March is the hottest and wettest month of the year on average, and while humidity can be an issue, the sheer variety of nesting animals and active marine life makes this a great time to visit the Galapagos.

NEXT STEPS

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

Overview

• Sunny days and warm waters make March an amenable time of year for those looking to make use of their swimsuits – temperatures are likely to reach their annual high at this time.
• If you’re willing to sidestep the rains, March can be a great month for sunbathing on one of the many picturesque beaches in the Galapagos.
• The rainfall of recent months will have left the landscape lush and beautiful, which can make for some excellent hiking trips for those interested in the native flora.
• Although diving on the northern shores of the islands can be trickier because of surges in the current, this can be a great time for more experienced divers to get in the water, as the marine life is astonishingly active at this time of year.

Where to Go and What to See

• The tail end of March sees the return of the waved alabatross to Espanola (Hood) Island, a remarkable bird species that mates for life and engages in a bizarre courtship ritual once October rolls around.
• Great frigatebirds can be seen nesting on the islands of North Seymour, South Seymour and Genovesa.
• Other nesting birds include Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and greater flamingos.
• Baby giant tortoises can be seen hatching from their eggs in March.
• Both land and marine iguanas continue to nest, safeguarding their territory against rivals who encroach upon it.
• You may still have a chance of seeing female green sea turtles making their way onto beaches for the nesting season.