When is the best time for a Galapagos cruise? Book a cruise during the dry season (June to November) is the most common advice. And there’s no denying, this is a great time of year to explore the Galapagos Islands. But there are more factors to consider.
The best time really depends on what you want to see and do. For example, divers often choose a different time of year than a family with young children.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best time for a Galapagos cruise, according to specific objectives and traveler types.
Here's what you need to know:
- Two Seasons: There are just two seasons on the equator (wet and dry). And the actual weather doesn’t change as much as you might be used to.
- Three Currents: The weather is influenced by three ocean currents. They are the Panama Current (warm), Humboldt Current (cold), and the Cromwell Current. These currents control the weather and climate, sea conditions, and animals you’ll see.
- Peak Tourist Season: June to August and mid-December through early January.
Best Time to Cruise the Galapagos: There is no best month or season. Every month brings a new reason to visit.
6 Best Times to Visit The Galapagos
Here are the best times to cruise the Galapagos Islands, by traveler priorities.
- Best for Birding (Dry Season): June to November. Peak seabird breeding and nesting during July and August.
- Best for Diving (Dry Season): June to November. Peak time for hammerheads, whale sharks, and penguins.
- Best for Calmer Seas (Wet Season): December to May. Better snorkeling visibility.
- Best for Families (Wet Season): December to May. Warmer, calmer waters and good snorkeling make this a great time for young children.
- Best for Smaller Crowds: May to June, September to early November.
- Best Value: Select shoulder season (away from summer and winter vacation times in North America) for more availability and lower cost for your luxury Galapagos cruise.
Both Galapagos Seasons Compared
Wet Season (December to May)
- Air Temperatures: mid 80s°F / high 20s°C.
- Water temperatures: mid 70s°F / low 20s°C.
The wet season is noticeably warmer than the dry season. Great snorkeling visibility and calmer, warmer water. Short, intense showers in the afternoons.
Dry Season (June to November)
- Air Temperatures: high 70s°F / mid 20s°C.
- Water temperatures: low 70s°F / low 20s°C.
The dry season is known as the garúa season, named after the fog that forms in the highlands. The dry season is cooler than the wet season. While it rains less, the dry season is also marked by cloudier skies.
Which season is best for your Galapagos cruise? Each season presents unique features for your private charter cruise. Here’s more about what to expect during each season.
Galapagos Wildlife by Season
Every month is a great time to see wildlife in the Galapagos. Changing weather and water currents mean that you’ll see different animals and activity during different seasons.
Wet / Warm Season Animal Highlights (December to May)
- Giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch from December to April.
- Green sea turtles display mating behavior (December) and begin nesting on sandy beaches (January).
- Marine iguanas nest on several islands (Santa Cruz in February, Fernandina in March). Eggs hatch in May.
- Land iguana eggs hatch on Isabela (April).
- Waved albatrosses arrive on Española and begin courtship dance.
- Ideal snorkeling season, with calm, warm water.
Dry / Cool Season Animal Highlights (June to November)
- Blue-footed booby courtship display can be seen between June and August.
- Whales and dolphins can be viewed (July), especially off of Isabela Island.
- Seabird breeding season is very active (July), thanks to changing currents that bring large schools of fish.
- Migrant shore birds begin to arrive in August.
- Sea lion pupping season begins in August; many beaches are busy with pups and cows (female sea lion).
To help you make your decision, check out our Wildlife Activity Calendar for more detail by month.
Need help sorting it out? Book a free call with our travel specialists to select the best time for your Galapagos cruise.
Galapagos High and Low Season: Crowds & Availability
While visitor numbers are fairly constant year-round, there are two high seasons to consider when planning your cruise:
Galapagos High Season
Galapagos High Season is affected primarily by North American and European holidays and not the changing seasons.
- Mid-June to August, summer holidays in North America and Europe.
- Mid-December to mid-January, Christmas and New Year travel.
Galapagos Low Season
While there isn’t really a low season like in other destinations, some months have few overall visitors.
- May, September, and November: Visiting during these months can mean fewer crowds and better cabin availability. If you can be flexible on your dates, consider these months.
Check current availability on our Galapagos deals page. Our seasonal planning chart can help you sort the best month for your trip.
Seasonal Food
There are some local foods that you can enjoy, depending on when you visit. During your Galapagos trip, you might enjoy some of these favorites.
- Canchalagua: This rare mollusk is harvested on a unique schedule. They can be collected between midnight and dawn on a full moon, on a low tide. On one of our visits to Floreana Island, a long-time resident served us a seafood pizza topped with canchalagua, which was delicious.
- Spiny Lobster: Fishing season runs July/August to December. The actual dates vary each year. While spiny lobster is found in many countries, the ones found in the Galapagos are known for a larger, meatier tail.
- Fresh Catch: Including Wahoo, Bacalao, Tuna. Fished throughout the year, depending on ocean currents and local regulations.
- Tropical Fruits: Locally harvested oranges, guavas, papaya, and passion fruit are available in season. They are used onboard to make juice, snacks, and desserts.
Learn more about local Galapagos foods.
Year-Round Galapagos Cruising Highlights
While there are many changing factors throughout the year, many things remain the same all year. Here are some of the highlights.
- Wildlife is Resident: While some animals are migratory, many must-see animals are resident in the islands year-round. These include sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises.
- Wildlife Has (Almost) No Fear of Humans: Galapagos animals are famously unbothered by visitors, and this remains constant all year.
- Temperatures Remain Constant: While there are variations in air and water temperatures over the year, they remain mild with no actual “cold” season.
- Day Length is Constant. Because of its location on the equator, every day is roughly 12 hours - sunrise at 6 AM and sunset at 6 PM. There is just a variance of 15 minutes over the year.
- Geology and Landscapes Don’t Change: Lava fields, volcanoes, and beaches remain constant year-round.
- Galapagos Flights: Trip logistics remain the same year-round; you’ll always fly from Quito or Guayaquil.
Need help sorting it out? Book a free call with our travel specialists to select the best time for your Galapagos cruise.
