Head to the Galápagos Islands for calm, clear seas and brilliant birds
There’s never a bad time
to visit the Galápagos Islands. Straddling the equator, the archipelago never gets cold, and the wildlife – the main reason to visit – is always doing something wonderful. That said, March to April is particularly good. Rain is quite likely but the seas are at their calmest and clearest, and water temperatures high – all the better for snorkelling with turtles, marine iguanas, curious sea lions and the planet’s northernmost-dwelling penguin.
Some of the islands’ most enchanting birds are in their best form too: waved albatross are returning to begin their balletic courtship; frigate birds are mating, the males inflating their crimson throat pouches; blue-footed booby pairs are doing their comic dance. Giant tortoise eggs are hatching too – it’s a wildlife-watching feast.
Trip plan: Fly from mainland Ecuador to Baltra. Explore the archipelago by expedition cruise (usually four or eight days). Boats follow set itineraries – pick one that visits Española (for albatrosses) and North Seymour (blue-footed boobies).
Need to know: If prone to seasickness, book a lower-deck cabin on a medium/ large ship or opt for a land-based trip.
Other months: Jul-Nov – cool, dry, rougher seas; Dec-Jun – wetter, calmer, better for snorkelling.
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