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The Galapagos Islands

5

Reasons To
Visit The Galapagos Islands

  • Evolution

    Charles Darwin arrived in Galapagos in 1835. Here he found a remarkable population of plants, birds and reptiles that had developed in isolation from the mainland, but also differed on almost identical neighbouring islands. These characteristics he could only explain by a gradual transformation of the various species and lead to the publication of his famous “Origin of the Species”.

    Evolution

  • Fearless Wildlife

    Having no natural predators for centuries, the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands has become remarkably fearless. This has continued with the introduction of humans allowing visitors to come face to face with the animals. It's quite common for visitors to have to make way for a sealion moving along the beach or be forced away from the nesting site of a blue-footed booby!

    Fearless Wildlife

  • Lonesome George

    Galapagos’ most famous resident, Lonesome George is the last remaining sub-species of the Pinta Giant Tortoise - almost wiped to extinction by whalers in the 1900’s. Now currently residing in the Charles Darwin Research Station, researchers are trying to find a suitable mate and a sizeable reward is on offer for anyone who can do so.

    Lonesome George

  • Pinnacle Rock

    The Galapagos’ most iconic site, Pinnacle Rock is an eroded tuff cone protruding form the side of Bartolome Island. This lunar landscape, edged by a white sandy beach, is teaming with sealions and offers clear blue water and stunning a backdrop - one of the highlights of a trip to Galapagos.

    Pinnacle Rock

  • Volcanoes

    Galapagos is often referred to as the 'Land of Fire'. The western most islands are made up of active volcanoes and volatile activity is common place. When an eruption takes place, cruise vessels often divert their itinerary to enable passengers to get close to lava flows.

    Volcanoes
 
 

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When To Go To The Galapagos Islands

Although the Galapagos can be visited all year round the climate can be roughly divided into two seasons - a hot, wet season and a cooler, drier season.

From January to June the hot season sees sunny days and blue skies interspersed with showers, while the rest of the year is generally cloudier and cooler. During August the winds can be stronger and may pick up the waves. The average temperature ranges from 20˚C to 28˚C, but beware of the strong equatorial sun.

We do not advise against travel at any particular time of the year, but many vessels are in dry dock during August and September as this is the coolest period. If you are free to travel at any time of year, we think that you will see the islands at their best from February to June. Sea temperatures are affected by the Humboldt Current, so rarely rise above 26˚C and can be as low as 18˚C in July and August.

Booking well in advance is essential in order to secure a cabin on your preferred vessel - demand exceeds supply because of the limitations on visitor numbers.

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Highlights Of The Year

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April

Although the Galapagos can be visited all year round we recommend April as a particularly good time to visit especially if you have an interest in birdlife. The weather is also more agreeable as it sees sunny days and blue skies interspersed with showers.

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Further reading:
The Galapagos IslandsHighlightsItinerary IdeasGalapagos CruisesThings to DoAccommodationAbout The Galapagos IslandsCountry Guides

Other countries in South America:
ArgentinaBoliviaBrazilChileColombiaEcuadorParaguayPeruThe Falkland IslandsUruguayVenezuela

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