Ecuador, South America

Galapagos Islands in August

Rich wildlife, including sea lion pupping, but crowded and expensive, with the roughest crossings of the year. Bring motion-sickness remedies.

TradeoffsCool and misty, highs near 76F (24C), roughest seas

Sally Lightfoot crab, Galapagos Islands — Galapagos IslandsPhoto: Lieutenant Elizabeth Crapo, NOAA Corps, Public domain

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Galapagos Islands. Rich wildlife, including sea lion pupping, but crowded and expensive, with the roughest crossings of the year. Bring motion-sickness remedies.

Weather: Cool and misty, highs near 76F (24C), roughest seas
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Galapagos Islands

August is cool and misty, with highs near 76F (24C), chilly water, and the roughest seas of the year. Wildlife is rich, and sea lion pupping peaks, with pups crowding the beaches. But crowds and prices are at their summer peak, and crossings between islands can be uncomfortable.

August suits families who must travel in summer and wildlife lovers who do not mind rough water, as long as they book early and pack seasickness remedies. If you have flexibility, November gives you sea lion pups, calmer seas, and much lower prices.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Galapagos Islands this month.

Peak sea lion pupping

August is the busiest month for pups, and playful young sea lions are everywhere on the beaches and in the shallows.

Blue-footed booby displays

Courtship activity is still strong on North Seymour and Espanola.

Albatross nesting

Waved albatrosses are nesting on Espanola, with eggs and chicks at the colonies.

What to pack for August

Seasickness tablets or patches
A full wetsuit
Warm layers for deck time
A waterproof jacket

Our timing tip

Consider a land-based trip from Santa Cruz or San Cristobal in August, since fewer long crossings means less time on rough seas.

Book Galapagos Islands for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Galapagos Islands
Opens a hotel search for Galapagos Islands in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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Vacation rentals in Galapagos Islands
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Galapagos Islands
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Galapagos Islands for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Waved albatross season on Espanola

Roughly April through December

Nearly the entire world population nests on Espanola. Courtship dances peak in the early months.

Sea lion pupping

Roughly June through November, peaking in August

Pups crowd the beaches, and young sea lions become playful snorkel companions.

Blue-footed booby courtship

Year-round, with strong activity from May through August

The foot-lifting, sky-pointing dance is easiest to see on North Seymour and Espanola.

Things to do in Galapagos Islands

Full guide

Charles Darwin Research Station

On Santa Cruz, the main place to learn about tortoise conservation and the islands' science.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Santa Cruz highlands tortoise reserves

See wild giant tortoises grazing in the misty highlands. Mornings are cooler and the tortoises more active.

Tickets and tours →

Espanola Island

Waved albatross colonies from roughly April to December, plus blue-footed boobies and colorful marine iguanas. Reached by cruise or select day tours.

Tickets and tours →

Bartolome and Pinnacle Rock

Climb to the classic viewpoint, then snorkel with penguins in the bay.

Tickets and tours →

Isabela Island

The largest island, with the Sierra Negra volcano, flamingo lagoons, and penguins along the coast near Puerto Villamil.

Tickets and tours →

North Seymour

Frigatebird and blue-footed booby colonies close to Santa Cruz. The easiest place to see the booby courtship dance.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid late June through August and Christmas to New Year, when cruises sell out and prices peak.
April, May, and November give the best balance of wildlife, sea conditions, and availability.
Book small expedition cruises 6 to 12 months ahead for high season; last-minute deals sometimes appear in Quito or Puerto Ayora in the shoulder months.
On land-based trips, stay on Isabela or San Cristobal for a quieter base than Santa Cruz.

Know before you go

Some cruise boats go into dry dock for maintenance around September and October, limiting options in those months.
Visitor sites are strictly regulated: most require a licensed naturalist guide, and itineraries are set by the park, so not every boat visits every island.
The park entry fee is paid in cash on arrival, and the transit control card is bought in Quito or Guayaquil before the flight.
Rough seas in August and September can lead to changes in day tours and uncomfortable crossings between islands.

Galapagos Islands in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Galapagos Islands?

What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands in August?

Cool and misty, highs near 76F (24C), roughest seas.

Is Galapagos Islands crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in Galapagos Islands; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Galapagos Islands in August?

Waved albatross season on Espanola (roughly april through december); Sea lion pupping (roughly june through november, peaking in august); Blue-footed booby courtship (year-round, with strong activity from may through august).