Unlike many destinations, there really is no bad time of year to travel to the Galapagos. Having said that, certain times of year bring particular events and experiences that you won’t see at any other time. While the high season runs through the Northern Hemisphere summer months, fall is undoubtedly one of the best times to travel to what Darwin called ‘a little world within itself.’
The perks? To name a few – no crowds, more flexibility and out-of-this-world nature shows with some thrilling wildlife appearances. This could be anything from colossal blue whales breaching the Bolivar Channel to new-born seal pups swimming for the first time. Not to mention perfect snorkelling and diving conditions, and milder temperatures for those island hikes.
The list is long, but we’ve rounded up just a few of the many reasons why you should travel to the Galapagos during the autumn months:
Avoid the Crowds
In possibly the most sought-after wildlife destination in the world, fewer people means you can forge deeper connections with the unique environment and some of the planet’s most extraordinary creatures. Steering clear of the summer holidays, fall typically sees fewer visitors coming to the islands. Linger longer with our naturalist guides to learn about the history and biodiversity of the Galapagos. Enjoy the stunning nature on show in these special months – more on that below! – and bask in the natural beauty of this veritable paradise as you enjoy having the islands largely to yourself.
New arrivals
Around September and October, breeding season brings on a frenzy of the cutest encounters. Galapagos sea lions and fur seals monopolise the shores with new-born pups, a truly thrilling sight. Watch these cuter-than-cute creatures wrestling on the beach, their rumpled skin barely discernible in the sand, or as they take to the water for the first time to test their newfound swimming skills – a sure-fire bucket-list adventure for any self-respecting snorkeller!
Whale watching
If you’ve dreamt of spotting whales and dolphins, fall in the Galapagos is certainly the time to spot them. Our Volcanic Wonders itinerary takes you to Fernandina, a charcoal, rugged island on the westernmost part of the archipelago. To get there, you need to cross the Bolivar Channel, a narrow passage where the cool nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt current draw a host of humpbacks, sperm whales and orcas, even magnificent blue whales have been seen at this time of year. There are few sights in the natural world as breathtaking as these vast creatures breaching the surface. As well as whales, pods of dolphins are found in large numbers, following the pangas and riding the waves alongside the yacht!
Ideal weather
Let’s face it, chasing some sunshine is one of the principal reasons why people travel. The Galapagos enjoys year-round warm temperatures, but the real seasonal variations are distinguished by whether it’s wet or dry. The good news is that while the islands play host to wet, warm weather typically from January to April, you can expect drier days from September through to early December. Warm, but not scorching temperatures – daytime highs reach about 77°F (around 25°C) – offer the perfect climate for trekking across lava fields, strolling clifftops and kayaking and snorkelling in the warm waters around the islands.
Fall promotion
As if the above wasn’t reason enough to book a trip this autumn, to celebrate our favourite season we’re offering a 15% discount on selected departures on our luxury expedition ships, Origin and Theory. It’s an unmissable chance to experience top-notch guiding, Relais & Chateaux-worthy cuisine and quality, a host of excursions and activities to keep you busy, and of course wildlife and nature beyond compare on this remarkable archipelago.
In the words of one happy passenger who recently came on a voyage with us: “The entire experience has been wonderful. The crew were so professional and friendly and the guides’ knowledge and skill really made the experience one-of-a-kind. The Galapagos is a magnificent place and I can’t think of a better way to see it than with Ecoventura!”
Like what you hear? Feel free to get in touch so we can help you plan your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
