When is the Best Time to See Giant Tortoises in Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are a collection of volcanic islands located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The Galapagos Islands are a special place, particularly for travelers looking to have a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. The region’s remarkable ecosystem is home to many endemic and rare species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, lava lizards, penguins and many more. To learn more, a representative from Galapagos Conservancy, a nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, shares information about giant tortoises in Galapagos, travel tips and more.

South Plaza Island, Galapagos
© Kimber Wukitsch / Galapagos Conservancy

When is the best time to see giant tortoises in Galapagos?

Galapagos is a year-round destination with comparatively mild weather patterns and very few migratory species. The best time to visit will depend on if you hope to see specific animals, breeding seasons, preferred weather and conditions for activities, such as snorkeling, hiking and diving. The best time to see Giant Tortoises is in the later half of the year after June as the Giant Tortoises are more active trying to find a mate and laying their eggs.

What makes the Galapagos Islands worth visiting?

The Galapagos Islands are an excursion-oriented destination with well-regulated tourism focused on making sure visitors get an authentic and comprehensive sense of place, as well as a very personal experience. The Galapagos National Park Directorate and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require that tour providers strive to make their businesses as environmentally friendly as possible. The Islands are governed by a Special Law that supports conservation and the preservation of its unique environment, which guides careful management to ensure a balance between the populated areas and protected areas.

A Blue-footed Booby in Galapagos
© Lori Ulrich / Galapagos Conservancy

How do the Galapagos Islands protect their environment?

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most well-protected ecosystems in the world. The islands and the surrounding waters form a national park and marine reserve with strong measures in place to control the impact of human activities on the unique wildlife. In 1979, the Galapagos Islands became the world’s first UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site — an honor bestowed upon our planet’s most magnificent places.

What animal species live on the Galapagos Islands?

Well-known species found only on the Galapagos Islands include the iconic giant tortoises, marine and land iguanas, flightless cormorants, lava lizards, Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, penguins, sea lions, fur seals and waved albatross, among others.

Adult Tortoises on Wolf Volcano
© James Gibbs / Galapagos Conservancy

Marine Iguana and Lava Lizard © Stuart Hill

A Galapagos Penguin on Isabela Island
© Lori Ulrich / Galapagos Conservancy

What can visitors do to practice responsible tourism on the Galapagos Islands?

Galapagos Conservancy encourages visitors to travel with accredited, licensed tour providers with a strong commitment to Galapagos conservation. Look for companies that have corporate philosophies or are members of organizations that ensure adherence to strict environmental standards and social responsibility in their operations. Some companies go beyond simply complying with regulations and are proactive in their efforts to preserve Galapagos by supporting community and conservation projects. Following a few simple rules is all it takes for you to experience the magnificence of the islands in a sustainable way. From following the park rules and respecting the wildlife to purchasing souvenirs wisely, your choices will make a difference.

Why is conserving the Galapagos Archipelago important to the Galapagos Conservancy?

Galapagos has been described as one of the most unique, scientifically important and biologically outstanding areas on earth. Charles Darwin’s observations on the wildlife and geology of these islands played a key role in the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection. This has made the islands a popular and breathtaking vacation destination.

However, as a result of centuries of ecological damage, human population increases and aggressive invasive species, many of the unique wildlife and plants – both on land and in the ocean – are threatened, and in some cases are critically endangered. For almost 40 years, Galapagos Conservancy has been committed to conserving the biodiversity of this extraordinary world treasure.

How many giant tortoises live on the Galapagos islands?

The population estimate for the 15 tortoise species is around 30,000 in total – identified across the archipelago. Some species have large healthy populations, others, such as the Espanola tortoise, have been rescued from the brink of extinction.

GTRI Director Wacho Tapia takes measurement of a tortoise on Wolf Volcano
© James Gibbs / Galapagos Conservancy

Can you describe the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative?

The Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative is a collaborative effort led by Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate. The long-term goal of the initiative is to restore tortoise populations impacted by human activity to their historical distribution and numbers across Galapagos, including on islands where tortoises went extinct. This monumental effort includes research and conservation on tortoises, vegetation and ecosystems on targeted islands, breeding and rearing tortoises of threatened species, repopulating islands where tortoises went extinct or their numbers have been significantly depleted as a result of human activity and research and management of modern-day tortoise-human interactions and conflicts. For more information, click here.

Galapagos National Park Rangers Marking an Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise for Future Monitoring
© Galapagos Conservancy / GTRI

What might surprise travelers about the Galapagos Islands?

A few things might surprise travelers, especially the close up connection with the fearless land and marine animals – something that has to be experienced to be understood. Also, the striking ruggedness of the arid landscape despite being in a tropical region of the world. Many visitors are surprised to find that about 30,000 people currently live in the towns and villages on the four inhabited islands. Plus the important adjustment for visitors to abide by the regulations that guide tourism and human activities, such as having your aircraft fumigated, being asked to stay within marked trails and never touching the animals.

What should you pack for the Galapagos Islands?

Be sure to pack hardy, comfortable clothing and footwear for the rough and varied terrain, protective sun gear for swimming and snorkeling and sunscreen and hat for protection against the equatorial sun.

About Galapagos Conservancy
Galapagos Conservancy focuses exclusively on helping to protect and restore the Galapagos Islands. Their role as facilitator and catalyst over almost four decades is in partnership with the key organizations that work in both conservation and in the development of a sustainable society. Galapagos Conservancy is able to target financial support in a timely way and provide technical backup where needed. By building partnerships and leveraging already existing capacities within Galapagos organizations, Galapagos Conservancy aims to enhance what already exists to achieve greater success.
Website: https://www.galapagos.org/

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