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Eric Castro asked:


If you live in northern latitudes, say higher than 30°N, chances are you are not expecting warm days now, right? Well, escaping the cold, and heading for warm days, seems to be the trend worldwide. Of course, Galápagos is not just one more tropical destination. It is one of the most amazing National Parks and Marine Reserve, where the best wildlife encounters happen. But, really what makes Galápagos so special in these months? Here are some expedition highlights for you to consider, and remember, they only happen at this time of the year.

The last month of the year, and the first month of the new year, are some of the best transition months in Galápagos. The weather has changed, and the islands’ waters have warmed up, vegetation has started to become green, and wildlife is adapting to such changes. Land-depending species become quite active as their breeding starts, while that of the sea-depending species starts to slow down. Galápagos land birds, including Darwin’s finches, have started to reproduce. Watch how their courtship and nesting happens. There are only four months of the year that can be called transitional months: December, January, April and May. These months are worth calling “Satisfaction guaranteed”.

Our rewarding itineraries include outstanding sites like Bartolomé, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Española, Isabela, and Fernandina. Right here, and more so at this time of the year, snorkel next to the only tropical penguin on Earth, witness the amazing courtship of the great frigatebirds, see giant tortoises roaming the volcanic landscape of Galápagos, walk among blue-footed boobies, plunge next to young sea lions which are just learning to swim, and explore the shores where the most numerous colony of marine iguanas are found.

Enjoy the arrival of the warm waters from the north. Snorkel and swim next to penguins and sea lions with no need to freeze in the water. Tropical fishes abound too. December and January’s weather is quite remarkable, as most days are sunny, but not overwhelmingly hot. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. It is all picture perfect.

Marine iguanas have just developed the most colorful mix of colors for a reptile: emerald green, red and black. Best sightings happen at Española, Santa Cruz, and Fernandina Islands. Observe how males establish ownership by acting territorial to other individuals. Land iguanas on Isabela Island have developed bright yellow colors, which next to light brown and reddish blotches, make these reptiles the most attractive of the arid zone. Their mating season has just started. Green sea turtles show the highest curiosity of the year to snorkelers. Best locations to look for this unique behavior includes Bartolomé and Fernandina Islands.

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Eric Castro asked:


Galapagos Islands Climate Update: the dry season in July !

So far, this Dry Season holds normal conditions. July is an unlikely tropical month, and the overall weather pattern has not many analogies to other tropical destinations.

Those who expect the Galapagos islands to be extremely warm, humid, green, with just breeze, and twelve hours of full sun a day, will really find surprising that the Galapagos islands offers a much drier and windy environment than expected. This is why it is so important to remember that Galapagos is not a 100% tropical destination year-round (except for its geographical location). Until early December, the Galapagos islands overall weather pattern will show overcast skies that will gradually turn into full sunny days.

Some locations may even show the famous “garua” (very fine drizzle) that will surely label the Galapagos as an unusual location, and inland areas will evidence drought-like conditions. Air temperatures range 27?C (83?F), while that of the water will remain steady at 21?C (74?F). Wildlife wise, is overwhelming as the sea-dependant species are near peak in their mating season. For those guests coming from northern latitudes (where July is peak summer: overwhelming heat & humidity, plenty of sunshine, and crowds everywhere) Galapagos?can be a place full of surprises.

It is quite important (all the way through December) to come fully prepared for this wonderful adventure, again full of intriguing surprises. Besides the essential “packing list” for Galapagos, there are items not be missed: windbreaker or park, sweatshirt (or long sleeve t-shirts), a 1/8” we suit for snorkeling, and convertible pants (those that you quickly unzip and turn into shorts). These items will allow our guests to appreciate more the local conditions of the Galapagos, and definitely enjoy your holiday even more so. Relative humidity of the islands holds only between 50%60%, making our walk-time temperatures quite comfortable. As usual, remember that the sun falls perpendicularly right at the Equator, and sun block is a must (SPF 30 or higher is what we recommend).

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Galapagos Cruises

Eric Castro asked:


February is the most important month during the Hot Season. In this time of the year, the Galapagos islands not only adopt an emerald-green color, and turn humid and balmy warm, but many species start reproducing now. For these, this time is the only one where they have their best chance to pass their genes to a next generation. Thus, February is a month when lots of unique and exciting things exclusively happen. The experience is quite unique for our guests, and no one should miss seeing this amazing realm. Couple of highlights include the Marine Iguanas (especially those in Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island and Punta Suárez, Española Island) with eye-catching colors, and nesting behaviour. But of course, the most committed effort goes to the frigate birds. Males will display their scarlet-red gular pouches as they try to attract a passing female. Such wildlife encounters will continue until the end of April, but it is during February, March and April where the most rewarding natural events and wildlife encounters will occur.

The marine environment deserves special attention, since the warm waters stationed at the Panamic Province, are ready to head down south, while bathing the Galapagos. We expect water temperatures to range between 24ºC and 27ºC (76ºF – 80ºF), and visibility to be generally good (15-18 metres; 50-60 feet). Having a marine tropical ecosystem next to penguins and sea lions (that come from much colder and temperate environments) is another enriching wildlife experience. What other tropical destination on Earth has a penguin? Of course, zoos don’t count! The Galápagos Marine Reserve will delight every single explorer, particularly at the most western islands of the archipelago (Isabela & Fernandina). Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat outings are adventures you should not miss.

Looking at the calendar of events, we see Galapagos as the world of perpetual change, and these are the most relevant natural events expected to happen for the February – March – April period:

The Hot Season is at its best days.

The Galapagos islands are almost fully green (vegetation) due to more humidity and occasional showers.

Reproduction of land reptiles, as well as land birds.

Great frigate birds have engaged in full courtship and nesting.

Large flocks of blue-footed boobies feeding out in the west of Galápagos (Isabela & Fernandina Islands).

Arrival of first waved albatrosses to Española Island (end of March).

Virtual absence of south-east trade winds. This implies most waters remain calm within the islands.

Sunrises and sunsets (specially out in the west) are simply spectacular.

March 10th: 471st Anniversary of the discovery of Galapagos Islands by Bishop Tomás de Berlanga (1535).

Official start of transition days (end of April) between the Hot Season and the Dry Season.

Courtship of waved albatrosses and blue-footed boobies at Punta Suárez, Española Island (end of April).

Regular sightings of migratory species. Those from northern latitudes are migrating south, in response to winter months, and those first ones from southern latitudes are migrating north, in response to the arrival of the first cooler days of the austral winter.

And, of course, one of the most important reasons for coming these days: the weather! Escape the winter, the carnival, the Mardi Gras, the cold, the noise, etc, and come to enjoy the most rewarding weather of any time of the year in Galapagos: February – March and April.

Without a doubt, your decision of coming to Galapagos during these months, will be completely supported by the outstanding natural events and wildlife encounters you will experience. If you have already explored the islands during the Dry Season (May – November), may we suggest you consider returning during the months of the Hot Season? Returning to this magical paradise will be totally a new experience during the Hot Season. That is how much Galápagos changes, and our guests just love experiencing such.

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: Snorkeling in Galapagos: New World to Conquer!

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