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Española colony atmosphere for best Galapagos cruise for waved albatross

BEST TIME · MARCH

Galapagos in March.

What the islands, the sea and the wildlife are like in March, and how to plan a cruise around it.

Galapagos in March — Reference image only.

01 / CONDITIONS

Weather and sea in March

Typical
SeasonPeak of the warm season
Air temperatureMid to high 80s °f (about 29–31 °c)
Water temperatureAbout 77–80 °f (25–27 °c), the warmest of the year
SeasCalm
RainHumid with frequent short showers

Typical ranges; El Niño and La Niña years can shift them. Temperatures vary by island, with the west usually coolest.

02 / WILDLIFE

Wildlife highlights in March

  • Waved albatross begin arriving on Española late in the month
  • Marine iguanas nesting on Fernandina
  • Frigatebirds and boobies active
  • Turtles nesting
  • Warm-water reef fish at their most colorful

Check species by island in the wildlife finder.

03 / PLANNING

Cruising the Galapagos in March

The warmest water of the year; ideal for families and snorkelers. Spring breaks fill boats early.

Pack: Extra sun protection; a shorty wetsuit is plenty. Full list: what to pack for a Galapagos cruise.

Plan travel days with the trip date planner; motion-sensitive? Read seasickness tips. Groups can also consider Galapagos charters.

Spring break: is March or April a good choice?

Expedition yacht anchored near Pinnacle Rock at Bartolomé with a fine atlas route line, illustrating Galapagos itinerary length
Galapagos in March — Reference image only.
04 / OTHER MONTHS

Compare with nearby months

Marine iguanas on wet lava rock under humid rain clouds with greener vegetation, illustrating El Niño conditions in the Galapagos
Reference image only

February

Warm season.

Underwater view of a snorkeler watching a young sea lion and a green sea turtle from a respectful distance
Reference image only

April

Warm season.

Galapagos anchorage showing the warm season and the cool garúa season
Reference image only

All months

The full year at a glance.

05 / FAQ

Galapagos in March: questions

Is March a good time to visit the Galapagos?

Yes. March brings the peak of the warm season; the warmest water of the year; ideal for families and snorkelers.

What is the water temperature in Galapagos in March?

Typically about 77–80 °F (25–27 °C), the warmest of the year, cooler in the west.

Are the seas rough in March?

They are calm. Midship, lower-deck cabins move least.

Do I need a wetsuit in March?

Extra sun protection; a shorty wetsuit is plenty. is our usual suggestion.

Can you suggest boats for March?

Yes. Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with your dates and group size.

BEST TIME

Traveling in March?

Tell us your dates; we suggest boats and routes that make the most of March.

Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth: wildlife that does not run from you, islands still shaped by volcanoes, and a park that limits every visit. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match you with the right boat.