Although it’s a year-round destination, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. Depending on the month and season, each island is different and has something unique to offer. The Archipelago has a hot, tropical climate and experiences two distinctive seasons: a warm (also known as rainy) season from December to May and a dry season from June to November.
Even though the Galapagos Islands are distributed on both sides of the Equator line, the bathing suit and a pair of flip flops are by far not enough to spend a few days in Charles Darwin’s paradise. If you're planning a vacation in the Archipelago and you can’t wait to visit as much as possible, walk along giant tortoises or snorkel with tropical fish and sea lions while above you fly blue-footed boobies or frigate birds, don't forget the following:
Making a travel budget is an important part of planning a trip, especially if you go to the Galapagos Islands. Of course, it depends on everyone’s style for traveling, but you shouldn't miss the opportunity to take advantage of everything this incredible place has to offer. Visit several islands on day trips, eat fresh-caught tuna from the ocean, and visit as much as possible.
With incredible diving spots and stunning landscapes offering a magnificent contrast between its green hills and beautiful white, black or purple sand beaches, Floreana is the smallest of the four inhabited islands of the Galapagos Islands. Located in the south part of the Archipelago, the island was a well-known stopping point for pirates and whale hunters in the past.
Formed 2 million years ago as a result of the eruption of a submarine volcano, North Seymour is one of the uninhabited islands of the Archipelago, located north of Baltra. Because it hosts the largest colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds is considered the most beautiful island in Galapagos for birdwatching.
Thought to be at least 3,9 million years old, Santa Fe, also called Barrington Island after British Admiral Samuel Barrington, is one of the oldest islands in Galapagos. Covered by a thick forest of giant prickly pear cactae (unique to Santa Fe), this small, uninhabited island is home to many endemic species, including Santa Fe land iguana, Santa Fe mockingbird, Santa Fe rice rat and Santa Fe lava-lizard.
Playa de la Estacion is a small beach on the right side of the main road to Charles Darwin Research Station, home to dozens of marine iguanas, sharks or rays that you can spot near the shore. Due to very strong currents and sharp volcanic rocks on the shoreline, the beach is more appreciated for the view than for snorkeling or swimming.
Home to many endemic wildlife such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, crabs, marine turtles, sharks and rays, Tortuga Bay is one of the largest beaches on Santa Cruz Island. It has two areas, the open beach where currents are very strong, suitable for surfing, and a beautiful lagoon where you can swim.
