Galápagos Penguin
Tagus Cove, Isabela
Almost always seen · more active than usual, June to November
See these departuresThe Galápagos Cruise · Best time to visit · November
Galápagos in November: Penguins, Pups and Calming Seas
November brings the cool season to a close: the seas begin to calm, while the penguins and sea lion pups are still active. What November is best for:
PenguinsStill activeTagus Cove, IsabelaSea lion pupsBold in the waterGardner Bay, EspañolaFrigatebirdsRed throat pouchesOn North SeymourCalming seas5 mm of rainMild days, 75°F
fromUS$1,422
Per person, November 2026
73°F
Water, colder in the west
75°F
Air by day
5 mm
Rain in the month
November at a glance
November is a month of change. The seas begin to calm, the air warms a little and the rain stays low. It combines the wildlife of the cool season with easier crossings.
The sea lion pups at Gardner Bay grow bolder in the water, the penguins are still active at Tagus Cove, and the albatross are still breeding on Española. On North Seymour the magnificent frigatebirds begin to display their red throat pouches.
June to November
The cool season
Cooler air, misty highlands, choppier and richer seas. November closes it: calming seas and the last weeks of pups and active penguins.
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 November
72 species are recorded in November 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 72 species with photos shownShow all 72
Departures in November
All departures with space. Sold-out dates are not listed.
03/11/2026US$4,545
Infinity · 4-Day Northern Islands: Darwin Bay's Frigatebirds
3 nights · back 06/11/2026 · 2 spots
Ask about this date04/11/2026US$5,760
Galaxy Diver III · Galaxy Diver III: Route DIV
7 nights · back 11/11/2026 · 2 spots
Ask about this date05/11/2026US$5,945
Grand Majestic · 5-Day Northern & Eastern: Prince Philip's Steps
4 nights · back 09/11/2026 · 2 spots
Ask about this dateShow more departures12 of 69 shown
Questions about November
Is November a good time to visit the Galápagos?+
Yes. November combines active penguins and sea lion pups with seas that are beginning to calm, a good choice if you want the wildlife of the cool season with easier crossings.
Are the seas calmer in November?+
They begin to calm as the cool season ends. The smoothest months are December to May.
Will I see penguins in November?+
Very likely, if your route goes to the west. November is the last month of the period in which 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 November
Tell us who is travelling and what you want to see. We come back to you within one working day.
from US$1,422
01/11/2026