August is high season in the Galápagos, and for good reason: marine life is abundant, the weather is great, and it's summer vacation for families in the Northern Hemisphere. Whale watching is superb this month, and plenty of other marine species—such as dolphins and curious sea lions—are active as well. Galápagos hawks make their appearance, as do giant tortoises and lava lizards. Book in advance, especially for cruises, and pack warm clothing, as nights can be chilly and windy.

Weather

The Galápagos Islands are at their coldest in August, with temperatures around 70°F (21°C). The water temperatures are the lowest of the year, about 68°F-70°F (20°C-21°C). August brings stronger winds, and it's a good idea to avoid boat tours if you tend to get seasick, as the waters are choppy now that it's the cool, dry season. 

Crowds & Costs

August is busy with families, as many schools are still on summer break, but it's not as crowded as July. The demand for flights and hotels remains high, making travel more expensive during the month. Cruises remain popular, and it's a good idea to book your spot further in advance, particularly if you're traveling with family. Consider booking any land-based tour as well, as these fill up too. It's more crowded on land and out on the sea, with many activities and wildlife attracting large crowds.

Some islands get busier than others, such as Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, and Isla Española. Keep in mind that tours to famous places such as the Charles Darwin Research Station fill up quickly, as well as trips to Tortuga Bay and "The tunnels."

Where to Go

As with every other month on the Galápagos Islands, August has its unique wildlife. On Isla Santa Cruz, the giant tortoises arrive in large numbers as they search for food away from the dry climate in the lowlands. Cold waters bring plenty of food, and there's an abundance of sea lions and their pups. The best places to witness sea lions are around the Plazas, Santa Fe, San Cristóbal, Española, and Isla Fernandina.

August is also the time to see a large number of dolphins and whales, especially in the western, northern, and southern parts of Isla Isabela. You'll most likely see humpback whales, sperm whales, minke whales, and possibly even sei whales. The sei whale is the third-largest rorqual, after the blue and fin whale. Some common dolphin species in the Galápagos Islands waters are bottlenose and common dolphins—known for their friendliness, speed, and intelligence. 

Make sure to visit Las Tintoreras, just south of Puerto Villamil on Isla Isabela. Here, you can snorkel with sea lions, turtles, rays, and colorful fish. You'll also probably spot some boobies and penguins on your way there. Watch for the courtship among Galápagos hawks on Santiago and Isla Española as well. Book a cruise that will take you to several islands over a few days to spot as much wildlife as possible, and remember to ask about snorkeling opportunities.

If you're visiting large breeding colonies of birds or sea lions, remember: the best way to protect wildlife is to leave them alone, even if it's tempting to pet the cute sea lion pups. 

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What to Do

Island hopping and island cruises are great activities during August. Dolphin- and whale watching is one of the highlights in August, and the Galápagos Islands are filled with snorkeling opportunities and swimming among incredible species, such as sea lions. It's also a great month for walking around the different islands and seeing the giant tortoises, as well as spotting the many Galápagos hawks that make their appearance.

Visit La Loberia on Isla San Cristóbal—a rocky 2,952-foot (900 m) path, home to hundreds of sea lions and marine iguanas (some huge ones). Take the opportunity to snorkel here and swim with sea turtles, or hike up to the bird cliff and come across lava lizards and seabirds. Once you arrive at the top, you'll have a great view of swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies. Continue to Isla Floreana and visit Asilo de La Paz—a historical 1,476-foot (450 m) hill behind Straw Hill—to see the pirate cave and a freshwater spring. 

Events in August

Independence Day, Nationwide (August 10). Ecuador's National Day is celebrated all over the country, including the Galápagos Islands. It's known as "Día del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito" in Spanish and marks Quito's independence from Spain in 1809. 

Traveling to the Galápagos Islands in August? Check out these great itineraries

Galápagos Cruise: Wildlife Watching, Snorkeling & Hiking - 11 Days. This 11-day cruise is a perfect excursion for those wanting to maximize their time on the Galápagos Islands. You'll experience around a dozen islands, although some of these are quite small, such as Chinese Hat and Bartolome. It also includes some lesser-known sights and activities, such as the unusual Rábida Island, which has a Mars-like rocky surface. 

Land-Based Adventure Tour - 10 Days. Experience wildlife, culture, and a unique ecosystem of the archipelago as you see sights by bike, on foot, and in the water. This extraordinary adventure includes snorkeling with sea lions, tropical fish, and beautiful manta rays.

More Helpful Information

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Best Time of Year to Visit the Galápagos Islands
How Many Days to Spend in the Galápagos Islands