If you live in northern latitudes, say higher than 30?N, chances are you are not expecting warm days now, right? Well, escaping the cold, and heading for warm days, seems to be the trend worldwide. Of course, GalÃ?pagos is not just one more tropical destination. It is one of the most amazing National Parks and Marine Reserve, where the best wildlife encounters happen. But, really what makes GalÃ?pagos so special in these months? Here are some expedition highlights for you to consider, and remember, they only happen at this time of the year.
The last month of the year, and the first month of the new year, are some of the best transition months in GalÃ?pagos. The weather has changed, and the islands' waters have warmed up, vegetation has started to become green, and wildlife is adapting to such changes. Land-depending species become quite active as their breeding starts, while that of the sea-depending species starts to slow down. GalÃ?pagos land birds, including Darwin's finches, have started to reproduce. Watch how their courtship and nesting happens. There are only four months of the year that can be called transitional months: December, January, April and May. These months are worth calling "Satisfaction guaranteed".
Our rewarding itineraries include outstanding sites like Bartolome, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Espanola, Isabela, and Fernandina. Right here, and more so at this time of the year, snorkel next to the only tropical penguin on Earth, witness the amazing courtship of the great frigatebirds, see giant tortoises roaming the volcanic landscape of GalÃ?pagos, walk among blue-footed boobies, plunge next to young sea lions which are just learning to swim, and explore the shores where the most numerous colony of marine iguanas are found.
Enjoy the arrival of the warm waters from the north. Snorkel and swim next to penguins and sea lions with no need to freeze in the water. Tropical fishes abound too. December and January's weather is quite remarkable, as most days are sunny, but not overwhelmingly hot. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. It is all picture perfect.
Marine iguanas have just developed the most colorful mix of colors for a reptile: emerald green, red and black. Best sightings happen at Espanola, Santa Cruz, and Fernandina Islands. Observe how males establish ownership by acting territorial to other individuals. Land iguanas on Isabela Island have developed bright yellow colors, which next to light brown and reddish blotches, make these reptiles the most attractive of the arid zone. Their mating season has just started. Green sea turtles show the highest curiosity of the year to snorkelers. Best locations to look for this unique behavior includes Bartolome and Fernandina Islands.
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