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 · January
Galápagos in January: Nesting Turtles, Bright Iguanas and Calm Seas
January is warm, bright and calm: the warm season has settled in, turtles come ashore to nest and the seas are at their smoothest. What January is best for:
Green turtlesNestingBartolomé and FloreanaMarine iguanasBreeding coloursPunta Suárez, EspañolaFrigatebirdsRed throat pouchesOn North SeymourCalm seasWater 75°F28 mm of rain in the month
fromUS$2,000
Per person, January 2027
75°F
Water, colder in the west
79°F
Air by day
28 mm
Rain in the month
January at a glance
January is one of the calmest months of the year. The warm season has arrived, the crossings are smooth and the water is pleasant for snorkelling. A short shower in the afternoon is common, and it keeps the highlands green.
On land this is a month of colour. At Punta Suárez on Española the male marine iguanas wear their red and green breeding colours, on North Seymour the frigatebirds inflate their red throat pouches, and green turtles come up the beaches to nest. The giant tortoises of Santa Cruz are partly down in the lowlands.
December to May
The warm season
Sunny, calm and clear, with short afternoon showers that leave the highlands green. January is early in it: calm seas, warm water and short afternoon 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 January
71 species are recorded in January 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 71 species with photos shownShow all 71
Departures in January
All departures with space. Sold-out dates are not listed.
05/01/2027US$6,345
Galapagos Horizon · 5-Day Northern Islands: Bartolome's Pinnacle Rock View
4 nights · back 09/01/2027 · 2 spots
Ask about this date05/01/2027US$6,045
Natural Paradise · 5-Day Northern & Eastern: Kicker Rock's Channel
4 nights · back 09/01/2027 · 2 spots
Ask about this dateShow more departures12 of 84 shown
Questions about January
Is January a good time to visit the Galápagos?+
Yes, especially if you want calm seas and warm water. January has some of the smoothest crossings of the year, turtles nesting on the beaches and marine iguanas in their breeding colours. Expect a short shower in the afternoon.
Is the sea calm in January?+
Yes. December to May are the calmest months for the crossings, and January sits in the middle of them. If you are prone to seasickness, this is a good time to travel.
Can I see the waved albatross in January?+
Only a few late stragglers. The young leave Española in December and the adults return in April, so for their courtship come between April and December.
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 January
Tell us who is travelling and what you want to see. We come back to you within one working day.
from US$2,000
02/01/2027