Galápagos Penguin
Tagus Cove, Isabela
Almost always seen · more active than usual, June to November
See these departuresThe Galápagos Cruise · Best time to visit · July
Galápagos in July: Penguins, Boobies and the Cool Season
July is a month for the west and for wildlife: cold, rich water, dry days and some of the busiest colonies of the year. What July is best for:
PenguinsMost activeAt Tagus Cove, IsabelaBlue-footed boobiesCourtship danceOn North SeymourGiant tortoisesIn the highlandsSanta Cruz, all monthDry weather5 mm of rainMild days, 75°F
fromUS$2,450
Per person, July 2027
73°F
Water, colder in the west
75°F
Air by day
5 mm
Rain in the month
July at a glance
July is a month for the west. The current that sweeps up from the south brings cold, nutrient-rich water to Isabela and Fernandina, and with it the fish that feed the penguins at Tagus Cove. Snorkelling here means a wetsuit and some of the liveliest water of the year.
On land the days are mild and almost dry. On North Seymour the blue-footed boobies are still in the middle of their courtship dance, the giant tortoises are back up in the Santa Cruz highlands, and a humpback whale is sometimes seen on the crossings.
June to November
The cool season
Cooler air, misty highlands, choppier and richer seas. July sits in the middle of it: cold water in the west, the busiest seabird colonies, and very little rain.
Notable wildlife
- Albatross courtship on Española
- Penguins and sea lion pups
- Blue-footed booby courtship
Best for
Wildlife first, longer hikes, photography in soft light
Wildlife in July
73 species are recorded in July 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 departuresWaved Albatross
Punta Suárez, Española
Almost always seen · courtship and breeding, April to December
See these departuresEspañola Mockingbird
Punta Suárez, Española
Almost always seen · present and unusually tame
See these departures6 of 73 species with photos shownShow all 73
Departures in July
All departures with space. Sold-out dates are not listed.
01/07/2027US$2,845
Galapagos Angel · 4-Day Southern Islands: Punta Suarez's Waved Albatross
3 nights · back 04/07/2027 · 14 spots
Ask about this date01/07/2027US$4,645
Grand Majestic · 5-Day Northern & Eastern: Prince Philip's Steps
4 nights · back 05/07/2027 · 16 spots
Ask about this date02/07/2027US$6,845
Infinity · 5-Day Southern Islands: Santa Cruz's Wild Tortoises
4 nights · back 06/07/2027 · 2 spots
Ask about this date03/07/2027US$7,390
EMINENCE · EMINENCE: Route C
4 nights · back 07/07/2027 · 17 spots
Ask about this dateShow more departures12 of 129 shown
Questions about July
Is July a good time to visit the Galápagos?+
Yes, if wildlife comes first. July has some of the busiest seabird colonies of the year, active penguins in the west and almost no rain. The seas are choppier than in the warm season, which matters if you are prone to seasickness.
How cold is the water in July?+
Around 23°C near Santa Cruz, and colder in the west around Isabela and Fernandina. A wetsuit makes snorkelling comfortable, and the cold water is what brings the penguins.
Will I see penguins in July?+
Very likely, if your route goes to the west. July is one of the months when the Galápagos penguins are most active, especially at Tagus Cove on Isabela.
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 July
Tell us who is travelling and what you want to see. We come back to you within one working day.
from US$2,450
01/07/2027