
Active Galapagos, Ecuador Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
Galapagos: What to Expect in January & February
The folks from Metropolitan Touring remind us what to expect from the Galapagos this time of year.
January marks the beginning of the rainy season – keep in mind the Galapagos only get an average of 10 inches of rain per year, so it is never considered too rainy. After the first rain, land birds start nesting and on Hood (Espanola) Island, the adult marine iguanas don themselves in vibrant shades of red and green.
Green sea turtles take over the beaches to lay their eggs. While the land iguanas of Isabela Island begin their reproductive cycle. Both land and water temperatures rise and stay warm until June. Ideal conditions for snorkeling !
Flamingos of Floreana Island, Galapagos In February warm temperatures create pleasant water conditions – the highest water temperature reaches 22C (77F). This temperature will remain constant until April. Flamingos on Floreana Island start to nest, as do the marine iguanas of Santa Cruz Island. The Bahama pintail ducks (black-tailed pintail) launch into their breeding season as the Nazca (masked) boobies of Hood Island close out their nesting season. The penguins have followed cool waters west and very few are spotted during this time of year. However, it is a great time to observe the Galapagos dove as their nesting season reaches its peak.