Galapagos Islands: What happens in October

The garua season continues. Morning mist swaths the islands, making them appear to float on the clouds – thus the Galapagos earned the name The Enchanted Isles in days of old. Sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking.

On Land

• On Santa Cruz Island and elsewhere, giant tortoises are laying their eggs in the wild.
• Lava lizards continue their mating rituals.
• Sea lions are breeding.
• Galapagos fur seals begin their mating season, especially on Fernandina Island.

At Sea

• Dolphins and whales are common near Fernandina Island.
• Whale sharks are still resting near Wolf and Darwin Islands, in the far northwest of the Galapagos archipelago.
• Sea turtles are more visible, making snorkeling even more exciting.

In the Air

• Lava herons, a rare bird unique to the Galapagos Islands, are beginning their mating season.
• Fluffy blue-footed boobie chicks fill nests on Isabela and Española islands.
• Also on Española Island, waved albatross are nesting.
• Up on North Seymour Island, magnificent and great frigatebirds are also nesting.
• You may see flightless cormorants, greater flamingos and penguins mating, if their food supplies are excellent.
• Migrant shorebirds populate the Islands’ coasts.

Humans

• The low season is in full swing in the Galapagos Islands. Hotel and cruise prices will be cheaper and it’ll be more possible to get on a cruise at the last moment.
• On San Cristóbal Island, the Galapagos Marathon will be held, drawing international runners.
• The Galapagos Challenge – a triathlon of running, swimming and bicycling – is held on Santa Cruz Island.

Climate

• The Humboldt Current still courses through the Galapagos Islands. The nutrient-rich water attracts much marine life, including frolicking sea lions who’ll want to swim with you.
• The Galapagos Islands are now warmer than in previous months. Air temperatures average 18-26ºC (64-79ºF).
• Days are often cloudy and breezy, with a great chance of showers. Be sure to have a windbreaker or rain jacket on hand.
• The sea temperature is now much warmer, at 21-23ºC (70-73ºF).

 

Have you visited the Galapagos islands in October? Tell us about it in the comments below.

 

Photo credit: tarquiman