Marine Iguana
Punta Suárez, Española
Almost always seen · males in red and green breeding colours, January to March
See these departuresThe Galápagos Cruise · Best time to visit · February
Galápagos in February: Green Islands, Warm Water and Nesting Turtles
February brings the greenest islands of the year: warm water, calm seas and a short downpour most afternoons. What February is best for:
Green turtlesNestingBartolomé and FloreanaHighlandsAt their greenestAfter the afternoon showersGiant tortoisesIn the lowlandsSanta CruzWarm water79°FCalm seas for the crossings
fromUS$1,800
Per person, February 2027
79°F
Water, colder in the west
81°F
Air by day
58 mm
Rain in the month
February at a glance
February is the wettest month on Santa Cruz, which here means a short, heavy shower in the afternoon and sunshine around it. The rain turns the highlands a deep green, and the sea stays warm and calm for snorkelling and the crossings.
Green turtles are still nesting on the beaches, the marine iguanas of Española keep their breeding colours, and the frigatebirds on North Seymour display their red pouches. In the lowlands of Santa Cruz the giant tortoises are easy to meet.
December to May
The warm season
Sunny, calm and clear, with short afternoon showers that leave the highlands green. February brings its wettest days, and with them the greenest highlands.
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 February
70 species are recorded in February at the places our cruises visit. The six most likely first.
Española 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 departuresMagnificent Frigatebird
North Seymour Trail, North Seymour
Often seen · males displaying inflated red throat pouches, January to March
See these departures6 of 70 species with photos shownShow all 70
Departures in February
All departures with space. Sold-out dates are not listed.
02/02/2027US$6,045
Natural Paradise · 5-Day Northern & Eastern: Kicker Rock's Channel
4 nights · back 06/02/2027 · 3 spots
Ask about this date02/02/2027US$9,945
Natural Paradise · 8-Day Northern & Eastern: Sullivan Bay's Young Lava
7 nights · back 09/02/2027 · 3 spots
Ask about this dateShow more departures12 of 77 shown
Questions about February
Is February a good time to visit the Galápagos?+
Yes, if you like warm water and green islands. February is warm and calm, with good snorkelling and nesting turtles. It is also the wettest month, but the rain usually comes as a short afternoon shower.
Does it rain a lot in February?+
It is the wettest month of the year, but it rarely rains all day. Expect a short downpour in the afternoon and sun around it. The monthly average is at the top of this page.
Where are the giant tortoises in February?+
From January to May they are partly down in the lowlands of Santa Cruz, where they are easy to meet. From June they move back up into the highlands.
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 February
Tell us who is travelling and what you want to see. We come back to you within one working day.
from US$1,800
01/02/2027