Know Before You Go: Galapagos Tours

The Galapagos Islands are one of the rare destinations where every month offers something remarkable. Instead of asking when conditions are “best,” the more useful question is what kinds of natural events you want to witness. Because visitor numbers are tightly regulated, the experience is consistently intimate, no matter the time of year.

• December to May: These months are marked by a burst of activity on land. Sea turtles haul themselves onto beaches to nest, iguanas shift into brilliant breeding colors, and male frigatebirds display their bright red throat pouches in dramatic courtship rituals. The islands feel especially alive with mating and nesting behaviors that reveal the resilience and rhythms of these unique ecosystems.

• June to November: Nutrient-rich currents attract whales, dolphins, and schools of fish that in turn bring in seabirds like blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins. Watching thousands of birds plunge into the water in coordinated dives or spotting dolphins riding the bow wave of your panga gives this season a particularly energetic feel.

Because giant tortoises, sea lions, and marine iguanas are present all year, the question isn’t whether you’ll see wildlife, but rather which natural spectacles matter most to you.

When Is Wildlife Most Active in the Galapagos?

Wildlife in the Galapagos never disappears—it simply shifts in emphasis throughout the year. These islands are home to both resident and migratory species, meaning there’s always interesting wildlife to spot. Here are some highlights:

• December to May: Giant tortoises, land iguanas, and marine iguanas court and nest, offering rare glimpses of ancient rituals that have unfolded for millennia. Green sea turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs, leaving behind patterned tracks in the sand by morning. On land, male frigatebirds inflate their scarlet throat pouches and clatter their bills to attract mates, while young sea lions along the beaches are particularly curious, approaching visitors with bold, playful energy.

• June to November: This period brings an explosion of marine life. Blue-footed boobies engage in their unmistakable dance, raising their feet in a rhythmic display. On Española Island, waved albatrosses reunite with their lifelong partners and perform elaborate greeting rituals. Penguins dart among schools of fish in cooler waters, while humpback whales and pods of dolphins appear more regularly, adding a sense of grandeur to excursions.

Every month has defining wildlife encounters.

When Is the Best Time to Snorkel in the Galapagos?

Snorkeling is a highlight of any Galapagos trip, and the experience evolves with the seasons. What remains constant is the chance to be surrounded by animals that show no fear of humans, making underwater encounters unusually close and personal.

• December to May: These months are ideal for swimming alongside graceful green sea turtles, curious reef sharks, and playful sea lions. Schools of brilliantly colored fish swirl around volcanic reefs, and snorkelers often find themselves accompanied by sea lions that twist and spin through the water like underwater acrobats.

• June to November: The cooler season is especially dynamic for spotting larger marine life. Penguins chase fish at astonishing speeds, rays glide along the sandy bottoms, and dolphins or even whales may appear as you travel between islands. Seabirds circle overhead and plunge dramatically into the water, giving a sense of connection between land, air, and sea.

Each season delivers different species in abundance, so whether you’re drawn to the intimacy of swimming with turtles or the thrill of spotting dolphins, snorkeling in the Galapagos feels unmatched at any time of year.

When Is the Galapagos Least Crowded?

Thanks to strict limits on group sizes and daily visitor caps at each landing site, the Galapagos never feels crowded in the conventional sense. Even during peak travel months, groups are staggered to ensure wildlife viewing remains unhurried and personal.

That said, certain travel trends do affect visitor flow. March, April, and May often have slightly fewer travelers, offering a quieter atmosphere both aboard ships and at visitor sites. July and August, by contrast, attract more families and groups due to school holidays, leading to higher demand for cabins and guides.

Importantly, these fluctuations are far less noticeable than in most destinations. Because every itinerary is carefully managed, you’ll always feel like you have a front-row seat to the islands’ wildlife, regardless of the month.

Travel With Natural Habitat Adventures

No matter when you travel, Natural Habitat Adventures ensures you’ll see the best of Galapagos wildlife. Our naturalist guides tailor each trip to seasonal highlights—whether that’s snorkeling with penguins, photographing courtship rituals, or witnessing sea lion pups at play.