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Galapagos Islands in March

Very warm, with the heaviest brief rains. The first waved albatrosses may arrive on Espanola late in the month.

GoodHottest month, highs near 86F (30C), showers

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

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. Very warm, with the heaviest brief rains. The first waved albatrosses may arrive on Espanola late in the month.

Weather: Hottest month, highs near 86F (30C), showers
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What March is like in Galapagos Islands

March is the hottest month in the Galapagos, with highs near 86F (30C), humid air, and the heaviest of the brief warm-season rains. The water is warm, seas are calm, and the islands look lush. Crowds are moderate. Late in the month, the first waved albatrosses may start arriving on Espanola.

March suits snorkelers and families who like heat and want calm seas. If you struggle with humidity, April or November is more comfortable. Sea turtle hatchlings begin emerging around this time, which is a treat for kids.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Galapagos Islands this month.

Early turtle hatchlings

Green sea turtle hatchlings begin emerging from nests from around March.

First albatross arrivals

Late in the month, the first waved albatrosses may land on Espanola to start the season.

Lush, green highlands

The rains turn the Santa Cruz highlands green, a lovely backdrop for the giant tortoises.

What to pack for March

A packable rain jacket
Quick-dry clothes
High-SPF sunscreen and a hat
Closed-toe shoes for lava trails

Our timing tip

Visit the Santa Cruz highlands tortoise reserves in the morning, when it is cooler and the tortoises are most active.

Book Galapagos Islands for March.

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

What's on in March

Green sea turtle nesting

Roughly December through June

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

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Galapagos Islands?

March is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. Very warm, with the heaviest brief rains. The first waved albatrosses may arrive on Espanola late in the month.

What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands in March?

Hottest month, highs near 86F (30C), showers.

Is Galapagos Islands crowded in March?

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

What is happening in Galapagos Islands in March?

Green sea turtle nesting (roughly december through june).