Immediately after the polar regions (Antarctica and Arctic), the Galápagos Islands score highest on the destination interests of small-ship travel seekers. However, unlike the polar regions, they can be visited by ship at any time of year.

This remarkable volcanic archipelago, set adrift in the Pacific and so closely connected with Charles Darwin, is a living museum of evolution where sea lions bask on beaches, iguanas dive for algae, and seabirds display courtship dances just a few feet from visitors.

But while the wildlife is always there and in many cases endemic to the Islands, a traveller's experience changes dramatically with the seasons. Weather, sea conditions, breeding cycles, and even pricing all vary depending on when you sail. Choosing the best time to visit by cruise ship isn’t about finding the “right” month, but about matching your voyage to what you most want to see and how you prefer to travel.

Unlike destinations with dramatic winters and summers, the Galápagos cycle between two main seasons, shaped by the Panama and Humboldt currents. Both seasons are rewarding, but they feel very different at sea and on shore.

Many travel professionals regard this as the most comfortable time for travel. Days are sunny and warm, seas are calmer, and water temperatures hover around 24–28°C (75–82°F).

• Snorkelling: Gentle seas and warmer water make for long, easy sessions with sea lions, turtles, and a variety of tropical fish. Visibility is often excellent for snorkelling, an activity which will be offered by most expedition cruise ships in the region.
• On Land: Afternoon showers bring the highlands to life. Landscapes turn green and fertile, with flowers blooming across volcanic slopes.
• Wildlife: Sea turtles nest on beaches, marine iguanas display vivid breeding colours, and blue-footed boobies perform their famous dances. Waved albatrosses arrive on Española in April to begin their courtship.

Practical Notes: This is high season for tourism, especially around Christmas, New Year, and spring break. Cruises often sell out months in advance, and prices are higher.

The cool season feels mistier and moodier. Air temperatures dip to 18–24°C (65–75°F), and seas can be choppier, but this is when the islands’ marine ecosystems come alive with life.

• Marine Life: The Humboldt Current delivers nutrient-rich waters that attract penguins, cormorants, rays, and vast schools of fish. Divers may encounter hammerheads, whale sharks, and feeding frenzies.
• On land, the lowlands dry out, but the highlands remain green under a cover of garúa mist. The atmosphere feels wilder and more dramatic.
• Wildlife: Sea lion pups are born, penguins are especially active, and flightless cormorants display. Whale sharks appear around Wolf and Darwin Islands.

Practical Notes: Snorkelling and diving require wetsuits, and crossings can be rougher. But visitor numbers are lower outside of the school holiday peaks, and cruise fares can be more competitive.

• January–March: Warmest seas and calm conditions. Sea turtles nest, marine iguanas mate, and brief tropical showers turn the islands green.
• April–May: Often regarded as the best time to visit by ship, with lush vegetation, calm seas, and dramatic courtship displays. Waved albatrosses arrive in April.
• June–July: Cooler seas and garúa mists. Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds display in full force. Penguins become more active.
• August–September: Seas are rougher, but marine life peaks. Whale sharks are often sighted, and bait balls of fish draw predators.
• October–November: A transition period. Sea lion pups are playful in the shallows, penguin activity is high, and underwater conditions balance between clarity and productivity.
• December: Warm season returns. Tortoises nest, skies are clear, and seas are calm for holiday sailings.

One of the joys of the Galápagos is that wildlife is always present, and particular species are endemic, meaning you will only see them in the wild here. However, its behaviour changes with the months.

• Year-round: Sea lions, marine iguanas, crabs, lava lizards, and giant tortoises (though they migrate across habitats).
• Warm/Wet Season: Sea turtle nesting, marine iguanas in brilliant breeding colours, and seabirds performing elaborate displays.
• Cool/Dry Season: Penguins and cormorants are more active, sea lion pups are born, and cold currents draw rich marine life.

Seasonal Spectacle and ExplorEarth favourite: The waved albatross on Española is one of the world’s most iconic courtship displays, a must-see between April and December.

The Galápagos Islands are one of the most tightly regulated national parks in the world. Your choice of ship shapes not only shapes your experience but also your impact on the ecosystem. Ships that are permitted to cruise the Islands must have Ecuadorian guides and be flagged by the Country, too, which means many operators cannot operate there. 

• Small Yachts (16–32 guests): Intimate, flexible itineraries, fewer people per landing, and a lighter footprint. Ideal for those seeking a close and personal experience.
• Mid/Large Ships (48–100 guests): More stable in rough seas, better suited for families or those prone to seasickness. Multiple zodiacs allow efficient landings.
• Sustainability Practices: Look for operators with renewable energy systems, no single-use plastics, local staffing, and conservation partnerships.

By choosing responsibly, you help protect the islands’ fragile habitats while enjoying a world-class expedition.

There’s no bad time to visit the Galápagos, only different seasons that highlight different aspects of these remarkable islands.

For comfort, warmth, and lush scenery, choose the December–May warm/wet season, or for dramatic marine encounters and cooler explorations, the June–November cool/dry season is best.

Whichever you choose, exploring by expedition cruise ship allows you to visit multiple islands while following strict conservation rules. With a sustainable operator, your voyage will not only be unforgettable, it will help ensure that the Galápagos remain pristine for generations to come.