Galapagos Islands in April

Verdant landscapes abound as the wet season begins to taper off in April, while sea waters become clearer and sea turtles hatch for the first time from their nests.

Overview

• Rainfall is still to be expected, but less so than when the rainy season was at its height. Days are generally fine, warm and sunny.
• While the whole of the Galapagos is at its most vibrant in April, the highlands are particularly verdant at this time of year, as these regions receive the most precipitation.
• The waters of the Galapagos are less tumultuous in April than in previous months, resulting in greater visibility beneath the waves.
• Visitor numbers and accommodation prices will be relatively low in April, which means this shoulder-season month could be a good option for budget-conscious travellers.

Where to Go and What to See

• Watching green sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests is a quite amazing experience, but be prepared to witness the circle of life in action as birds of prey swoop down to pick off those that fail to make it to the ocean.
• After arriving on Espanola (Hood) Island in March, virtually the entire world population of waved albatross – some 12,000 breeding pairs – can be seen nesting here in April.
• Iguana hatchlings can also be seen in April – perhaps you may be witness to an event similar to that captured in a Planet Earth II clip that went viral in 2016.
• Giant tortoises are another species whose young will be hatching in April. Though they can grow to be more than 4 ft long, they are in danger of predation from birds of prey when young.
• Lots of playful sea lions can often be seen on the beaches of the Galapagos at this time.