It is quite common for potential travellers to ask what is the best
time to visit the Galapagos islands,for cruise or tour in the islands,
and usually they will ask why that time is the best time. The correct
answer has two variations: first, let’s start by saying there is no bad
time to visit the Galapagos islands. In other words, any month is worth
visiting the islands. The second answer may be more specific, and thus
the best time to come to the Galapagos islands are the transition
months. To understand this answer, and be able to explain the real
reasons, we must go back to the climate pattern of the archipelago
Galapagos.
Since the islands have two extreme seasons, which
trigger the beginning or the end of reproduction for most species,
there are months that combine these two phases and can evidence
incredible wildlife contacts. These are the transition months.
Therefore, one transition occurs between the hot season and the dry
season (April to June), and another one between the dry season and the
hot season (November to January). These are six months of the year
where Galapagos turns very special due to the mixing of natural events
happening at about the same time. For example:
• Northern Cetaceans migrate southward
• Southern migratory birds migrate northward
• Frigate birds inflate their gular pouches for pair bonding
• Sea lions establish their territories
• Blue-footed boobies start their courtship rituals
• Warm waters arrive to the islands (viva snorkeling!)
• Waved albatrosses have returned to Española (Hood) Island
• Marine iguanas start egg-laying season
Months
like April, May, June, November, December and January are months when
all natural events may happen at once. This does not mean the rest of
the year is not worth visiting the islands. On the contrary, the rest
of the year includes months that reflect the specific beauty of many
unique species of the Galapagos. The month of May, for example, is
considered by many to be the most spectacular month of the whole year
in Galapagos. Come and see it yourself.
Production, research and edition
Sylvia Moncayo, Francisco Dousdebés, Santiago Tamayo, Gonzalo Alvarez, submit & final edition by Jorge Alvarado
Produced by Metropolitan Touring, more info
http://www.galapagosvoyage.com News.
