Ecuador, South America

Galapagos Islands in June

The garua season begins. Seas become rougher, the water cools, and whale sightings start to rise.

GoodCooler and misty, highs near 79F (26C), water near 72F (22C)

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

The straight answer

June is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. The garua season begins. Seas become rougher, the water cools, and whale sightings start to rise.

Weather: Cooler and misty, highs near 79F (26C), water near 72F (22C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What June is like in Galapagos Islands

June is when the cool garua season begins. Highs drop to about 79F (26C), skies turn gray and misty, and the water cools to around 72F (22C). Seas become rougher, but the cooler water brings nutrients that draw in more marine life. Crowds climb late in the month as North American summer travel starts.

June suits snorkelers and divers who care more about marine life than sunshine, and families who can travel before the late June rush. Anyone prone to seasickness should consider April, May, or November instead. A wetsuit becomes important for longer snorkels.

Make the most of June

What is especially good about Galapagos Islands this month.

Rising whale sightings

As the water cools, whale sightings start to increase around the islands.

Early sea lion pupping

Sea lion pups begin appearing on beaches from around June.

Booby courtship continues

Blue-footed boobies are still busy dancing on North Seymour and Espanola.

What to pack for June

A full or shorty wetsuit
Motion-sickness tablets
A warm layer for misty evenings on deck
A light rain jacket for the garua drizzle

Our timing tip

Travel in the first half of June to get cool-season wildlife before the late June family rush pushes prices to their peak.

Book Galapagos Islands for June.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Galapagos Islands
Opens a hotel search for Galapagos Islands in June, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for June
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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 June. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in June

Waved albatross season on Espanola

Roughly April through December

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

Green sea turtle nesting

Roughly December through June

Turtles come ashore to nest in the warm season, with hatchlings emerging from around March.

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 June, quick answers

Is June a good time to visit Galapagos Islands?

June is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. The garua season begins. Seas become rougher, the water cools, and whale sightings start to rise.

What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands in June?

Cooler and misty, highs near 79F (26C), water near 72F (22C).

Is Galapagos Islands crowded in June?

Crowds in Galapagos Islands are moderate in June; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Galapagos Islands in June?

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