Galapagos in May: Why You Should or Shouldn’t Visit

The Galapagos have a special place in my heart. After visiting in May 2023, I can confidently say that it is a destination that won’t easily be matched. But before you pack your bags and book your tickets, let’s take a closer look at what makes The Galapagos in May so amazing. It’s one of the reasons we visited Ecuador that time of year.

May holds a particular charm for those who want to explore the Galapagos Islands. While it is a year-round destination, the month of May has a good mix of mild weather and great wildlife, creating a spectacle that’s nothing short of magical. But is it the right time for you?

Let’s discuss the details, weighing the pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision for your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

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A cute sea lion napping on a bench on the Galapagos in May

Should you Visit The Galapagos in May?

In short: absolutely. There are not many good reasons not to visit in May. The weather is pleasant, the sea is calm and clear, and marine life is abundant. What more could you ask for?

I often find myself daydreaming about our time in The Galapagos. We spent about 10 months backpacking from Mexico all the way down to Chile. The Galapagos were a bucket list item for Callie who was set on visiting. To be very honest I wasn’t fully aware of how great this place is.

The most amazing wildlife encounter I’ve ever had was while snorkelling at Bartolome Island. I found myself in the middle of penguins hunting for food all the whilst blue-footed boobies were dive-bombing into the water, hunting for that same school of fish.

I was in the middle of one of those nature documentaries you see on TV and you often think: Oh, what I would give to see that with my own eyes. The only thing missing was a voice-over from Sir David Attenborough!

Now, this experience wasn’t specific to May. You have a chance of seeing penguins all year round. The penguins are more active, but other aspects make May absolutely incredible.


The Weather in The Galapagos in May

May in the Galapagos brings about a shift in climate that’s nothing short of delightful. As we transition from the hot season to the dry season, the weather becomes pleasantly moderate, with temperatures that are warm but not overly hot. The skies are mostly clear, setting a perfect backdrop for those panoramic shots.

Temperature

May is the end of the hottest season. Due to the currents, the average temperatures change drastically. With an average maximum of 79°F (26°C) on land, it’s not too hot to exist. It’s still a little humid, so any hotter and we’d all be a walking puddle of sweat. Nobody wants that.

To put that into perspective, just a month earlier the maximum temperatures can be as high as 88°F (31°C). Along with the humidity and the fact that The Galapagos are on the equator make this a less ideal experience. And that’s being nice. Just a few minutes out in the sun can give you a sunburn.

Water temperature

The average sea temperature is also very comfortable with an average of 76°F (24.5°C). It makes snorkelling great. The water is nice and warm, the sun on your back, and marine life swimming around you. Man, I wish I was there right now.

Just make sure you use lots of sunscreen (the reef-safe kind please) and don’t expose yourself too much for too long.

Because of the often-changing currents around the islands, May is a good month to go snorkelling or scuba diving as well, since the visibility is one of the best.

Rainfall

Because it’s the end of the wet season, but still not yet the dry season, there is a chance of rain. But with an average of 0.6 inches (1.6 cm), it’s barely any. Nothing to worry about. Plus, the rain can bring a refreshing coolness to the air.

In the 9 days we spent on the Galapagos in May we didn’t see any rain. There was some because two mornings when we first left the hotel the ground was a little wet. So like I said: we didn’t see any!


The Wildlife in The Galapagos in May

Let’s be real here. Nature and wildlife are the reason you’re considering visiting The Galapagos, am I right? It’s a good plan because just walking around in the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz you’ll see sea lions and iguanas, and if you’re at the pier you’ve got a pretty high chance of spotting baby sharks (you’ve now got the tune stuck in your head, sorry), rays, and turtles.

Wildlife on land

In May, the Galapagos highlands hold onto their beauty, creating an ideal habitat for land species like the Giant Tortoise, Darwin Finches, and other terrestrial birds. They have an abundance of food, because of May being a transition month.

One really cool treat you might get to see in May is the Blue-footed booby doing its courtship dance. It’s quite a sight! The male shows off his lovely bright blue feet and does a special dance to impress the female. Be sure to visit North Seymour Island, where you’ll find a colony of blue-footed boobies.

May is also the month the eggs from both marine and land iguanas start to hatch. Expect to see little iguanas amongst the bigger ones. Again, North Seymour is a good spot to see land iguanas. Marine iguanas are abundant on Santa Cruz.

Marine wildlife

May is a fantastic time of year to witness it. During this period, the Humboldt current gains strength, carrying nutrient-rich water from deeper seas to the coastal waters of the islands. These nutrients attract a diversity of fish, which in turn bring in larger animals and sea mammals like seals. And with water as clear as glass, you won’t believe the incredible creatures you can spot while snorkelling.

Turtles are hatching, the penguins are active, and for the scuba divers, spotting hammerhead sharks is almost a given at the Gordon Rocks dive site. You need to have your advanced certification and you need to pay attention since the currents are quite strong. Not to worry though, we’re still quite newbies and were absolutely fine.

In May, Fernandina Island becomes a nesting ground for penguins, while the west coast of Isabela Island also welcomes these adorable creatures. Throughout the year, you can spot penguins on Bartolome Island, but their activity is higher in May, making it an ideal time for encountering them during your snorkelling adventures.


The Tourist Season in The Galapagos in May

May falls right in between the low and high seasons in The Galapagos. This means it’s starting to get busier and as the demand is growing, the prices are increasing. This will be most noticeable in the last 2 weeks of May as there is a national holiday, and school holidays in that time.

Whilst the prices are increasing, there are still many opportunities to save a buck or two. It’s not high season yet, but all the tour agencies are running at full throttle. This means boats are often not filled, and you can get last-minute deals to visit different islands and do different activities.

We didn’t pre-book anything. Just rocked up at our hotel and decided to visit some tour agencies. We got some good deals, and everything we managed to do was cheaper than pre-booking online.

On Monday, we booked to visit Bartolome Island and North Seymour Island for Wednesday and Thursday respectively. We also booked some next-day diving trips at Shark Bay and Galapagos Travellers. Both dive centres are highly recommended!

If you’re short on time I do not recommend showing up and booking things on the spot. You might not get to do the exact things you want, and you may not have time to do everything you want. The Galapagos are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don’t let it be ruined by that.


Things To Do in The Galapagos in May

I hope you’ve decided to go by now! If you need more convincing, these things you can do in The Galapagos in May might be what you need.

Wildlife spotting

We’ve discussed the different types of wildlife and why May is a good time to see them. But I haven’t told you that you don’t need a tour to see some amazing wildlife. On the main island, Santa Cruz, it is unsurprisingly easy to find wildlife.

Sea lions are everywhere along the seaside of Puerto Ayora, the main town of Santa Cruz. The pier is usually a resting spot where they nap, but just walking along the boulevard could mean you spot them.

On our first day on The Galapagos, I think even within the first hour of exploring Puerto Ayora, I nearly had a heart attack because of a sea lion. I didn’t fully realise how confident and unbothered by humans they were.

I was on a little handicraft market looking out at the sea when a sea lion jumped out of the water (it was a pretty high jump) and landed right next to me. And when I say right next to me, I mean that he landed not even 3 inches away. I was shocked!

He (or she) then decided the nearby bench, the one that had 2 people on it, was the spot he wanted to nap in. So he climbed on. The people on that bench decided to get away, but I’m not even sure he would’ve cared if they stayed there. Not that it would’ve fit, but I doubt Mr (or Mrs) Sea Lion brought a tape measure to check.

They’re also ALWAYS at the fish market waiting for a quick snack.

Marine iguanas roam the same area, which means you can spot them just about anywhere along the seaside.

Speaking of the earlier mentioned pier, if you spend a little time watching the sea from there you’ve got a very high chance of spotting baby sharks practising their hunting skills. Or turtles coming up for a gasp of air. Even stingrays are swimming around the pier. In daytime and nighttime.

This is not even mentioning the giant tortoises that roam the highlands of the island. They can be just about anywhere, so don’t be surprised if your taxi needs to stop for a tortoise crossing the road. the best places to spot these, however, are at the ranches. Where they’re free to come and go, but they often spend time there.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in the Galapagos is an experience like no other. The islands’ volcanic origins have created unique underwater landscapes, teeming with an impressive variety of marine life. From the playful sea lions that might join you under the waves, to the majestic manta rays that gracefully glide through the ocean’s depths, the sights are simply breathtaking.

Perhaps one of the highlights of diving in the Galapagos is the opportunity to encounter schools of hammerhead sharks. These magnificent creatures are a common sight in these waters, particularly around Wolf and Darwin islands.

From Santa Cruz, the best spot to see them is at Gordon Rocks.

The feeling of being surrounded by these majestic sharks is surreal and humbling, a reminder of the vast and incredible world that lies beneath the ocean’s surface.

Visibility is generally good, between 30 and 80 feet, and sometimes even more. Strong currents are common in certain dive sites, so it’s advisable to have some prior diving experience before going on this adventure.

Hiking

Hiking on the Galapagos Islands provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the raw beauty and unique diversity of these volcanic isles. The islands offer a range of hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels, from gentle coastal walks to challenging volcano treks.

As you journey across the rugged terrain, you’re likely to encounter an array of fascinating wildlife, including the famed Galapagos giant tortoises, iguanas, and various bird species unique to the islands.

On Isabela Island, the Sierra Negra Volcano hike is a must-do. The trail leads you to the rim of one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, offering panoramic views of the moon-like landscape. Meanwhile, on Santa Cruz Island, the tortoise-friendly trails near the Charles Darwin Research Station offer a more relaxed walk through forests.

Remember, when hiking on the Galapagos, it’s essential to stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile ecosystem. Always take plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the equatorial sun can be intense. Walking with a naturalist guide is also recommended, as they can provide insights into the unique flora and fauna you’ll encounter along the way.

Boat day-trips

Boat day trips form an invaluable part of the Galapagos experience, offering a unique perspective on the archipelago’s striking landscapes and diverse wildlife. These excursions leave early in the morning and go to smaller, less accessible islands.

On these trips, you’re likely to spot many marine birds such as the Blue-footed Booby, frigatebirds, or the flightless Cormorant.

The tours typically include one or more snorkelling stops, where you can swim alongside sea turtles, tropical fish, and, if you’re lucky, playful sea lions. The water is usually calm and clear, providing stunning visibility of the colourful underwater world.

Some of the popular day-trip destinations include Bartolomé Island, known for its distinctive pinnacle rock and penguins, and North Seymour Island, famous for its bustling bird colonies.

Lunch is usually served onboard. The boats return to the main islands by late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a sunset cocktail. Remember, seas can be choppy, so those prone to seasickness might want to take precautions.

Also, don’t forget your sunscreen and hat. Water is usually provided on board. As always, respect the wildlife and stay on marked paths!

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, is a vital stop on your Galapagos itinerary. This scientific organization, named after the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin, plays a crucial role in the preservation of the Galapagos Islands’ unique ecosystems.

The centre’s work involves studying the local wildlife, conducting conservation initiatives, and breeding endangered species like the iconic Galapagos Tortoise. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the islands’ rich biodiversity through interactive exhibits, displays, and guided tours.

The station also hosts a fascinating tortoise breeding program, where you can witness these magnificent creatures at various stages of development. Your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station not only provides an enriching education experience but also directly contributes to the conservation efforts on the islands.

The gift shop has some cool items, and the money goes directly to conserving the islands.


Where to Stay on The Galapagos

There are so many options, it’s a little overwhelming. Here are my three recommendations, depending on the island you’re visiting:

Santa Cruz – Hotel Flamingo

A nice looking, well-located hotel scoring an 8.9. Very affordable (especially for Santa Cruz standards) and with air conditioning. Which is not a given! They have a bar/restaurant and are close to all the action. A few minutes on foot to the pier I mentioned before.

📍 Check out this great accommodation on Isla Santa Cruz!

San Cristobal – Hotel Los Algarrobos

This well-priced hotel offers all you need. Scoring an 8.2, it has comfy, air-conditioned rooms close to the centre of town and only a few minutes away from the beach where you’ll find lots of sea lions!

📍 What are you waiting for? Check out Hotel Los Algarrobos NOW!

Isabela – Hotel StarFish

Another great hotel for an affordable price. Rated at an astonishing 9.2, this hotel comes with air conditioning, comfortable beds, and a great location a few steps from restaurants and shops. The beach is a 5-minute walk away!

📍 One of the best hotels on Isla Isabela is only 1 click away!


FAQs – The Galapagos in May

I’ve discussed quite a lot already, but let’s answer the frequently asked questions as well!

What currency do they use on the Galapagos islands?

All of Ecuador, including the Galapagos islands, use the US Dollar. Easy for the American visitors!

Is May a good time to go to The Galapagos Islands?

Yes, May is indeed a great time to visit the Galapagos Islands! The weather is comfortable, with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall. The water temperature is great with great visibility as well.

When not to go to The Galapagos Islands?

While the Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, some may prefer to avoid visiting during the peak tourist season, which typically runs from mid-December to mid-January and from June to August. During these periods, the islands can get crowded and prices for flights and accommodations tend to be higher.

Also, the months of September to November are often overcast and the water can be a bit cooler, which may not be ideal for some people. However, these months also offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with many species being more active.

What is the rainiest month in The Galapagos?

The rainiest month in the Galapagos Islands is typically March. During this month, you can expect short, heavy showers usually in the afternoon. However, the rain doesn’t last all day and usually clears up quickly. Despite the rain, March offers many wildlife viewing opportunities, and the landscapes are particularly vibrant due to the rainfall.

Best time to visit Galapagos for snorkelling?

The best time for snorkelling in the Galapagos Islands is typically during the warm season, which runs from December to May. During these months, the water temperatures are more comfortable for extended snorkelling sessions and the sea is calmer, offering better visibility.

Additionally, the warmer waters attract a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colourful tropical fish. Keep in mind that marine life in the Galapagos is abundant year-round, so no matter when you visit, it’ll be amazing

Best time to visit The Galapagos to avoid seasickness

To avoid seasickness, it’s preferable to visit the Galapagos Islands during the warm season from December to May. During this period, the seas are generally calm and the weather is warm and balmy.

However, if you’re particularly prone to seasickness, consider options like anti-nausea medications, patches, or wristbands. It’s also worth noting that smaller boats tend to rock more than larger vessels, so choose your ship wisely.


Final Thoughts – The Galapagos in May

To sum it up, the Galapagos Islands offer a one-of-a-kind experience no matter when you decide to go. Speaking from my own visit in May 2023, I gotta say, this time of year is top-notch. It’s right at the tail end of the warm season (December to May), so you can expect pleasant water temperatures for snorkelling and smooth sailing for those prone to seasickness.

The marine life is thriving, making your underwater experiences even more awesome with sea turtles, rays, and colourful tropical fish. And the weather? It’s perfect, and the landscapes are stunning. So, should you go to the Galapagos in May? Absolutely! You’ll get the best of everything – great weather, amazing wildlife sightings, and awesome water activities.