General | Trip Information | Accommodations

The Environment & Weather

There are two primary seasons in Galápagos. Each offers its own advantages for visiting the islands, but the character of each season is different.

December through June is the warmer time of year, with highs in the upper 80s. Although the islands receive more rainfall during this time, most of the lower elevations are quite arid, and there is plenty of sunshine and blue skies with only occasional showers. The sea is at its warmest, and is usually calmer during these months.

The garua season lasts from June or July through November. The garua is a mist that forms in the highlands of the islands, often cloaking the archipelago with early-morning clouds. It typically burns off, leaving plenty of sunshine during the day, but it is less intense. Some travelers prefer this season, since the sun is less powerful. Air temperature is cooler, with highs in the upper 70s or mid-80s. The water temperature is at its coolest, about 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Physical Activities

This trip is rated novice to beginner and is for active travelers who enjoy a combination of activities such as easy nature hikes, snorkeling and swimming, along with limited sea kayaking and mountain biking. The most strenuous part of the trip is the 6-hour roundtrip hike to the top of 4,890-foot Sierra Negra Caldera on Isabela Island. Those who choose to join in this hike should be fit, experienced hikers; others can simply skip this part of the tour and relax at the hotel or participate in an alternate activity that will be offered.

Our hikes ashore are arranged to maximize wildlife viewing. Hikes typically last from 1-2 hours over easy, well-marked trails (though the hike up Sierra Negra, described above, is longer and more taxing). We recommend high-quality supportive footwear to protect your feet from the sometimes-uneven terrain, as well as hot sand, rocks, and sharp lava. A closed-toe sport sandal is usually sufficient, though some guests prefer a sturdier day hiker or athletic shoe. We also travel by boat into Galápagos National Park on full-day excursions during which we typically hike and snorkel.

Snorkeling in Galápagos is a must! We spend time everyday in the water swimming and snorkeling. Some snorkel trips are more challenging, requiring good swimming skills in strong currents (and are thus optional), but we will always snorkel in groups to ensure safety for less-confident swimmers. We provide life jackets for less-experienced swimmers or anyone who wants one.

At least one sea-kayaking excursion is included for the entire group, suitable for paddling novices and kayaking enthusiasts alike, and we try to include more opportunities as they are available, though avid kayakers with advanced skills will find the paddling options somewhat limited. Our paddling philosophy in Galápagos is not to cover distance but to explore natural habitats in the best way possible: up close. The Galápagos National Park naturalist who will accompany our group at all times is also a trained kayaking guide.

Mountain biking on this trip is limited to one outing in the Santa Cruz highlands, but it is a fun change of pace and suitable for anyone who is comfortable on a bike. The terrain can be fairly rugged and slippery in places, but it's fine to cycle at as slow a pace as one is comfortable with, should conditions prove challenging.