Your Monthly Guide to Galapagos’ Unique Fauna

Your monthly guide to Galapagos' unique fauna

Having been isolated from the mainland for thousands of years, the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands has evolved in unique and fascinating ways. These endemic animals continue to inspire visitors today as they did with Charles Darwin in 1835. Giant turtles, playful sea lions, little penguins, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas are among the most captivating and sought after species.

Most of the animals that can be found in the Galapagos are visible all year round. However, certain events only occur at certain times of the year and on certain specific islands. If you want to see albatrosses on land, it is best to plan your trip between March and December with an itinerary that includes the island of Spain. If you are interested in the Galapagos penguins, you had better embark on a route through the western part of the archipelago.

In this article you will find a calendar with the various events related to the most picturesque animals of the Galapagos:

January

January is the breeding season for marine iguanas, and is when you can see males with green and reddish colors on their skin to attract the female of the species. Marine iguanas are distributed throughout the archipelago, but the best place to see them is Fernandina Island, which is home to the largest colony of marine iguanas.

During this month, if luck is favorable, we can also see sea turtles making their annual pilgrimage to lay their eggs on the beaches of the same island where they were born.

February

February marks the start of the flamingo nesting season on Floreana Island. The flamingos gather in groups to perform an elaborate dance and display their bright pink primary feathers as part of their mating ritual. Witnessing this ritual is a truly unforgettable experience.

March

In March, the Galapagos albatross begins to return to Isla Española after several months of absence. With a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), it is the largest seabird in the world. This bird can only be found on Española Island at the eastern end of the archipelago.

April

The first hatchlings of sea turtles begin to emerge in April. At night, hundreds of small turtles can be seen crossing the beach. Pacific green turtles are found on the beaches of Isabela and Fernandina Islands.

May

In May, bird watchers can witness the special mating ritual of the blue-footed boobies. The male will display his feet in a carefully choreographed dance. The color of her feet is especially important when finding a mate because her pigmentation is an indicator of her ability to feed. One of the best places to watch this dance is North Seymour Island.

June

In June, the dances of the blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island coincide with the frigate mating season. During this time, the flashy males begin to inflate their giant red pouches, extending from their beaks to their breasts.

July

While it is quite likely to see dolphins in the Galapagos at any time of the year, the water temperature brings them closer to the Galapagos coast during the summer months. July offers the best opportunity to see whales and dolphins in the Galapagos, especially between the channel that separates the Fernandina and Isabela Islands, only accessible by cruises. 24 species of dolphins and whales inhabit the Galapagos Marine Reserve, including orcas, humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.

August

August marks the start of the Galapagos hawk breeding season. One of the largest birds in the archipelago, this species of falcon is found on the islands of Spain, Santiago and Fernandina.

September

Although Galapagos penguins inhabit the western islands throughout the year, they are closer to central islands, such as Bartolomé or Santiago, during this time.

Of the 18 species of penguins in the world, Galapagos penguins are the smallest, weighing around two kilograms. It is the only species of penguin found north of the equator.

October

Breeding of Galapagos fur seals begins in October and continues through December. It is possible to see groups of this species so unique in the Fernandina and Isabela Islands, but especially in Santiago.

During this month, we also start to see blue-footed boobies raising their newborn chicks on North Seymour Island.

November

As the sea begins to calm down and the water temperature rises, we will be able to enjoy excellent visibility while snorkeling or diving. Baby seals will be several months old and at their most playful stage, approaching swimmers to play with them. Some of the best places to snorkel on the islands are Devil's Crown, Kicker Rock, Punta Espinoza, or Tagus Cove.

December

One of the most exciting natural events occurs between December and March: the hatching of giant tortoises. Weighing up to 250 kg (550 lb), the Galapagos giant tortoise is the largest living turtle species in the world. They grow very slowly and often live for over 100 years.

Carlos Beate is the commercial director of Andando Tours. Andando Tours offers exclusive travel experiences, specializing in sailing around the Galapagos Islands and by land along the magnificent Avenue of Volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes. If you are interested in becoming a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to enhance your profile, please contact us.