wolf and Darwin Islands. You’ll spot them year-round, especially from December to May.

Dolphins

While not native to the Archipelago, three species of dolphin—bottlenose, spinner, and common dolphins—are frequent visitors to the islands and can be seen year-round, swimming alongside boats or playing in the surf.

Galápagos Bird Watching

The Galápagos Islands are a paradise for bird watchers, home to species like Darwin’s finches and the striking blue-footed boobies. Galápagos bird watching trips allow nature lovers to see these birds up close. Whether you're a seasoned bird watcher or a newcomer, the bird watching experiences here will wow. On our 25 Day Inspiring South America with Galapagos Cruise tour, excursions to Darwin Bay and Genovesa Island bring with it plenty of chances to spot frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies and mockingbirds.

Blue-footed Boobies

One of the Galápagos’ most recognisable birds, the blue-footed booby, is a marine bird, one of three booby species found on the Galápagos. From June to August, the friendly birds perform their mating dances, making them easy to view, and from May until November, during their nesting period. Their courtship dance, where they raise their blue feet, is a spectacle to catch.

Darwin’s Finches

These small birds, named after Charles Darwin, can be seen across the Galápagos Islands. From December to March, during the breeding season, you can observe their courtship displays, where the males perform dances to attract females, including flapping their wings, and offering gifts like twigs or leaves.

Waved Albatross

Española Island is the best place to observe the Waved Albatross, which nests from April to December (the island is also home to large colonies of Blue-footed Boobies and Nazca Boobies, too). The albatross mates for life, with the female and male taking turns to sit on the egg for the two month period until it hatches. Witnessing the courtship dance is unforgettable and includes bill clacking, head circling, and head nodding—you may even hear a ‘moo’ noise.

Frigatebirds

Frigatebirds, also known as pirate birds because of their habit of stealing food, are easy to spot across the Archipelago, especially during mating season (January to August), when the males’ courtship includes inflating their bright red throat pouches to attract females.

Galápagos Penguin

The only penguin species that lives north of the equator, the Galápagos Penguin’s population is small and sadly endangered. The best places to see the Galápagos Penguin are the Isabela and Fernandina islands, often near the shorelines, or swimming in the water. The penguins can breed year-round, with two peak seasons: March to June and August to November, and unlike other penguin species, they tend to initiate breeding whenever food is available and plentiful.

Exploring by Sea—Galápagos Cruises

Our Galápagos cruises are designed for those wanting to experience a little bit of everything, from wildlife to stunning landscapes, as well as exploration on land.
 
Our in-depth Galápagos cruises, from the 25 Day Complete Peru & Galapagos Small Group Tour to a 44 Day Inspiring South America, Patagonia, Galapagos & Antarctica Exploration Cruise, cover the Archipelago’s wildlife hotspots. These include Santa Cruz Island for its wading birds, marine iguanas, and green turtles; Genovesa Island to see Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and red-footed boobies and Darwin Bay for its wallow-tailed gulls and frigatebirds.

You’ll also enjoy South Plaza Island’s sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and land iguanas, and Santa Fe Island, where you may encounter sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays.

Best Time for Galápagos Cruises

March to May is the best time for bird enthusiasts to witness mating rituals, particularly of the blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. For wildlife watching, June to November is when the weather is pleasant and the seas are calm and clear for snorkelling and diving.

Hiking and Kayaking in the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are heaven for hiking and kayaking lovers—expect stunning landscapes and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.
 
The best time for both hiking and kayaking is during the dry season (June to November), when the weather is cooler, and the seas are calm. This is also when bird migration is at its peak. December to May is also great for kayaking as the warmer weather provides calmer seas and better conditions if you want to explore the coastline.

Where to Go: Galápagos Hiking

The islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Santiago are ideal for hiking, with trails leading to stunning landscapes including volcanic areas and lush forests. The Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island offers a difficult hike but rewards with breathtaking views. The hike is around 16km round-trip, while Bartolomé Island offers a 30-minute scenic hike that most will find accessible and easier.

Where to Go: Galápagos Kayaking

Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana islands are top kayaking spots where you can paddle along beaches and explore coastal waters. On our 25 Day Inspiring South America with Galápagos Cruise tour, there are opportunities to rent kayaks on board during the spectacular three day cruise.

Galápagos Photography: Capturing Nature

The Galápagos Islands are a photographer's paradise, with every corner of the Archipelago providing a perfect shot. From the iconic blue-footed boobies and Galápagos tortoises to the dramatic landscapes and pristine beaches, every moment is an opportunity to capture the raw beauty of nature in its most unspoiled form. 

The Best Time to Visit Galápagos for Photography

• For Wildlife: With clear seas and warm weather, December to May is perfect for capturing wildlife both on land and underwater.
• For Landscapes: The dry season, from June to November, means the clear skies and vibrant colours are especially noticeable during sunrise and sunset hours.
• For Birdwatching: From March to May, bird enthusiasts can witness mating rituals, especially with blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
  
  

Inspired to visit the Galápagos Islands? We have tours ranging from our 8 Day Inspiring Galapagos Islands Small Group Tour to our 25 Day Inspiring South America with Galapagos Cruise which includes a three night cruise accompanied by expert naturalist guides. Check out our full range of exciting tours and find your perfect adventure.