The warmer, wetter weather of the winter arrives in earnest as the year comes to an end, and there is plenty of wildlife activity still going on for those interested in a Christmas or New Year’s holiday.

NEXT STEPS

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

Overview

• With temperatures on land at sea beginning to heat up, December is seen as a transitional month between the preceding cool, dry season and upcoming warm, wet season.
• Rainfall also begins to increase, and as a result the landscape of the Galapagos will becoming ever greener as the month progresses.
• Skies are becoming less overcast, and the winds are dying down too – great for sunbathers seeking a good spot on a beach or on the deck of a boat.
• The holiday season brings with it an increase in travellers to the Galapagos, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re seeking a quieter holiday.
• The popularity of Christmas and New Year’s means advance booking is essential if you are looking to travel at this time.

Where to Go and What to See

• This is the last month of the year when you’ll get to see waved albatrosses in the Galapagos, as they will depart for their wintering grounds on the west coast of South America.
• You will be able to see both marine iguanas and land iguanas engaging in mating rites at this time.
• Green sea turtles are also a more common sight in Galapagos waters during December when compared to certain other months, as this is when the marine reptiles are mating.
• The first of the giant tortoise eggs will begin to hatch in December, with possibilities of hatchlings appearing on Isabela Island in particular.
• Swimming with sea lions is an exciting activity for divers and snorkellers to engage in, particularly as water visibility improves with the dissipation of the Humboldt Current.