April 26, 2017 Read time - 3 minutes Part 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 Islands Bartolome Bartolome Island Galapagos Named 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 beaches April: Eggs begin to hatch December: Mating season Espanola Waved albatross, Galapagos The 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 rituals May: Waved albatross on Espanola start laying eggs December: Chicks fledge San Cristobal Blue-footed boobies The 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 Seymour July: Blue-footed boobies on Espanola start breeding October: Blue-footed boobies start raising chicks Isabela Volcanic landscapes on Isabela One 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 Isabela April: Eggs hatch on Isabella Fernandina Galapagos penguin, Galapagos islands, Ecuador Known 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 Isabela September: See Galapagos penguins in the water Santa Cruz Giant Galapagos Tortoise, Santa Cruz Highlands Wild 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 nesting December-April: Hatching season See our Galapagos Islands trips below.
Galapagos Islands - Cachalote Explorer (Itinerary B) 1 review Sail around the Galapagos Islands by First Class boat Wildlife Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 10 Days from $9,449 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Islands - Cachalote Explorer (Itinerary A) 24 reviews Sail around the Galapagos Islands by motor yacht Wildlife Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 10 Days from $9,449 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos & Amazon 19 reviews Ecuador's contrasting ecosystems, from the Amazon jungle to the Galapagos archipelago Wildlife Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 15 Days from $12,749 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos - In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin New Platinum Discover the Galapagos in comfort with world-class service on the MV Evolution Small Ship Cruises Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos - Footsteps Back in Time New Platinum Spectacular landscapes and distinct endemic wildlife that so intrigued Darwin Small Ship Cruises Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise 24 reviews The best of the Galapagos islands' scenery and wildlife Wildlife Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 17 Days from $15,379 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details