There’s simply no outshining the Galapagos. If the archipelago were a movie set, even the extras would be up for awards. There are giant tortoises – the grande dame of the Galapagos with a lifespan of over a hundred years old – super-evolved marine iguanas adapted to both land and sea, and volcanic islands where the penguins outnumber the people. So, the question is not what you can see but when…
Last month we outlined just some of the reasons why travelling to the Galapagos in Autumn is such a great time to visit. This included the birth of baby sea lions and a high possibility of breaching humpback whales, all with the perks of fewer crowds.
But with the weather, the wildlife, and a host of other reasons, we hadn’t quite finished! Photographers take note, this is the season to get up close and personal to the extraordinary animals with the help of perfect natural lighting. The conditions beneath the waves are perfect for snorkelling, and the marine and bird-life is unique.
So, in no particular order, here are a few more of the many reasons to travel to the archipelago during autumn. In fact, it’s hard to think of a reason not to.
Time for a getaway
With fewer crowds following the peak summer months, and avoiding the school holiday season, these months are ideal for honeymooners and retired explorers looking to enjoy some peace and quiet – with warm temperatures and incredible wildlife spectacles, autumn is widely considered one of the best months for a honeymoon or couple’s getaway. After a day enjoying everything there is to do on an Ecoventura voyage, unwind in the sundeck jacuzzi, cocktail in hand, and watch the world go by as the sun sets over the wide blue ocean. If you have time to spare and are looking for the trip of a lifetime, why not go for back-to-back itineraries to really make this a trip to remember?
A snorkeller’s dream
The Humboldt Current, a cool, nutrient-rich ocean current that comes up from the South America coastline, brings in its wake a multitude of sea creatures looking for a tasty morsel – the marine life at this year is as abundant as it gets, and for the Galapagos that is saying something! As a result, the snorkelling at this time of year is unbeatable – mild weather above, courtesy of the Galapagos Garúa Season, helps to keep the waters clear, and phenomenal displays of marine activity such as playful sealions introducing their pups to the water for the first time, make this one of our most memorable excursions. Enjoy shoals of brightly-coloured tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas and the famous, endemic Galapagos penguins darting through the waves, in some of the greatest snorkelling conditions on the planet.
A birding bonanza
It’s nesting season for many of the island’s most famous and iconic birds, including flightless cormorants, red- and blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, waved albatross, frigate birds and greater flamingos, all putting on colourful displays in the hopes of wooing a mate. The prize for the most comical efforts goes to the famous blue-footed boobies who perform a charming – albeit slightly clumsy – two-step dance aimed to attract an admiring partner. In the very northerly Genovesa island – remote and inaccessible to many vessels and somewhere we visit on Itinerary B – magnificent frigate birds, endemic to the archipelago, inflate their scarlet bulbous throats as a flamboyant seduction technique. It’s also the time of year when baby frigates learn to fly – a must see spectacle.
Photography voyages
Budding photographers need look no further than our latest photography-focused voyages departing on the 16th and 23rd October 2022, and guided by two esteemed experts in the field. For those in the know, the mild temperatures and conditions in the Galapagos at this time of year yields a warm natural glow to any composition, not to mention some unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. So whether it’s capturing endangered waved albatrosses catching the wind or the sun slowly bathing the volcanic land as the morning mist escapes, the conditions are ideal for anyone interested in photography.
Tortoises and turtles
The Galapagos sea turtle – much-loved and popular swimming and snorkelling companions who can often be found bobbing in the bays off the Galapagos’ stunning beaches – mate during the autumn months, meaning they are at their most active. Meanwhile it’s nesting season for Galapagos tortoises, a truly remarkable sight for wildlife enthusiasts. These prehistoric giants thrive in the archipelago, famously living to over 100 years old. In the fall they lay their eggs, guarding over them until the next generation is ready to hatch a few months later. Take your time to enjoy the spectacle – these tortoises tend not to rush!
As always, please feel free to get in touch via our website or by email info@galapagosnetwork.com if you would like to make the most the autumn months have to offer and we would be delighted to help!
