Galapagos Wildlife by Season: What You’ll See and When
A month-by-month guide to the islands’ most iconic animals
One of the most magical things about the Galapagos is that wildlife isn’t hidden — it’s everywhere, and most animals couldn’t care less that you’re watching. But not all creatures are active year-round. From penguins to albatrosses, the best time to visit can depend entirely on what you hope to see.
Whether you're into birds, reptiles, marine life, or the big names like sea lions and tortoises, here’s a breakdown of Galapagos wildlife by season — to help you choose the best time for your trip.
🌞 Warm Season (December to May)
This is the “wet season,” but don’t let that scare you — rain usually comes in brief afternoon showers. The weather is hot and humid, with calm seas and excellent visibility for snorkeling.
🐢 What You’ll See:
Green sea turtles nesting on beaches (Dec–March)
Marine iguanas turning bright red and green for mating (Jan–March)
Land birds in peak courtship displays
Waved albatrosses begin arriving on Española (late March/April)
Sea lion pups playing along the shore
Frigatebirds inflating red throat pouches to attract mates
💡 Best for: Snorkeling, calm ocean conditions, and lush landscapes full of life and color.
🌥️ Dry Season (June to November)
Also called the garúa season, this period brings cooler air, frequent overcast skies, and rich marine activity. While the seas can be rougher, this is prime time for dramatic animal behavior.
🐧 What You’ll See:
Galapagos penguins at their most active (July–Oct)
Humpback whales migrating through Galapagos waters (June–Sept)
Blue-footed boobies performing their famous courtship dance (peaks June–Aug)
Flightless cormorants nesting and raising young
Giant tortoises migrating to lowlands and nesting (especially Sept–Oct)
Baby sea lions born on beaches in September
💡 Best for: Birdwatching, rare marine sightings, and cooler hiking conditions.
📅 Wildlife Highlights by Month (At a Glance)
January
Marine iguanas begin mating and green sea turtles nest on beaches.
February
Land birds are nesting, and snorkeling conditions are excellent with warm, clear waters.
March
Waved albatrosses start returning to Española Island. Marine iguanas are still in their most vibrant colors.
April
Tortoise eggs begin to hatch, and many seabirds are in full courtship mode.
May
Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds are nesting — a great month for birdwatching.
June
Humpback whales start to appear in Galapagos waters. Penguins become more active.
July
Blue-footed booby courtship is at its peak. Whale watching continues, and flightless cormorant chicks start hatching.
August
Prime month for Galapagos penguins. Sea lions begin giving birth on beaches.
September
You’ll spot newborn sea lion pups. Giant tortoises migrate to the lowlands and begin nesting.
October
Penguins remain active, and tortoise nesting continues across several islands.
November
Visibility is excellent for underwater activities. Sea lion pups become more playful and curious.
December
Green sea turtles begin mating. The islands turn lush and green with the first rains.
🧭 Choosing the Right Time for Your Wildlife Goals
If you're coming for underwater life and want to swim with turtles, rays, and sea lions → February to May is ideal.
If you're into birdwatching and rare behaviors like courtship rituals and hatchings → aim for June to September.
If you want a mix of it all — including penguins, albatross, and tortoises — April and October are great shoulder months.
🐾 At Blue Galapagos, we help you build your itinerary around what you want to see — not just when it’s cheapest to go.
🌟 Plan Around the Wildlife, Not Just the Weather
Every season in the Galapagos has its advantages. The key is knowing what you're coming for and designing your route accordingly — because some species are only found on specific islands, and some moments only happen once a year.
At Blue Galapagos, we craft custom itineraries based on your wildlife priorities, whether that’s snorkeling with sea lions, seeing penguin colonies up close, or watching a blue-footed booby do its hilarious mating dance.