Introduction
My experience as a traveler has provided me with some unique opportunities to see the world, and one of my favorite places is the Galapagos Islands. The chance to travel the Galapagos during the rainy season makes it an exceptional experience, particularly for those of us who love overcast weather.
February seems like an odd time for an island holiday, but I found this to be the right time to explore the Galapagos for several reasons.
A Short Intro to the Galapagos
If you are unfamiliar with the Galapagos, they are a small cluster of islands scattered along the coast of Ecuador in South America. I have enjoyed several trips to Ecuador. What is not to love? There is so much vibrancy in its cities. However, I appreciate the Galapagos, which are serene and slow-paced.
The islands were formed through seismic activity, meaning that there are several inactive volcanoes in the area, making the land fertile for vegetation and the optimal breeding ground for animals.
The Galapagos Weather February
The Galapagos are not your typical island getaway which is why I had to visit them. While island holidays often conjure pictures of warm sands and beaches, the Galapagos climate takes many by surprise.
The weather at this time is warm, with temperatures that bounce back and forth between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall during the wet season is two inches. So while it may be warm, I suggest you carry a few extra layers to be safe!
I was curious about what the Galapagos – wet and gloomy as they appear– could offer a regular traveler. And I left pretty impressed. There is so much to do on the islands despite the conditions.
What to Explore
The Wildlife
The Galapagos are an impressive self-sustaining ecosystem with lush green vegetation and a thriving animal kingdom, so there is a bit of everything for nature lovers. I confess I am one of them. The islands hold an extensive collection of wildlife ranging from aquatic to terrestrial. Some of which include:
Birds
February is crucial during the breeding cycle, so avid bird watchers will appreciate the rich bird scene. The island of Floreana, in particular, holds many sea birds and land birds; Galapagos pintails, penguins, and flamingos are some of the sighting favorites. My personal favorite was a shy cluster of red-footed boobies.
Aquatic Animals
On my third day in the Galapagos, I put my binoculars to the test with a short excursion to the breeding grounds of some curious animals. I was lucky! I have been disappointed with the wildlife turnout on several previous holidays, as many coincided with their hibernation or migration. This time I was in for a treat.
There was an impressive turnout of green sea turtles, seals, and sharks, among other water creatures, on the islands. Many of them were in their nesting season.
Land Animals
The exotic Galapagos wildlife is not limited to the surrounding seas, as several parks are dedicated to land animals. One popular tourist attraction is the reptiles, particularly the Galapagos giant tortoises.
The island is home to thirteen species of giant tortoises, all scattered across the islands. While they appear similar to the untrained eye, each species has adapted to its surroundings and adopted specific characteristics to survive in its habitat.
A close runner-up favorite is the marine iguanas. Biologists consider this reptile one of the Galapagos’ most treasured animals because it is the only one of its kind and is only found on Espanola Island, where it feeds on algae.
The Activities to Try
Animal lovers are not the only ones in for a treat. There are many ways to enjoy the Galapagos for an affordable price. Whether you consider yourself a water bug or you prefer to stay on land, there is an activity for each traveler who desires something different.
Climb Inactive Volcanic Hills
I felt naturally inclined to test my bravery and scale the volcanoes of the Galapagos. While some are still active, many of the volcanoes have been dormant for decades, like Pinta and Marchena. These volcanic planes are rich with flora and animal life, so there is much to see on your climb to the top!
Explore Old Pirate Caves
Nothing quite screamed ‘adventure’ more than the day I got to walk through olden-day pirate caves. These caves were hidden gems for pirates who traveled along the coast of South America, looking for shelter and refuge from imperial ships that monitored sea passages.
Venture Into Different Water Activities
There are plenty of water sports on these islands. Beginners and advanced surfers are sure to enjoy the waves surrounding the island. I took a few scuba diving lessons myself before delving into the deep. For all my traveling, I was yet to try scuba diving. It was a new experience and wholly experimental, but it was worth the time.
Go Island Hopping!
Unlike my scuba diving skills, I am a seasoned island hopper, and each trip is better than the last. Short trips may need you to be economical and time-conscious. So, island hopping may be the right choice. As a true island-lover, this was another highlight of my holiday.
Taking short boat trips from Santa Cruz island to Isabela island was an opportunity to appreciate the scenery and escape the noise of the main islands. Shark spotting and bird-watching are just a few gems that come with island hopping.
FAQ
The peak season for the Galapagos falls between September and January. Peak-season holidays are enjoyable and full of life, but I love quiet getaways. February is the best month to avoid all the hustle and bustle of a busy holiday scene. Not only is there more availability of activities and hotels, but it comes with favorable costs, too.
There are fewer crowds at the Galapagos islands in February. An advantage of having smaller groups is animal viewing. During the busier seasons, animals tend to retreat because of the activity. So, this was a chance to get close and personal with island wildlife.
February is close to nesting season for many animals: the Galapagos dove, land iguanas, tortoises, and sharks are part of the rich wildlife the visitors on the island get to see. Islands like Española island are popular tourist attractions, so you can organize Galapagos cruises to explore the islands.
Conclusion
The Galapagos were chock full of several enjoyable moments. I loved the adventurous treks about the islands, exploring the landscapes just as much as I enjoyed diving into the sea and scouting the underwater worlds.
The most memorable highlights were idly watching the indigenous animals and birds. So, though February is not the height of Galapagos glory, it is the perfect opportunity for those who enjoy a quiet holiday away from the rest of the world.
