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The Galapagos Islands in May
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August 19, 2021If you choose to visit the Galapagos Islands in May, you can rest assured that you picked one of the best months for your visit. One of the lovely aspects of May in Galapagos is that the islands are lovely and green and lush. In Galapagos the weather in May tends to be relatively cool (it will still be warm!) and dry compared to the previous months. If you are wondering what it will be like to visit Galapagos in May then here is our guide that tells you everything you need to know about Galapagos weather in May, Galapagos wildlife treats during this month, Galapagos activities in May and cost and demand of Galapagos trips in the month of May.
Galapagos Weather in May
The Galapagos weather in May is pleasantly warm and there is not too much rainfall. It is generally cooler and drier than earlier in the year, which some visitors prefer. The hottest day time temperature is usually around 28 degrees Celsius (or 82 degrees Fahrenheit), and the lowest, 22 degrees Celsius (71.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, the average amount of rainfall is 1.9cm, which is less than an inch. The weather is pleasant and there is a lower degree of humidity than will be experienced at other times of the year. The sea temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius or 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Galapagos Wildlife in May
In May Galapagos wildlife is plentiful. One really special treat that you might get to see in May is the Blue-footed booby doing its courtship dance. This consists of the male showing off his lovely bright blue feet, and doing a special dance to woo the female to him. He first demonstrates his feet by passing by in front of the female, so she cannot miss him. Following this he will show here possible materials for a nest, and show off his feet again. Also, part of the dance is a bit where the male will point his head to the sky. While bill and head are pointed upwards he will keep his wings and tail raised. You will not be disappointed if you get to see this dance. There is a colony of blue footed boobies on North Seymour Island, which many Galapagos Islands cruises include, or you can also find a trip there from Santa Cruz if you are doing a Galapagos land-based trip, as it is nearby.
In May Galapagos wildlife is not limited to the blue footed booby dance! Other lovely sights to see include the fact that the waved albatross start laying their eggs. During May sea turtles are continuing to hatch as well. If you are really lucky you might see young hatchlings of Galapagos land iguanas as these tend to hatch in May on Santa Cruz Island. This is a treat for those not taking a Galapagos Islands cruise, as Galapagos land-based options are often based on Santa Cruz. Seeing a sea turtle hatch from an egg is a delightful and remarkable sight. Galapagos shearwaters can also be seen on the islands in May.
Aside from this, penguins nest in Fernandina Island in May, as well as on the west coast of Isabela Island – note that not all Galapagos Islands cruises visit these islands, so be sure to check that yours does if this is the May Galapagos wildlife you hope to see. You will also be likely to see a range of other bird species, including red footed boobies, Nazca booties, frigate birds (great and magnificent species), flightless cormorants and greater flamingos. You’ll also probably see marine and land iguanas at this time.
Activities in the Galapagos in May
Since the water is relatively warm at this time of year, snorkeling is a great activity in the Galapagos Islands during this time. Swimming can also be very pleasant, and the temperature works for divers as well. If you want to do diving activities in the Galapagos in May then make sure you choose a live aboard boat, as regular Galapagos Islands cruises do not offer this. If you are on a Galapagos land based option you might take a day trip for diving, or you can snorkel from the beaches on your island. Other activities in the Galapagos in May are the same as the rest of the year – you can walk on the islands and go to visitors sites all year around.
Galapagos Costs and Demand in May
Like April, May is considered a “shoulder month” between the low and high seasons, and it often has fewer visitors than earlier on in the year. That said, later on in May the number of visitors start to increase as some schools and colleges start on their summer break. Also, towards the end of May, Ecuador has a public holiday to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha (the date is 24th May, but the holiday can vary each year depending on when during the week the date falls). It can also be busier around this time. As a result, it may be harder to find good last-minute deals after the first two weeks of May. If you are flexible and can do so, then you might prefer to go earlier in May to get a better price, while we always have offers and some of the best available rates in the market for most cruises, the Grand Majestic yacht frequently enables to offer our clients excellent rates for departures in May.
Our Insider Veredict
May is a truly excellent time of year to visit the Galapagos Islands. Whether you are on a Galapagos Islands cruise or a Galapagos land-based option, you are sure to enjoy your May visit to the Galapagos Islands, thanks to the very pleasant temperatures, and the abundance of active wildlife. Try to look for trips earlier on in May if you are price-sensitive as this is when you will be most likely to get the better deals. One highlight to try not to miss in the Galapagos in May if at all possible is the bizarre and unique courtship dance of the blue footed booby, which starts happening at this time of year. Contact us to find out how we can help with organizing your visit to the Galapagos Islands in the month of May.
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