Marine Iguana
Punta Suárez, Española
Almost always seen · males in red and green breeding colours, December to December
See these departuresThe Galápagos Cruise · Best time to visit · December
Galápagos in December: Colourful Iguanas and the Start of the Warm Season
December is when the warm season arrives: calm seas, warming water and marine iguanas in their breeding colours. What December is best for:
Marine iguanasBreeding coloursPunta Suárez, EspañolaGreen turtlesNesting beginsPunta Cormorant, FloreanaWaved albatrossYoung leave EspañolaThe last chance this yearCalm seasWater 73°F15 mm of rain in the month
fromUS$1,710
Per person, December 2026
73°F
Water, colder in the west
75°F
Air by day
15 mm
Rain in the month
December at a glance
December is when the warm season arrives. The sea calms, the sun comes out between short showers and the water starts to warm, which makes snorkelling more comfortable again.
On Española the male marine iguanas flush red and green, and the young albatross leave the island for the open ocean. The first green turtles come ashore to nest on Floreana, and the frigatebirds on North Seymour display their red throat pouches.
December to May
The warm season
Sunny, calm and clear, with short afternoon showers that leave the highlands green. December opens it: calm seas, warming water and short showers.
Notable wildlife
- Green turtles nesting
- Marine iguanas in breeding colours
- Waved albatross returning in April
Best for
Snorkelling, swimming, anyone prone to seasickness
Wildlife in December
71 species are recorded in December at the places our cruises visit. The six most likely first.
Galápagos Giant Tortoise
Santa Cruz Highlands, Santa Cruz
Almost always seen · wild in the highlands, June to December
See these departuresEspañola Mockingbird
Punta Suárez, Española
Almost always seen · present and unusually tame
See these departuresWedge-rumped Storm Petrel
Prince Philip's Steps, Genovesa
Almost always seen · vast colony in the lava crevices
See these departures6 of 71 species with photos shownShow all 71
Departures in December
All departures with space. Sold-out dates are not listed.
01/12/2026US$5,045
Galapagos Sea Star · 6-Day Southern Islands: Floreana's Devil's Crown
5 nights · back 06/12/2026 · 6 spots
Ask about this date01/12/2026US$8,345
Natural Paradise · 8-Day Western & Southern: Champion Islet's Mockingbird
7 nights · back 08/12/2026 · 4 spots
Ask about this date02/12/2026US$2,465
Bonita · 4-Day Northern & Western: South Plaza's Red Carpet
4 nights · back 06/12/2026 · 2 spots
Ask about this date03/12/2026US$3,245
Galapagos Angel · 5-Day Southern Islands: Gardner Bay's Sea Lion Beach
4 nights · back 07/12/2026 · 6 spots
Ask about this date03/12/2026US$4,545
Grand Majestic · 5-Day Northern & Eastern: Prince Philip's Steps
4 nights · back 07/12/2026 · 4 spots
Ask about this dateShow more departures12 of 71 shown
Questions about December
Is December a good time to visit the Galápagos?+
Yes. December brings calm seas, warming water and marine iguanas in their breeding colours. It is also the last month to see the albatross on Española before they leave for the open ocean.
Can I see the waved albatross in December?+
Yes, but only the last of them: the young leave Española in December, and the adults return in April.
Is December in the warm season?+
Yes, it is the first month of it. The warm season runs from December to May, with calm seas and warmer water.
Other months
All twelve months: The best time to visit the Galápagos
María Fernanda Ortiz
We reply within one business day
Prefer to talk? + 1 786 509 6338
We answer first thing on the next working day
María Fernanda Ortiz
We answer personally, and we answer ourselves. A Galápagos trip is once in a lifetime, and you want the right advice before you book.
+ 1 786 509 6338We answer first thing on the next working day
Ask about departures in December
Tell us who is travelling and what you want to see. We come back to you within one working day.
from US$1,710
01/12/2026