Climate

Galapagos is generally is hot & humid with frequent afternoon showers. The climate is influenced by its location along the equator, the cold Humboldt Ocean current flowing from Antarctica, the annual El Niño phenomenon, and by the mountains of the larger islands which trap moisture from the prevailing ocean winds.

However, the islands are dry due to the hard, impermeable basalt from the volcanic eruptions and the equatorial heat. In the Galapagos, strong southeasterly winds are usually present between July & October.  Although the sea is generally calm, rough seas are present in September through October, and are accompanied by some fog and mist.

During the warm season (December – May) the temperature ranges from 77°F (25°C) through 84°F (29°C).  During the cold season (June – November) the temperature ranges from 74°F (23°C) through 77°F (25°C).

From December through May the average water temperature is 75°F (24°C).  This is the warmest season and the ideal time for diving.   From June through November the average water temperature is 72°F (22°C) being September the coldest month.

Recommendations:

Clothing: We recommend casual, comfortable, and light clothing. Two pairs of sneakers or comfortable walking shoes, hiking shoes, shorts, and light t-shirts are recommended for use during the day and the excursions.  For the evening long-sleeve shirts, a light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. A hat, sunglasses, and sun block lotion are a must to protect you from the sun.

Luggage: A limit of 20 kg. per person is allowed by the airlines. To avoid additional luggage charges extra luggage should be left at your hotel in Quito or Guayaquil if possible.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CULTURE

Scientific Tourism in the Galapagos Islands

Ecuadorian and foreign scientists are at constant work in Puerto Ayora on the Santa Cruz island researching and developing projects for the preservation of reptile, bird, and plant species. The Charles Darwin Research Station, created in 1959, carries out educational projects while helping to serve the Galapagos National Park.

The station’s focus is the conservation of natural resources, as well as implementing other initiatives to help with the management of the flora and fauna in the area.  These initiatives include various programs to help manage the extraction of natural resources.  Other programs run by the station are related to environmental education, marine resources, and marine agriculture mainly through control and vigilance. The center’s objective is to maintain the delicate habitat of the area while allowing tourists to enjoy the unique and endemic species of this reserve.

The Islands

The Galapagos Islands are home to many islands on which tourists can appreciate and explore the pristine state of the complex, constantly evolving ecosystem that has made the Galapagos so famous.

Santa Cruz is the second largest island and is located in the center of the archipelago.  Puerto Ayora is located on this island and is where you can find the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park Center headquarters.  The Gemelos craters are evidence of the ongoing volcanic activity in the islands.

On North Seymour Island, there are colonies of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies that coexist and share their nesting areas.  Sea lions are often seen in the bay.

Bartolomé islet is home of Galapagos’ most representative landmark: The Pinnacle Rock.  Around this rock one can find penguins and an overwhelming variety of marine life.  The island also has various volcanic formations of different colors.

Despite their size, the Plazas Islands are known for their abundant flora and fauna.  This is an important habitat for sea lions, iguanas, cactus, and seagulls.

Santa Fe Island is one of the smallest and oldest islands in Galapagos.  It is known for its abundant forests of the giant Opuntia cactus.

San Cristobal Island is one of the oldest islands and is where the archipelago’s capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno lies.  On this island one can find Laguna El Junco which is the largest freshwater lake in the archipelago, and La Galapaguera breeding station for tortoises.

On Española Island, you can appreciate the dance of the Blue-footed Booby or the courting of the Waved Albatross.  Here you can see unique animal species such as the Española Mockingbird and the Española Lava Lizard.

On Floreana Island you can visit Post Office Bay, the Black Beach, Flamingo lagoon, Cormorant Point, or The Pirates’ Caves. There are also areas to scuba dive such as La Corona del Diablo.

Isabela Island is the largest island in Galapagos and consists of 6 active volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. The enormous amount of lava expelled from these volcanoes formed this island.  Isabella is one of the youngest islands in the archipelago.

Santiago Island is well known for having some of the best and most accessible scuba diving spots in the Galapagos Islands, and also because it offers the chance to walk between lava flow formations all the way to the volcanic peak of Bartolomé, where furry seals and sea lions dwell.

Sports and Adventure Tourism

In certain areas of the Galapagos Marine Reserve it is possible to partake in both deep or shallow diving and  have close-up contact with the impressive aquatic species of the sea such as: coral reefs, whales, whale sharks, hammer head sharks, sting rays, manta rays, swordfish, turtles, and many others. In the depths of the sea, there are strong ocean currents and the impressive extrusions of lava that shouldn’t be missed by divers while they are enjoying the exotic marine wildlife. Other marine habitats are formed of rocky bottoms, vertical walls, and mangroves. The area is sometimes affected by natural phenomena, such as cold water currents and the effects of El Niño.  The Galapagos Marine Reserve encompasses an area of over 133,000 square km.

Diving in the Archipelago is one of the greatest adventures possible. The area is considered one of the seven most important regions in the world for divers. Islands such as Santiago, Bartolome, and Floreana (Devil’s Crown) offer excellent diving opportunities. One of the most interesting tours passes through the lava formations of the island of Santiago. The richness of the Galapagos sea life is mainly due to cold water coming up from the deep, in this way bringing nutrients to the light zone. The diversity of the species is mainly due to the position of Galapagos on the crossroads of the main East Pacific Equatorial Currents, where tropical and semi-tempered waters meet, allowing animals from all over the Pacific and some parts of the Indo-Pacific to arrive here.