In the Galapagos, the wildlife is the main attraction. Below is an indication of what you can expect to see in January and February during your Galapagos Tour.
January
- Beginning of the rainy season.
- Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain.
- On Hood (Española) Island, adult marine iguanas become brightly colored (green, red, and black).
- The green sea turtles arrive to beaches in Galapagos to lay their eggs.
- Land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela Island.
- Both water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until June, which is an ideal time for snorkeling.
February
- On Floreana Island, greater flamingos start nesting.
- Bahama pintail ducks (Black-tailed pintail) start their breeding season.
- Nazca (masked) boobies on Hood are at the end of their nesting season.
- Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island.
- The highest water temperature reaches 25C (77F). This temperature remains constant until April.
- Very few Galapagos penguins are sighted at Bartolome Island (most have followed the cool waters back to the west or near upwelling areas).
- Nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak.
For a natural wildlife calendar of the Galapagos Islands for each month of the year, see Galapagos Wildlife Calendar.
