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Traveling to the Galapagos Islands in April
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April 6, 2020Some say that April and May are the best months to visit the Galapagos Islands. There is no doubt, there are certainly advantages to a visit to the Galapagos Islands in April. April in the Galapagos can be cost effective as it is a shoulder month between the low and high seasons. Galapagos weather in April is lovely and warm, typically with plenty of sunshine, and lower levels of rainfall than in March. Yet each person has their own preferences about what they want to see, the weather they like and the activities that they want to do. Here we offer information about Galapagos Islands in April which will hopefully help you decide whether this is the right month for your Galapagos Islands cruise or Galapagos land-based trip.
Galapagos Weather in April
One of the great things about the Galapagos Islands in April is that the rainy season finally draws to a close during this month. One of the lovely aspects of visiting the Galapagos Islands at the end of the rainy season is that they are very green and lush with vegetation. Later in the year as the dry season progresses, this is not the case.
The weather is almost as warm in April as it is in March. This means that you will enjoy maximum average temperatures of 85F or 29.5C and minimum average temperatures of 73F or 22.8C. The warm weather is even more enjoyable as the average rainfall drops to just 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) during this month.
Activities in the Galapagos in April
Most visitors find that the month that they visit does not impact the activities they can take part in. Activities in the Galapagos in April are much the same as those the rest of the year, whether you are on a Galapagos Islands cruise or a Galapagos land based option. However, one of the benefits for snorkelers at this time of year is the fact that the waters become clearer. The good visibility allows plenty of chances for observing the sea life below. The water remains pretty warm at this time of year, which makes it very pleasant for a dip. Average sea temperatures at this time of year are typically around 77F or 25C.
For those that love the beach, the Galapagos Islands in April can be great for enjoying some good quality beach time, especially if you are on a Galapagos land-based trip. Those on Galapagos Islands cruises need not fear that they will miss out, as many such cruises do also include time on the beach, or at least there is plenty of time to lounge around on deck and enjoy the sunshine.
Galapagos Wildlife in April
One of the great spectacles of the Galapagos in April is that waved albatross continue to return to Espanola Island, but in this month some of them commence their courtship ritual. Those on Galapagos Islands cruises that include Espanola Island may enjoy watching this strange courtship ritual, where waved albatross can be seen sword fighting with their beaks. Pairs will typically mate for life. While you do have a good chance of seeing waved albatross in April in Galapagos, there are better chances of seeing the courtship ritual later in the year, though you might be lucky.
Galapagos in April is the time of year when the giant tortoise hatching season draws to a close. Female tortoises will lay two to 16, and during this month they will make their way to the surface from the hole that the female made for them. Watch out for hawks that will try and steal hatchlings away. Meanwhile, green sea turtles also emerge at this time of year. April in Galapagos sees sea turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea from the nest, during the night time. The choice of night time is sensible as there are many predators during the day time, including hawks, frigate birds and mocking birds. However, once they reach the sea there are also risks from sea and birdlife there too. Watch out also for land iguana hatchlings. Those on either land-based Galapagos trips or Galapagos Islands cruises may enjoy this treat. Land iguanas have lots of predators, and at this time of year, these can be observed hanging around nests hoping to catch a new born for dinner.
April Galapagos Costs and Demand
From a cost perspective, April in Galapagos can be great. For both Galapagos Islands cruises and Galapagos land-based trips there can be lower demand which means lower costs too. In fact, operators usually view the Galapagos Islands in April as being decidedly low season, which means lower prices for you. The good news about that is you can find some excellent deals on both cruises and in hotels in April. However, you should benefit from lovely sunshine and lower rainfall than March, so April in Galapagos can be good in very many ways.
The only exception to this is around Easter. Some years Easter falls in April, and over and on either side of the Easter weekend, the Galapagos can experience greater demand. The good news is that if you do not need to travel at Easter, then Easter is easy to plan around, as the dates are well known very far in advance. This means you can enjoy the lower prices, cheaper flights and warm weather that April in the Galapagos encapsulates.
Our Insider veredict
For some, April is considered the best month to visit the Galapagos Islands. The fine, warm sunny days and a general lack of rain means that the weather is good, and the water is clear. Because the month is neither high or low season, some good deals can be had on both Galapagos Islands cruises and Galapagos land based options. April in Galapagos is also great for the wildlife, with several animals hatching at this time of year, and some birds starting their courtship rituals. However, people do have different preferences for their trip, and the Galapagos Islands in April may not be for everyone, particularly if you prefer slightly cooler weather.
