April 26, 2017Read time - 3 minutesPart archipelago, part biodiversity showcase, the remarkable volcanic islands of the Galapagos are one of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife viewing. You can enjoy a visit to the Galapagos at any time of the year, but seasonal variations will affect what you’re likely to see. We’ve given you a head start with our selection of the best places to visit in the Galapagos islands with a wildlife calendar to help you plan your visit.Guide to the Galapagos IslandsBartolomeBartolome Island GalapagosNamed after Sir Bartholomew James Sulivan, lieutenant aboard Darwin’s famous HMS Beagle, this tiny island is known for its turtles. Galapagos penguins breed here and Green sea turtles nest on the northern beaches.January: Green sea turtles arrive to lay eggs on the island’s beachesApril: Eggs begin to hatchDecember: Mating seasonEspanolaWaved albatross, GalapagosThe oldest and southernmost island has the only breeding colony in the world for the critically endangered Waved albatross.April: Huge numbers of Waved albatross on Espanola displaying courtship ritualsMay: Waved albatross on Espanola start laying eggsDecember: Chicks fledgeSan CristobalBlue-footed boobiesThe first landing point for Charles Darwin in 1835. Nearby Isla Lobos, reachable by boat, is a big nesting site for Blue-footed boobies.May: Courtship of Blue-footed boobies begins on North SeymourJuly: Blue-footed boobies on Espanola start breedingOctober: Blue-footed boobies start raising chicksIsabelaVolcanic landscapes on IsabelaOne of the youngest and most volcanically active islands with stark lava fields blackening the landscape.January: Land iguanas start breeding on the main island of IsabelaApril: Eggs hatch on IsabellaFernandinaGalapagos penguin, Galapagos islands, EcuadorKnown for volcanic eruptions, Fernandina is one of the richest marine sites. Galapagos penguins thrive in the cold waters.May-December: Nesting season on Fernandina and IsabelaSeptember: See Galapagos penguins in the waterSanta CruzGiant Galapagos Tortoise, Santa Cruz HighlandsWild giant tortoises live in the highlands. The Charles Darwin Research Station, dedicated to ecology preservation, is found here.June: Giant tortoises migrate to the lowlands of Santa Cruz and start nestingDecember-April: Hatching seasonSee our Galapagos Islands trips below.
Galapagos Islands - Cachalote Explorer (Itinerary B) 1 review Sail around the Galapagos Islands by First Class boat Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 10 Days from $10,679 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Islands - Cachalote Explorer (Itinerary A) 24 reviews Sail around the Galapagos Islands by motor yacht Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 10 Days from $10,679 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos & Amazon 19 reviews Ecuador's contrasting ecosystems, from the Amazon jungle to the Galapagos archipelago Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 15 Days from $14,349 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos - In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin NewPremium 2021 + 2022 Dates: Set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage in the wake of Charles Darwin led by award-winning naturalist guides, marine biologists, and natural history experts. Spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, giant tortoises, penguins, and more in luxury on the MV Evolution. Small Ship Cruises Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 9 Days from $13,149 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos - Footsteps Back in Time NewPremium 2021 + 2022 Dates: Naturalist Guides, the Archipelago's best guest-to-guide ratio, mind-blowing wildlife, kayaking, hikes, panga ride, snorkeling, zodiac cruises, and an award-winning luxury yacht make for a once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos adventure like no other. Small Ship Cruises Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 9 Days from $13,549 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise 24 reviews The best of the Galapagos islands' scenery and wildlife Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 17 Days from $16,399 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details