A Destination. An Adventure. An Experience of a Lifetime.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting islands lost in time. In the Galapagos, intrepid explorers will encounter ancient tortoises, whimsical birds, and an array of astounding creatures amidst surreal landscapes, all for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Follow in Darwin's footsteps for seven glorious days, guided by certified naturalists who offer insightful shore excursions - two per day - with like-minded fellow travellers. At day's end, retreat to one of three exceptional vessels: the luxurious Celebrity Flora, a sea-bound resort boasting a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating; the beloved Celebrity Xpedition accommodating 48 guests; or the intimate Celebrity Xploration for 16 guests. Indulge in stunning accommodations, delectable cuisine, limitless Wi-Fi, and impeccable service. Moreover, with Celebrity Cruises' 17-year legacy of award-winning Galapagos cruises, they'll extend your horizons with all-inclusive South American packages spanning 10-16 nights. Uncover the wonders of Quito, Machu Picchu, Lima, and Cuzco with air transfers, five-star lodging, and guided tours.
Prepare for an extraordinary, life-altering experience.
Wildlife Calendar
Click each month to find out more...
January
Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain
On Hood (Española) Island adult marine iguanas become brightly coloured (green & red + black)
The green sea turtles arrive to beaches in the Galapagos for egg laying period
Land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela Island
Both, water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until June
Ideal time for snorkelling
February
On Floreana Island greater flamingos start nesting
Bahama pintail ducks (Black-tailed pintail) start their breeding season
Nazca (masked) boobies on Hood are at the end of their nesting season
Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island
Nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak
March
Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina
21st March, the beginning of the summer equinox signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Española
Even the western islands have warm waters where snorkelling is excellent. Penguins still active in the water, next to tropical fish! (How bizarre!)
Marine life is very active
April
Massive arrival of waved albatrosses to Española. Amazing courtship starts
End of hatching season of the giant tortoises
Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch
Eggs of land iguanas hatch on Isabela
Good visibility in the water for snorkelers
May
North Seymour's blue-footed boobies begin their courtship
Sea turtles are still hatching on Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant, and Puerto Egas
Most of marine iguanas' eggs hatch from nests on Santa Cruz
Palo santo trees begin to shed their foliage
Waved albatross on Española start laying their eggs
Ban-rumped storm petrels begin their first nesting period
June
Beginning of the garúa season
Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands to the lowlands in search of suitable nesting places
Beginning of the nesting season of giant tortoises
Many red pouches by males of Magnificent Frigatebirds on North Seymour
Southern migrants have started their journey towards the north. Galapagos is a rest stop for such birds. Some species of cetaceans also follow this pattern of migration
Some groups of Humpback whales that migrate up to equatorial latitudes along the coast of Ecuador, can reach the Galapagos too
July
Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), specially the Blue footed boobies on Española
Flightless cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina
Along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) you could find American oystercatchers nesting
Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November
Whales & dolphins are more likely to be observed, especially off the western coast of Isabela
Great month to see the four stages of nesting in Blue footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles & subadults
August
Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago
Nazca (masked) boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls nest on Genovesa Island
Migrant shore birds start to arrive, and stay on the islands until March
Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Pupping season (births) of sea lions has started. Western and central islands are common places for such sightings
September
Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome
Since May swimmers and snorkelers can be delighted at Bartolome with penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater
Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage, and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones in terms of sea lions' activities
Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites
October
Lava herons start nesting until March
The Galapagos Fur Seals (subspecies of Sea lions) begin their mating period
Blue footed boobies raise chicks all over Española and Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)
Giant tortoises are still laying eggs
Sunrises in the west can be quite beautiful after the garúa covers only certain locations of the western volcanoes
November
Pupping of sea lions continue
Sea lions are sexually active on the eastern part of the archipelago
Breeding season for the brown noddies
Some species of jellyfish can be seen around the islands
Band-rumped storm petrels begin their second nesting period
Sea lion pups (specially at Champion Islet) play aqua-aerobics next to snorkelers. Most pups here are curious enough to nibble at fins of snorkelers. The average age of most pups is 3-4 months
December
Hatching of giant tortoise's eggs begins and lasts until April
