While there aren't any traditional Galapagos Islands holidays or festivals, there are key events for the main residents, the animals, based on the season and weather. No matter what month you arrive, you’re sure to be engulfed in natural bliss, but these key monthly highlights might be helpful to plan your trip around what creatures you’re most interested in seeing.
January
The green sea turtle arrives to lay their eggs and land iguanas begin reproducing on Isabela.
February
Flamingos start nesting on Floreana, Bahamas pintails begin their breeding season and nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak.
March
Marine iguanas nest in Fernandina and on the 21st, the summer equinox signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Española.
April
Hatching season begins for the green sea turtle and the land iguana.
May
The blue footed boobies begin their courtship and waved albatrosses start to lay their eggs on Española.
June
June in the Galapagos marks the beginning of the cold garúa season (dry winds that hit the slopes of the Andes creating a low-level cloud cover). Giant tortoises begin nesting.
July
Whales are more likely to be spotted off the Western coast of Isabela and lava lizards begin their mating ritual which runs through November.
August
The Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago, while mask boobies and swallow tail gulls nest on Genovesa.
September
September is the peak of cold season which sees more active penguins, sea lions and marine birds throughout the beaches of the Galapagos.
October
The Galapagos fur seals begin their mating period and giant tortoises lay eggs.
November
Sea lion pups are born and brown noddies begin breeding.
December
The rainy season begins, causing the whole area to be bathed in greenery. Green sea turtles begin mating and giant tortoise eggs start hatching.