best time of year to visit galapagos island
Best Time to Visit galapagos island
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique and captivating destinations in the world. Their location on the equator gives them a warm, tropical climate year-round, but there are certain times of the year when visiting the islands is particularly rewarding.
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is during the dry season, which runs from June to November. This is the time when the water temperatures are at their coolest, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The visibility during this time is also best for diving and underwater photography. During the dry season, the sea currents bring nutrient-rich cold water to the islands, which attracts a lot of marine life including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and turtles. This makes it an excellent time for wildlife viewing.
June to November is also the time when the famous Galapagos tortoises begin nesting and hatching. If you visit during this time, you can witness these majestic creatures laying their eggs and watch the hatchlings make their way to the sea. Another highlight of visiting during this time is the arrival of several species of sea birds that come to the islands to breed, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and albatross.
On the other hand, visiting the Galapagos Islands during the wet season, which runs from December to May, can still be a great experience with its own unique attractions. During this time, the sea is warmer and calmer, making it easier to snorkel and swim. This is also the time when the lush vegetation reaches its peak, and many of the plant species come into bloom. This creates a beautiful landscape with an abundance of colorful flowers, cacti, and succulents.
During the wet season, visitors can also witness the mating and nesting behaviors of the land birds and animals, such as the Galapagos penguins and the sea turtles. This is also the time when the number of sea lions on the islands increases, and they can be seen basking in the sun, playing in the water, or nursing their young.
In conclusion, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is during the dry season from June to November, especially for wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and diving. However, a visit during the wet season from December to May can also be enjoyable with its own unique attractions, and it can be a good option for travelers who are interested in plants and land-based wildlife more than marine life.