Events in the Galapagos

Close to 20 Islands with sparse population and a delicate eco system does not make for events and theatres as the term generally conveys. But, anything that is available to fill that space is eventually related to Mother Nature. The type of events in Galapagos cannot be found elsewhere on this planet. Yet all through the year, there are exotic events albeit in the company of some of the wildlife and plant life species which will certainly leave indelible imprints in your minds.

January - March

January is the ideal time for snorkeling and marks the beginning of rainy season in Galapagos Islands. After the first rains, the land birds start nesting. On the Espanola, you can watch the adult male marine iguanas becoming brightly colored. February will see the nesting season of Galapagos does reaching its peak. Water temperatures rise to 25 degrees which is the highest for the region and stays so till about April. During March, among the events in Galapagos will be the arrival of waved albatross to Espanola.

April - June

Massive arrival of the Waved albatross can be seen in Espanola and marks the beginning of their courtship. For giant tortoises, the hatching season ends in April. Land Iguanas and sea turtles also begin to hatch during this period. For the connoisseur of nature some of these should double up as theatre in Galapagos or concerts in Galapagos – of different beats though. The month of May again will be busy hatching and nesting season for a variety of species in different Islands. June marks the beginning of nesting season for the giant tortoises. They move from high lands to low lands during this time to find nesting places suitable for them.

Sports in Galapagos also lie in the domain of life other than the humans, but there are plenty. The human population however is sparse and scattered over the tiny islands.

July-September

The major event for July is the likely appearance of whales particularly off the west coast of Isabela. Come August and the ocean temperatures recede to 18 degrees Celsius and the migrant shore birds start arriving to stay on till March. September is the month particularly for Sea Lions which are very active in central and western parts of the Archipelago. Penguins too are remarkably active on Bartolome and continue to be so till December.

October-December

October is the time when the Galapagos fur seals start their marine period. November marks the sexual activity in sea lions. The ‘Band-romped storm Petrels’ also start their second round of nesting activity during this time. Come December and the giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch lasting until April. The rainy season arrives and plant life becomes green again.

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