Is April a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands?
April in the Galapagos Islands
April in the Galapagos is a great time to visit. The rains begin to ease, the seas are calm, the weather is warm and the wildlife abundant. It’s ideal for exploring and enjoying the islands.
Early April often coincides with Spring Break for many schools, making it a popular period for families.
Photos from April: All the photos in this article were taken during the month of April, capturing moments from both the Galapagos Safari Camp and various safaris.
Galapagos in April: At a Glance
- Warm & Wet Season
- Active breeding and hatching periods
- Air Temperature: 22-31°C / 71-88°F
- Sea Temperature: 24-26°C / 75-79°F
- Average Rainfall: 1-3cm / 0.4-1.2in
- Clear Skies: 5-8 hours
- Intermittent Rain Showers are decreasing
- Wind Force: 2-3
- Underwater Visibility: approximately 10-25m
Galapagos Weather in April
Our cook pictured in the Camp’s kitchen garden.
April’s weather in the Galapagos sees slightly reduced rainfall and calmer seas. This creates perfect conditions for snorkeling, kayaking, and boat rides.
- Ocean Currents: The waters are influenced by the Panama Current, which brings warmer, clearer waters ideal for underwater activities.
- Temperatures: Air temperatures can still be high, ranging from 71-88°F (22-31°C) and the sun strong, so come prepared with plenty of sunscreen. UV rash shirts are also recommended for snorkeling.
- The Weather at Galapagos Safari Camp: Thanks to the slightly milder climate in the highlands, evenings are pleasantly warm, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration, dining outdoors and stargazing before bed.
April sunsets at Galapagos Safari Camp
Galapagos Wildlife in April
Galapagos giant tortoises roam the grounds of Galapagos Safari Camp
The Galapagos is teeming with wildlife year-round, and our land-based Safaris provide excellent opportunities to observe the iconic species no matter when you visit. Discover more in our guide to Galapagos Wildlife.
The images used in this article were all taken in April, but it’s worth noting that these species are commonly observed on our Safaris throughout the year. Additionally, many other species not mentioned in this article can also be seen.
Top: blue-footed boobies x2, swallow-tail gull chick, Bottom: Nazca booby; Galapagos dove, large ground finch
April highlights:
- Birdlife: Blue-footed boobies perform their charming ‘dance,’ while male frigatebirds inflate their vivid red gular pouches to attract mates. While both species can breed year-round, catching these displays is a matter of timing and luck, making the experience all the more rewarding.
- Reptiles: The land iguanas and green sea turtles are also active, with hatchlings emerging and bringing new life to the islands. Some (but not all) giant tortoises migrate to the arid lowlands in April and May.
- Marine Life: April’s clear, warm waters make it an ideal month for snorkeling. Spot playful sea lions and curious penguins as you explore the Galapagos’ vibrant marine ecosystems.
Top: Sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguana Bottom: giant tortoise, swallow-tailed gull, Galapagos sea lion
The Sally Lightfoot crab gets its name from its agility, appearing almost to ‘walk on water’ as it darts across rocks and beaches. Juveniles (top left), almost entirely black in color, gradually transition to a vibrant red (top right) as they molt and mature into adults.
The Galapagos land iguana (top and bottom right are the Santa Fe land iguana)
Sea lions basking under the April sun
Blue footed boobies engaging in a courtship dance. Bottom right: A manta ray
Frigatebird males inflating their scarlet gular pouches in courtship displays
Galapagos penguins, turtles, frigatebirds and blue footed boobies
Galapagos penguins
Wildlife at Galapagos Safari Camp
April brings finches, mockingbirds, and occasionally, migratory birds to the highlands, providing the chance to observe these species and others around the Camp.
Monarch butterfly, insects and caterpillars
There are ten species or subspecies of butterflies in the Galapagos Islands, three of which are thought to be endemic. The Monarch butterfly (pictured above at Camp) is the largest of the species and although widespread it is not common, seen most frequently after the rains.
Giant tortoise and “Barney the famous” – pictured at Camp
Many (but not all) giant tortoises begin their annual migration to the arid lowlands in April and are frequently sighted at Camp, often grazing underneath the tents or shuffling along the driveway.
“Barney the famous” is a young juvenile barn owl, thought to be the offspring of our resident barn owls, “Albert” and “Roberta”. This month the three of them were seen flying around the dining area. One of our young guests came up with the name, “Barney because it’s a barn owl and ‘the famous’ because he is!”
Cocktail of the Month
Cocktail of the Month!
The Galapagos Safari Camp Mule: A unique cocktail featuring vodka infused with palo santo, capturing the essence of our Camp’s history—once known as Finca Palo Santo. Salud!
The kids club mocktail class
Our talented barman, Jorge, hosts cocktail classes for adults and mocktail classes for kids, offering guests a change to recreate special Galapagos moments at home.
Summary: Galapagos in April
April in the Galapagos offers a blend of comfortable weather and peak wildlife activity. It’s an ideal time for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the extremes of the wetter or cooler months.
April Guest Reviews of Galapagos Safari Camp
- “The highlight of our trip to Galapagos. Everything about our stay was exceptional”. (Tripadvisor)
- “A Truly Exceptional Experience – Highly Recommended. I’ve stayed at top-of-the line adventure resorts all over the world and Galapagos Safari Camp ranks among the best. I’m so happy we booked our stay there versus a cruise or AirB&B.” (Tripadvisor)
Read more reviews from guests who stayed with us in April.
When to Visit the Galapagos by Month
For insights specific to other months, visit When to visit the Galapagos Islands or one of our detailed guides available for each month, from January through December.
January, February, March, April, May. June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Wildlife Observation Disclaimer
Please note that our wildlife observations and insights are gathered from the first-hand experiences of our staff, guests, and professional Naturalist Guides. Our goal is to provide an authentic and immersive wildlife experience. However, it is important to recognize that wildlife encounters are by nature unpredictable. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the sighting of specific species or certain animal behaviors on our Safari tours. Each experience is unique, and we appreciate your understanding of the variability and spontaneity of wildlife interactions.