March is in the middle of the warm and wet season, which means excellent wildlife watching and clear water visibility. As one of the warmest months, it's the perfect time to snorkel and visit the western islands. Many bird species are in the midst of their nesting seasons, and you can spot waved albatross and male frigate birds as they dazzle prospective mates with raucous displays. The renowned Holy Week begins toward the end of the month, with parades, food, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Weather

March is the wet season on Galapágos Islands, and the rainy season is at its peak. You can expect more rain than during the rest of the year, and it can be quite hot and humid. In the west, Isla Baltra, Isla Genovesa, Isla Santiago, Isla Fernandina, and Isla Isabela become warmer than usual. 

The average daily temperature is 80°F-88°F (27°C-31°C), with water temperatures around 79°F (26°C). To avoid the rainiest days, aim to travel at the end of March when the rainy season is coming to its end. Due to rainfall, there may be sea surges, which can affect moving between islands aboard a cruise. This affects mainly Isla Seymour Norte and Gardner Bay.

Crowds & Costs

March is one of the least crowded months, and hotel and flight prices drop significantly. If you're looking for a good deal on your trip, this is the perfect month to visit. As Easter and spring break approach at the end of the month,  prices may go up, but overall, it's a good month for budget travel. If you want to avoid a lot of tourists, visit in the beginning or middle of March. Although many avoid the islands during the wet season, there's a lot for you to see and do, and you will have more privacy as you explore. 

Where to Go

Many of the land birds, sea lions, turtles, and tortoises that you'll find on the Galápagos Islands have their breeding or nesting season in March, and you can spot them among a blanket of blossoming flowers. March is when the waved albatross returns to Isla Española, and you might see them toward the end of the month.

You'll also see a lot of penguins, especially on Isla Isabela, but also on Fernandina Island. On Isla San Cristóbal and Genovesa Island, frigate birds begin their mating season. If the weather allows, take a boat cruise to Seymour Norte, where marine iguanas are nesting in March.

In general, it's a good season to take advantage of the warmer weather on the westernmost islands, which stay cool for the rest of the year. 

Plan your trip to Galapagos Islands
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

March is an excellent month for seeing nesting birds and animals. Green sea turtles, marine iguana, and land iguanas are in their nesting season. Land iguanas, particularly females, tend to be more aggressive at this time of year as they defend their nest territories. You might also witness sea turtles leaving the water to lay their eggs on sandy beaches—a rare and special occurrence.

Among the bird species, the frigate birds nesting occurs in March, and you'll most likely spot them on Genovesa Island. Other birds that nest during this period include penguins, flightless cormorants, and greater flamingoes. You have a greater-than-average chance of spotting rare baby giant tortoises, which are still hatching in March.

The predominantly sunny days paired with the warm waters make March an ideal month for snorkeling with playful sea lions and hiking past colonies of blue-footed boobies. Visit Punta Vicente Roca Isabela for hiking and taking in the views, as the skies often turn bright blue after the rain.

Events in March

Semana Santa, Nationwide. This Catholic holiday, celebrated in the week leading up to Easter, is one of the most significant events on the Galapágos Islands and in Ecuador. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Celebrations include parades and daily processions in nearly every town.

Traveling to the Galapágos Islands in March? Check out these great itineraries

Galapágos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour - 6 Days. This island-hopping tour enables you to see a diverse range of sites in the Galápagos. Hike the Sierra Negra volcano, visit Tintoreras on Isabela, and more on this trip.

Galapágos Islands Land-Based  Adventure Tour - 10 Days. You'll explore the pirate and whaler caves on Isla Floreana and enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving at Kicker Rock—famed for its marine life. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and enjoy a thrilling downhill bike ride in the Isla San Cristóbal Highlands.

More Helpful Information

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