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Baltra (South
Seymour): Beach, airport and docks
Bartolome
(Bartholomew): Galapagos Penguins, lava lizards, sea turtles,
white-tipped sharks, Galapagos Grasshoppers (locust)
Espanola (Hood):
Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez: Waved albatross, blue-footed and masked
boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas (Hood variety), Hood Mockingbirds,
lava lizards, Galapagos Doves, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds,
large cactus finches, Sally Lightfoot crabs, oyster-catchers, Galapagos
Hawks
Fernandina
(Narorough): This is the youngest of the islands and still the
most active volcanically, with eruptions every few years. Flightless
cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos Penguins and Hawks
Floreana
(Charles): Post Office Bay, Punta Comorant: Greater flamingos,
pintail ducks, brown pelicans, tropicbirds, medium tree finches, yellow
warblers
Genovesa
(Tower): Darwin Bay: Prince Philip Steps (El Barranco): Galapagos
Fur Seals, masked and red-footed boobies, frigate birds, petrals, Palo
Santo trees
Isabela (Albermarle):
Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies, frigate birds, Audubon Shear Waters,
noddy terns, mockingbirds, Galapagos Hawks, flightless cormorants
Tagus Cove
(Isabela): Woodpecker and Darwin Finches, brown pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and Galapagos Penguins
Isla Lobos
(Sea Lions Is.): Sea lions, Blue-footed Boobies, frigates, gulls
North Seymour:
Sea lions, land iguanas, frigate birds, colonies of Blue-footed Boobies,
swallow-tailed gulls, bright yellow warblers, fur seals
Plaza:
A small geological uplift. Sea lions, land iguanas, tropicbirds, Blue-footed Boobies, swallow-tailed gulls
Point Suarez:
Sea lions, curious mockingbirds. From April to November waved albatross
courtship rituals. Colonies of Blue-footed Boobies and masked boobies.
Stunning swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, Darwin Finches,
Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Sally Lightfoot crabs and the famous
"Blow Hole"
Rabida (Jervis):
Sea lions, pelicans, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails
San
Cristobal (Chatham): Sea lion and Blue-footed Boobies (left), masked boobies, frigate birds, and other seabird species
Cerro Brujo
(San Cristobal): Pelicans, boobies
and gulls
Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock, San Cristobal):
A vertical tuff cone formation that juts 500 feet into the air
San Salvador
(James or Santiago): Fur seals, hawks, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, oyster catchers, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow-crowned
night herons, lava lizards, moray eels, sharks, octopi
Santa Cruz
(Indefatigable): Puerto Ayora (Academy Bay): Giant tortoises
and other 11 surviving species of turtles at the Darwin Research Center,
Darwin Finches (13 species)
Los Gemelos
(The Twins), (Santa Cruz): Twin volcano craters near the top
of Santa Cruz Mountain: Giant scalesias, ferns, short-eared owl, vermillion
flycatcher
Dragon Hill (Santa
Cruz): Flamingos, white-cheeked pintails
Climate
& Marine Currents
Located on the equator, the Galapagos Islands have a surprisingly cool,
sub-tropical climate. The larger islands with volcanic peaks have a
variety of climatic zones. The coastal areas are arid and covered with
plants adapted to desert conditions. The highland areas receive moisture
almost all year round, which support lush vegetation. Temperatures are
determined almost entirely by ocean currents, which are influenced by
the trade winds.
There are two seasons, both of which
have some precipitation. The Galapagos get an average of ten inches
of rain per year, so it is never considered "rainy". Unlike
most equatorial regions, the Galapagos are not hot and humid; they lie
instead in one of the Pacific's "dry zones" where temperatures
remain abnormally low, cooled by upwelling in the sea. The Galapagos
cycle through two distinct seasons: the warm/wet season (January to
June) and the cool/dry season (July to December).
From June to November, the cold Humboldt
Current sweeps northward from the Antarctica. When it reaches the northern
tip of Peru, the southeast trade winds push it toward the Galapagos.
This mass of cold water cools the air and creates an inversion layer
over the islands. The inversion upsets the usual weather pattern associated
with the tropics. While the lowlands are experiencing drought, the highlands
receive misty precipitation locally known as "garua" (pronounced
gah-ru-ah), which means mist in Spanish.
The months of October And November
are transition months, between the hot season (December-May) and the
dry season (June-November). In general days will be alternately sunny
and partly cloudy. Days do not begin with full sunshine, but are rather
cloudy until about 10:00 AM; and as the day warms up the clouds dissipate
and the equatorial sun shines. Clouds return at about 5:00 PM. This
is the general forecast, but guests should not be surprised if one day
the sun shines brightly between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. It is still windy
(the Trade Winds from the southeast), and early morning and late afternoon
activities may feel chilly, so we recommend a light jacket, parka type
(windbreaker). The wind is cool, particularly at the end of the day,
since the temperature of the water does not exceed 72°F-74°F.
Visits to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island may include some very fine
drizzle and mud; lightweight pants and the suggested jacket will come
in very handy.
During the months of December to May,
the cooling currents subside, temperatures rise and the southeast trade
winds and the Humboldt Current vanish. Warm waters flow south from Panama.
Periods of rain are strong but are of short duration. Temperatures are
warm and sunny days outnumber cloudy days. Some years, the flow of warm
water is greater than normal and a phenomenon known as "El Nino"
results. Surface water temperatures climb higher than usual and rainfall
greatly increases. Life on land flourishes, but seabirds and marine
life frequently experience extreme breeding failures.
| Temperatures |
JAN
|
FEB
|
MAR
|
APR
|
MAY
|
JUN
|
JUL
|
AUG
|
SEP
|
OCT
|
NOV
|
DEC
|
| Max. Air Temp. |
84
|
86
|
88
|
86
|
82
|
78
|
76
|
74
|
76
|
77
|
78
|
80
|
| Min. Air Temp. |
70
|
74
|
74
|
72
|
72
|
68
|
66
|
64
|
62
|
64
|
66
|
68
|
| Avg. Sea Temp. |
74
|
76
|
76
|
76
|
74
|
74
|
72
|
66
|
68
|
70
|
72
|
74
|
| Avg. Rainfall (inches) |
1
|
1
|
2
|
1.5
|
.75
|
.25
|
.50
|
.25
|
.50
|
.25
|
.50
|
.50
|
|
Water Temperatures
|
| May to November at Wolf & Darwin: |
74-78 degrees F
|
| May to November in Central Islands: |
65-72 degrees F
|
| December to April at Wolf & Darwin: |
76-80 degrees F
|
| December to April in Central Islands: |
75-78 degrees F
|
(244K PDF)
JANUARY
· Beginning of the rainy season
· Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain
· On Hood (Española) Island adult marine iguanas become
brightly colored (green & red + black)
· The green sea turtles arrive on the beaches to begin egg laying
· Land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela Island
· Both water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until June
· Ideal time for snorkeling
FEBRUARY
· On Floreana (Charles) Island greater flamingos start nesting
· Bahama pintail ducks (Black-tailed pintail) start their breeding
season
· Nazca (masked) boobies on Hood are at the end of their nesting
season
· Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island
· The highest water temperature reaches 77°F. This temperature
remains constant until April
· Very few penguins are sighted at Bartolome Island (most have
followed the cool waters back to the west or near upwelling areas)
· Nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak
MARCH
· In some years March temperatures reaches beyond 86°F.
· The rainy season reaches the highest precipitation (this does
not mean it rains everyday).
· Sporadic tropical rains, intense sun and hot climate. Air temperature
can reach up to 86°F. Humidity is high.
· Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina (Narorough Island).
· March 21st, the beginning of the summer equinox signals the
arrival of the waved albatross to Española (Hood) Island.
· Even the western islands have warm waters where snorkeling
is excellent. Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) can be an amazing
site. Penguins are still active in the water, next to tropical fish
- a bizarre sight!
· Some shores, especially those facing the north side, can receive
deep surge (ola de fondo) coming from the northern currents. Wet landings
at places like Puerto Egas (Santiago or James Island), Gardner Bay (Hood
Island), and Bartolome Island can sometimes be a challenge.
· Snorkelers can remain in the water for longer periods.
APRIL
· Massive arrival of waved albatrosses to Española (Hood)
Island. Amazing courtship starts.
· End of hatching season of the giant tortoises
· Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch
· Eggs of land iguanas hatch on Isabela
· While the rains have ended, the islands are still quite green
· Good visibility in the water for snorkelers
· Perhaps, together with May, the best months in Galapagos (for
weather, animals, water temperature)
MAY
· North Seymour's Blue-footed Boobies begin their courtship
· Sea turtles are still hatching on Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant,
and Puerto Egas (Santiago or james Island)
· Most of marine iguanas' eggs hatch from nests on Santa Cruz
· Palo santo trees begin to shed their foliage
· Waved albatross on Española (Hood) Island start laying
their eggs
· Ban-rumped storm petrels begin their first nesting period
JUNE
· You may just see the beginnings of the garúa season,
when a fine mist can appear.
· Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands
to the lowlands in search of suitable nesting places
· Beginning of the nesting season of giant tortoises
· South east trade winds return. Currents become a bit stronger.
Seas pick up in surge and wave action.
· Many red pouches can be seen on the male magnificent frigatebirds
at North Seymour as they search for a mate.
· Southern migrants have started their journey towards the north.
Galapagos is a rest stop for such birds. Some species of cetaceans (whales,
dolphins and porpoises) also follow this pattern of migration.
· Humpback whales migrating up to equatorial latitudes along
the coast of Ecuador can sometimes be seen around the Galapagos
JULY
· Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), especially
the Blue footed boobies on Española. Flightless cormorants perform
beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina.
· If you walk along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)
you can find American oyster catchers nesting.
· Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November
· Cetaceans (whales & dolphins) are more likely to be observed,
especially off the western coast of Isabela
· Great month to see the four stages of nesting in Blue footed
boobies: eggs, chicks and juveniles.
· Water temperature does not reach more than 68°F.
AUGUST
· Galapagos hawks court on Española (Hood) and Santiago
(James) Islands.
· Nazca (masked) boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls nest on Genovesa
(Tower) Island.
· The temperature of the ocean drops to 64°F, which obviously
varies according to the geographic zones among the islands.
· Migrant shore birds start to arrive, and stay on the islands
until March.
· Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz.
· Oceans are quite choppy, currents at the strongest levels,
surge can be expected along the shores that face west or south.
· Pupping season (births) of sea lions has started. Western and
central islands are common places for such sightings. Peak of the "garúa"
season, when the weather is at its coldest and potentially there is
fog and sea mist in many locations. The air temperature reaches its
lowest levels, 66°F.
· Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome Is.
Since May swimmers and snorkelers can be delighted at Bartolome with
penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater.
· Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage,
and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore
fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones
in terms of sea lions' activities.
· Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting
sites.
SEPTEMBER
· Peak of the "garúa" season, when the weather
is at its coldest and potentially there is fog and sea mist in many
locations. The air temperature reaches its lowest levels, 66°F.
· Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome. Since
May swimmers and snorkelers can be delighted at Bartolome with penguins
active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater.
· Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage,
and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore
fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones
in terms of sea lions' activities.
· Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting
sites.
OCTOBER
· Lava gulls begin nesting until March
· Fur sea lions begin their mating season
· Blue footed boobies raise their chicks all over Española
(Hood), North Seymour and Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island).
· Giant tortoises continue laying their eggs
· Days are not always sunny. A drizzle is common at the beginning
of the day, but later it stops.
· Towards the west of Galapagos dawns are beautiful, due to the
type of clouds present during this season, and to the presence of drizzle
in certain parts of the volcanoes. Summits are clear, but low clouds
cover the coast.
NOVEMBER
· The birth of sea lions continues
· Sea lions are sexually active towards the east of the archipelago.
· It's the breeding season for brown-noddy terns.
· Some species of jellyfish can be seen. The genus Physalia is
common, floating around Gardner and Tortuga Islets, as well as in "flour
beach" of Floreana Island.
· Band-rumped storm petrels start their second reproduction period.
· The sea is calmer and the Trade Winds start to decrease. Water
temperatures slowly rise.
· In general there is fine weather, given the transition between
one season (the dry one) and the next.
· Sea lion pups (especially those of Champion Islet, Floreana
Island), play aqua aerobics with guests doing snorkeling. Most pups
are curious enough to play with the fins of snorkelers. The average
age of the pups is three to four months.
DECEMBER
· Hatching of giant tortoise's eggs begins and lasts until April
· Green sea turtles display their mating behaviour
· The rainy season begins, all of the plants of the dry zone
produce leaves. Galapagos becomes "green"
· The first young waved albatrosses fledge
· Great weather
The
Galapagos, made up of 13 large islands, six smaller islands and over 40
islets, are located in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian
mainland. Its wonders span from the most varied geological formations of
lava flows, blow holes, spatter cones and lava tunnels, and beaches of olive,
white, or black sand, to the most diverse landscapes and species of animal
and plant life.
