August sees temperatures continuing to cool and winds picking up, but abundant marine life and the sight of sea lion pups keep the visitors coming at a rate of knots.

NEXT STEPS

• Browse our Galapagos Island holidays
• Download our free Galapagos travel guide
• Contact our Destination Specialist for advice

Overview

• August is an excellent month for snorkelling, with the Humboldt Current bringing cooler waters and a supply of rich nutrients to the waters of the Galapagos – a boon for marine creatures.
• Although the water is clearer at this time of year, it may be more comfortable for swimmers to wear wetsuits, as water temperatures will have fallen by this stage of the summer.
• Although the winds will be fairly strong and the seas subsequently rougher in August, you won’t have to worry about them reaching the levels found in other island destinations, such as the Caribbean.
• Hiking across the islands in August may be more comfortable for some travellers compared to previous months, as the weather is cooler and drier.
• August falls within what is known as the garua (“mist”) season, referring to the light mist that falls upon the islands in the mornings.

Where to Go and What to See

• Baby sea lions will be flopping around on the sand for the first time in August – a quite simply adorable sight that you won’t want to miss.
• Newborn Galapagos fur seals can also be seen at this time, although they prefer rockier, shadier areas than the sea lions and are thus harder to spot.
• Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen laying their legs on Santa Cruz Island at this time.
• Your best chance of spotting dolphins and humpback whales will be to the west of the Galapagos, off the coast of Isabela and Fernandina Islands.
• August is still a great time to watch waved albatrosses – there are thought to be some 12,000 breeding pairs that migrate to the Galapagos each year.
• Blue-footed boobies, having participated in their bizarre mating ritual earlier in the year, will be nesting throughout August. You’ll also be able to see them hunting in flocks, plunging into the ocean from heights of 80 feet!
• The impressive Galapagos hawk will be courting on the islands of Espanola and Santiago at this time.
• Take a dip in the waters of Bartholomew Island for the chance of swimming with Galapagos penguins.