Galapagos Newsletter
Galapagos General Information
Galapagos Activities
Galapagos HotelsTravel Information about the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos NewsletterGalapagos General InformationGalapagos Activities Galapagos HotelsGeology of the Galapagos Islands
The geologically recent volcanic eruptions attest to the fact that the Galapagos Islands are a place born of fire. In the last 200 years, a remarkable 50 plus eruptions have occurred, some threatening the unique flora and fauna, some creating new land (such as the new pahoehoe lava flow on Santiago Island) that was unseen in Darwin's time. Perhaps Galapagos' most prevalent feature is its harsh and dynamic volcanic landscape. Initially formed between 3 million and 5 million years ago, the islands are "young" in geologic time. Not unlike Hawaii, the islands are located over an area of particularly hot mantle that in essence burns through earth's crust, creating volcanic activity. At these "hot spots," volcanic eruptions pile upon former volcanic eruptions over millennia until the volcanic earth is pushed to the surface of the ocean --forming islands.
As the tectonic plates move (at a rate of about 5 cm per year), the volcanic activity moves with them, creating newer islands to the west and reducing activity of older islands to the east. This explains the relatively "youthful" rocks of the western islands and the geologically older rocks of many eastern islands. For instance the easterly islands are among other islands that are partially or entirely sunken aging over 5 million years old. However, many of the central and easterly islands (such as Fernandina and Isabela) have more recent volcanic activity dating back only 2 million years.
Generally, the individual islands form from single shield volcano's eruptions of basaltic lava flows expanding its shores. However, the largest island, Isabela, is made up of six volcanoes which have flowed into each other, filling the Pacific gap between them.
Formed by this combination of dynamic volcanic activity and the effects of rain and the continual force of the vast Pacific at their coasts, the islands attest to their origin. The quarter-moon shape of Genovesa and the sunken core across the bay from Pinnacle Rock at Bartolome testify to these islands born of fire and tempered by salt-water. These forces created the setting for the trials of evolution to select the uncanny animals and flora that now inhabit these desolate isles.
As the tectonic plates move (at a rate of about 5 cm per year), the volcanic activity moves with them, creating newer islands to the west and reducing activity of older islands to the east. This explains the relatively "youthful" rocks of the western islands and the geologically older rocks of many eastern islands. For instance the easterly islands are among other islands that are partially or entirely sunken aging over 5 million years old. However, many of the central and easterly islands (such as Fernandina and Isabela) have more recent volcanic activity dating back only 2 million years.
Generally, the individual islands form from single shield volcano's eruptions of basaltic lava flows expanding its shores. However, the largest island, Isabela, is made up of six volcanoes which have flowed into each other, filling the Pacific gap between them.
Formed by this combination of dynamic volcanic activity and the effects of rain and the continual force of the vast Pacific at their coasts, the islands attest to their origin. The quarter-moon shape of Genovesa and the sunken core across the bay from Pinnacle Rock at Bartolome testify to these islands born of fire and tempered by salt-water. These forces created the setting for the trials of evolution to select the uncanny animals and flora that now inhabit these desolate isles.
Galapagos Weather and Climate
The time zone for the Galapagos Islands is GMT -6, which is one hour behind from Ecuador's mainland which is GMT -5. The current time at the Galapagos Islands is:
The weather temperature varies during the year:
June to December - From June to December the southern trade winds bring the colder Humbolt current north to the Galapagos. This means that the water is cooler, and a layer of high atmosphere mist pervades the island skies. In effect, the highlands of the larger islands are kept green and lush, while the sea level islands and shorelines have little precipitation.
Thus, June to December is generally called the "dry season "known for its blue skies and mid-day showers.
During this season tourist may observe a big amount of species around the islands or the sea such as: giant tortoises, Humpback whales, blue- footed boobies, cormorants, oystercatchers, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, masked boobies, swallow tailed gulls, sea lions, lava herons, brown noddies, penguins, etc. Due to the water temperature it is the perfect time for diving.
December to May - The time period between December and May is considered the "warm season." During this warmer season, the Galapagos' climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkeling.
During this season tourist may observe a big amount of species around the islands or the sea such as: marine iguanas, sea turtle, land iguanas, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, masked boobies, marine iguanas, albatross, blue-footed boobies, etc. Due to the water conditions snorkeling is the recommended activity during these months.
Marine Currents- The Humboldt Current's influence brings cold waters especially during the mist rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. "El Niño" current may bring warm waters to the Galapagos and will make the surface warmer and rainfall increase (January to June).
The water temperature varies during the year:
When is the best time to visit Galapagos? Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time. There are two season and the warmest is between December to May and it is the time when the sky is always clear and the sun shines strongly. If you love to dive in amazing places, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June to November. During this season the weather is a little cold but it gives you the chance to enjoy the best from Galapago's famous marine reserve.
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Climate - The climate at the Galapagos Islands is subtropical and it is regulated by the warm El Nino Current and the cold Humboldt Current. The current weather at the Galapagos Islands is:The weather temperature varies during the year:
- January to May: from low 80°F (27°C) to low 90°F (32°C) (possible rain)
- June to September: low 60°F (15°C) to high 70°F (21°C) (possible rain)
- October to December: 70°F (21°C) to 80° (27°C) (dry season)
June to December - From June to December the southern trade winds bring the colder Humbolt current north to the Galapagos. This means that the water is cooler, and a layer of high atmosphere mist pervades the island skies. In effect, the highlands of the larger islands are kept green and lush, while the sea level islands and shorelines have little precipitation.Thus, June to December is generally called the "dry season "known for its blue skies and mid-day showers.
During this season tourist may observe a big amount of species around the islands or the sea such as: giant tortoises, Humpback whales, blue- footed boobies, cormorants, oystercatchers, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, masked boobies, swallow tailed gulls, sea lions, lava herons, brown noddies, penguins, etc. Due to the water temperature it is the perfect time for diving.
Average Rainfall and Average Daily Temperature Month by Month
| June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| 23 mm (1 in) | 14 mm (1 in) | 6 mm (0 in) | 6 mm (0 in) | 6 mm (0 in) | 7 mm (0 in) | 30 mm (1 in) |
| 72°F 23°C | 75°F 22°C | 70°F 22°C | 70°F 21°C | 71°F| 22°C | 73°F 23°C | 74°F 23°C |
During this season tourist may observe a big amount of species around the islands or the sea such as: marine iguanas, sea turtle, land iguanas, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, masked boobies, marine iguanas, albatross, blue-footed boobies, etc. Due to the water conditions snorkeling is the recommended activity during these months.
Average Rainfall and Average Daily Temperature Month by Month
| January | February | March | April | May |
| 68 mm (3 in) | 91 mm (4 in) | 94 mm (4 in) | 72 mm (3 in) | 34 mm (1 in) |
| 77°F 25°C | 78°F 26°C | 83°F 28°C | 83°F 28°C | 77°F 25°C |
The water temperature varies during the year:
- January to June: from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C)
- July to December: from 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (23°C)
Natural History of the Galapagos Islands
The natural history of the Galapagos Islands has fascinated visitors since their most famous guest landed there in 1845. Darwin's observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle laid the foundation for a theory that greatly impacted western thought --the theory of evolution.
Upon rediscovery of the islands, your mind will also reel with delight --leaving you slack-jawed with awe, your camera flashing.
Amid the volcanic geography of these islands 600 miles in the Pacific Ocean, plant life takes root in basalt rock, centurion turtles roam and penguins swim in equatorial waters.
In the 450 years of human history , the islands have been used as prison colonies, naval ports and research stations.
Come with us and discover an undiscovered land in the geology of the Galapagos islands , a unique spot of the earth with an environment nearly untouched by man.
Upon rediscovery of the islands, your mind will also reel with delight --leaving you slack-jawed with awe, your camera flashing.
Amid the volcanic geography of these islands 600 miles in the Pacific Ocean, plant life takes root in basalt rock, centurion turtles roam and penguins swim in equatorial waters.
In the 450 years of human history , the islands have been used as prison colonies, naval ports and research stations.
Come with us and discover an undiscovered land in the geology of the Galapagos islands , a unique spot of the earth with an environment nearly untouched by man.
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Galapagos Islands Information
A trip to the Galapagos Island will be the journey of your lifetime. Located 1,000 km from the Ecuadorian mainland, the archipelago consist of 13 major islands, of which 5 are inhabited. Find out more about the famous Islands by taking virtual trip with us!
The Island's interesting volcanic geology, as well as its rich flora and fauna have been admired and studied by numerous travelers, scientist, and nature-lovers. Scientist are still faced with a mystery how such a large diversity of species could develop in a remote location like the Galapagos Islands.
On the Islands, a multitude of animals, by most people only known from the Discovery Channel, are romping about: the main reason for tourists and nature lovers to pay the Galapagos Islands a visit.
Interested who first set foot on the Islands? Whether it was the Incas, refugees, pirates, or seafarer who were seized with a thirst for adventure? Find out about the human history of the Galapagos Islands! Talking of men on the Islands: One of the first to visit was no less a person than Charles Darwin, who was fascinated by the natural history of the archipelago. His five-week stay gave the impetus to the famous Theory of Evolution.
The Galapagos Islands are blessed with pleasant weather all year round, which means that there is no "better" time to visit those precious Islands. Still, you might take some factors like High Season vs. Low Season, or the climate into account. For yourself, your group, or your family: Check out when to go to the Galapagos Islands!The Galapagos Islands won't leave you untouched. Travel with us and have the journey of your lifetime amidst playful seals, elegant albatrosses, fiery red Sally Light-foot Crabs, and sneaky Friate birds. Make your dream come true and contact us today!
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