The Galapagos in March | Best time to Visit the Galapagos

Galapagos in March

In the tail end of the rainy season, March is one of the warmest months for Galapagos travel, with the humid air reaching temperatures of 88°F (31°C). In this climate, the endemic succulent Sesuvium, known as Galapagos carpet weed, shifts its shades like a chameleon, fading from green to purple, red and orange. This is the month that signals transition in Galapagos, as sea turtles wait for their eggs to hatch and birds, like the waved albatross, return to the Islands for summer.

March in the Galapagos is one of the warmest months both above and below the sea in the islands. It’s one of the best months for surfing, with northern and southern swells dominating the warm waters. The beauty of the islands in full effect, and there is plenty to see and do throughout the archipelago.

For a glimpse of what the Galapagos has in store for intrepid travelers during a safari holiday, take a look at our top five picks for the peak of the warm season.

1. Biking and Kayaking on Santa Cruz

Our family safari takes you to the Cerro Mesa reserve and crater in the highlands of Santa Cruz. The view from the highest point on the island is inspiring, looking out over the lush landscape to the coast and nearby islands. After lunch, our groups hop on bicycles for an unhurried downhill ride to Garrapatero Beach. Snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking alongside sea lions and turtles cap off the day before returning to the camp for relaxation before dinner.

2. Exploring the Uninhabited Island of North Seymour

North Seymour, a short trip by boat from Santa Cruz, is home to sweeping colonies of birds, boobies, iguanas, and sea lions. Once on the island, trails take you deep into the landscape; male frigate birds proudly inflate their red pouches to attach mates, and Blue-Footed boobies preform bumbling dances to woo each other. Both our family and classic safari holidays include this sanctuary, dependent on the conditions in the park at the time of travel.

3. Scuba Diving off of Gordon Rocks

Located off the Northeastern end of Santa Cruz and close to the camp, Gordon Rocks is a submerged volcano crater on top of a tuff cone that is home to a plethora of marine life. Our dive safari and extension features this site as sharks, rays, sea lions, and turtles are in abundance. The warm waters of March also bring the possibility of spotting elusive whale sharks.

4. Photo Scavenger Hunt on Bartolome

Bartolome is a diverse mix of stunning natural sights and a startling variety of wildlife. It’s one of the best places to practice your photography skills; ticking sights and species off of the list in one spot. Galapagos hawks and penguins, Sally Light-foot Crabs, marine iguanas, and sea lions are just a few of the creatures that inhabit this iconic island. Sea turtles nest on the northern beach of Sullivan Bay overlooking Pinnacle Rock until the end of the month.

5. Bird Watching on South Plaza Island

A hop, skip, and a jump away from Santa Cruz and the camp, South Plaza Island is a small island with a robust reserve of animals. Included in your safari holiday, the island is home to Blue-Footed and Nazca boobies, ground finches, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and brown pelicans. During the warm season, the endemic succulent Sesuvium, or Galapagos Carpet Weed, changes from green to purple, red, and orange; adding vibrant splashes of color to the landscape.

March marks the beginning of a transition in the Galapagos. Sea turtles have finished laying their eggs and are awaiting new hatchlings, while sea birds start to return to the islands signaling the start of summer. For more information about a safari holiday exploring the Galapagos during the warm and summer season, contact us through this site or our toll free number listed on the contact page.