Ecuador, South America

Galapagos Islands in November

The garua fades, seas settle, and sea lion pups are playful in the shallows. One of the best value months.

BestMild, highs near 78F (26C), seas calming

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

The straight answer

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Galapagos Islands. The garua fades, seas settle, and sea lion pups are playful in the shallows. One of the best value months.

Weather: Mild, highs near 78F (26C), seas calming
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What November is like in Galapagos Islands

November is one of the best months in the Galapagos. The garua fades, highs rise to about 78F (26C), seas calm down, and the water begins to warm. Sea lion pups are playful in the shallows. Crowds are low and prices are good, since it falls before the Christmas peak.

November suits families, couples, and first-time visitors who want good wildlife, calmer seas, and better value. A shorty wetsuit is still useful for snorkeling. If you want the warmest water, wait for February, but for most people November is an excellent choice.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Galapagos Islands this month.

Playful sea lion pups

Pups are old enough to swim and often play with snorkelers in the shallows.

Calming seas

Crossings between islands get smoother, easier for families and anyone prone to seasickness.

Last weeks of albatross season

Waved albatrosses are still on Espanola before most leave by the end of the year.

What to pack for November

A shorty wetsuit
Reef-safe sunscreen
A light jacket for breezy decks
Binoculars

Our timing tip

Book early to mid November for the best mix of calm seas, sea lion pups, and value before holiday prices start in December.

Book Galapagos Islands for November.

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

What's on in November

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.

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 November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Galapagos Islands?

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Galapagos Islands. The garua fades, seas settle, and sea lion pups are playful in the shallows. One of the best value months.

What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands in November?

Mild, highs near 78F (26C), seas calming.

Is Galapagos Islands crowded in November?

November is one of the quieter months in Galapagos Islands; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Galapagos Islands in November?

Waved albatross season on Espanola (roughly april through december); Sea lion pupping (roughly june through november, peaking in august).