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 · March
Galápagos in March: The Warmest Water and the Best Snorkelling
March brings the warmest water of the year and the clearest visibility, with calm seas and green islands. What March is best for:
SnorkellingWarmest waterClearest visibility of the yearGreat frigatebirdsRed throat pouchesDarwin Bay, GenovesaMarine iguanasLast breeding coloursPunta Suárez, EspañolaCalm seasWater 81°F53 mm of rain in the month
fromUS$2,000
Per person, March 2027
81°F
Water, colder in the west
81°F
Air by day
53 mm
Rain in the month
March at a glance
March is the month to spend as much time in the water as on land. The sea is at its warmest and clearest, the crossings are calm, and snorkelling with turtles, rays and reef fish is at its easiest. Afternoon showers are still common.
On Genovesa the great frigatebirds begin to display their red throat pouches, on Española the marine iguanas are in their last weeks of breeding colours, and green turtles are still nesting. The giant tortoises remain in the lowlands of Santa Cruz.
December to May
The warm season
Sunny, calm and clear, with short afternoon showers that leave the highlands green. March is its warmest point: the warmest water of the year and calm seas.
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 March
70 species are recorded in March 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 March
All departures with space. Sold-out dates are not listed.
01/03/2027US$7,245
Grand Majestic · 8-Day Western & Northern: Buccaneer Cove's Fur Seals
7 nights · back 08/03/2027 · 2 spots
Ask about this date02/03/2027US$6,045
Natural Paradise · 5-Day Northern & Eastern: Kicker Rock's Channel
4 nights · back 06/03/2027 · 2 spots
Ask about this date02/03/2027US$9,945
Natural Paradise · 8-Day Northern & Eastern: Sullivan Bay's Young Lava
7 nights · back 09/03/2027 · 2 spots
Ask about this date03/03/2027US$6,970
Galaxy Diver II · Galaxy Diver II: Route DIV
7 nights · back 10/03/2027 · 10 spots
Ask about this dateShow more departures12 of 72 shown
Questions about March
Is March a good time to visit the Galápagos?+
Yes, especially for snorkelling. March has the warmest and clearest water of the year and calm seas. Short afternoon showers are part of it.
How warm is the water in March?+
March is the warmest month of the year in the water, so snorkelling is comfortable for most people. The averages are at the top of this page.
Can I see the waved albatross in March?+
No. The albatross are at sea in March and return to Española in April.
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 March
Tell us who is travelling and what you want to see. We come back to you within one working day.
from US$2,000
01/03/2027