Galapagos Climate satelite photoClimate changes in Galapagos Islands: what makes the islands an outstanding destination February is the most mportant month during the Hot Season.

In this time of the year, the islands not only adopt an emerald-green color, and turn humid and balmy warm, but many species start reproducing now.

For these, this time is the only one where they have their best chance to pass their genes to a next generation. Thus, February is a month when lots of unique and exciting things exclusively happen.

The experience is quite unique for our guests, and no one should miss seeing this amazing realm. Couple of highlights include the Marine Iguanas (especially those in Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island and Punta Suárez, Española Island) with eye-catching colors, and nesting behaviour.

But of course, the most committed effort goes to the frigate birds. Males will display their scarlet-red gular pouches as they try to attract a passing female. Such wildlife encounters will continue until the end of April, but it is during February, March and April where the most rewarding natural events and wildlife encounters will occur.

The marine environment deserves special attention, since the warm waters stationed at the Panamic Province, are ready to head down south, while bathing the Galápagos. We expect water temperatures to range between 24ºC and 27ºC (76ºF – 80ºF), and visibility to be generally good (15-18 metres; 50-60 feet). Having a marine tropical ecosystem next to penguins and sea lions (that come from much colder and temperate environments) is another enriching wildlife experience.

What other tropical destination on Earth has a penguin? Of course, zoos don’t count! The Galápagos Marine Reserve will delight every single explorer, particularly at the most western islands of the archipelago (Isabela & Fernandina). Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat outings are adventures you should not miss.

Looking at the calendar of events, we see Galápagos as the world of perpetual change, and these are the most relevant natural events expected to happen for the February – March – April period:

• The Hot Season is at its best days.
• The islands are almost fully green (vegetation) due to more humidity and occasional showers.
• Reproduction of land reptiles, as well as land birds.
• Great frigate birds have engaged in full courtship and nesting.
• Large flocks of blue-footed boobies feeding out in the west of Galápagos (Isabela & Fernandina Islands).
• Arrival of first waved albatrosses to Española Island (end of March).
• Virtual absence of south-east trade winds. This implies most waters remain calm within the islands.
• Sunrises and sunsets (specially out in the west) are simply spectacular.
• March 10th: 471st Anniversary of the discovery of Galápagos Islands by Bishop Tomás de Berlanga (1535).
• Official start of transition days (end of April) between the Hot Hot Season and the Dry Season.
• Courtship of waved albatrosses and blue-footed boobies at Punta Suárez, Española Island (end of April).
• Regular sightings of migratory species. Those from northern latitudes are migrating south, in response to winter months, and those first ones from southern latitudes are migrating north, in response to the arrival of the first cooler days of the austral winter.
• And, of course, one of the most important reasons for coming these days: the weather!

Escape the winter, the carnival, the Mardi Gras, the cold, the noise, etc, and come to enjoy the most rewarding weather of any time of the year in Galápagos: February – March and April.

Without a doubt, your decision of coming to Galápagos during these months, will be completely supported by the outstanding natural events and wildlife encounters you will experience. If you have already explored the islands during the Dry Season (May – November), may we suggest you consider returning during the months of the Hot Season? Returning to this magical paradise will be totally a new experience during the Hot Season.

That is how much Galápagos changes, and our guests just love experiencing such. Snorkeling in the Galápagos Marine Reserve A board our ships, and at Finch Bay Hotel, we have snorkeling equipment for our guests.

Such equipment includes a mask, snorkel, fins, flotation aid, and mesh bag for carrying all gear. In contrast with some other aquatic destinations, there is no rental fee for these items.

At the beginning of the voyage, we distribute all snorkeling gear to our guests, we make sure the masks and fins have the right fit, and we are ready to immerse ourselves in the amazing Marine Reserve, the largest one in the American continent.

Even though we don’t teach guests on how to snorkel, we are delighted to answer all questions regarding this rewarding activity. During the months of the Hot Season (December-May) the water temperature remains at a balmy 25°C-28°C range (77°F-82°F ). These times are the true tropical months of the whole year.

Our Naturalists carry a wide selection of books on fish and marine invertebrates, which will enhance the daily aquatic observations. Throughout our snorkeling outings, safety of our guests will remain as our top priority. Upon arrival to the snorkeling site, we will carefully explain the site natural setup and its conditions, return-to-boat procedure, safety signals, currents, and the snorkeling plan.

These measures complement our expedition philosophy, by making snorkeling an activity which is safe, educational and fun. Months like March, April and May offer our guests the unique opportunity to see the islands in their only tropical time of the year.