Weather
November offers excellent weather on the Galapágos Islands, with temperatures around 79°F (26°C). As the sea turns warmer, temperatures rise to around 73°F (23°C). November is part of the dry season, and the skies are usually sunny, so it's the perfect time to travel if you prefer a milder climate without too much heat or humidity. Bring some warmer clothes for the evenings, or if you plan to take boat tours or sail between the islands. You might occasionally experience mist and drizzle, although it's not that common.
The Humboldt Current begins to move away from the islands, and the winds calm significantly, making it an excellent time to enjoy a nice swim (though pack a wetsuit, especially for snorkeling and diving activities). Make sure to check the weather forecast and research the likelihood of an El Niño event—a warm ocean current that occasionally hits the islands, bringing increased rainfall and higher temperatures. It's wise to avoid traveling during El Niño, as many activities are canceled and it becomes more difficult to tour the islands. The wildlife is also negatively affected as the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current is replaced by nutrient-poor, warmer waters.
Crowds & Costs
November is relatively quiet, particularly in the middle of the month. It's considered the low season on the Galapágos Islands with less tourism overall. At the beginning and end of November, you can expect it to get slightly busier, with All Souls' Day celebrations starting the month and American Thanksgiving at the end. All Souls' Day is celebrated throughout South America, attracting travelers from neighboring countries, while Thanksgiving draws vacationers from the United States.
Prices are pretty low on flights, accommodations, and tours in the middle of the month, and you have a good chance of finding good deals. If you plan to travel during the holidays, book your stay and plane tickets far in advance, as well as any cruises, since they tend to get more crowded. Overall, you can expect a relaxing and quiet vacation on the Galapágos Islands in November.
Where to Go
November on the Galapágos Islands is perfect for land and sea sightseeing. Snorkeling and swimming are particularly good thanks to the weather, active marine life, and the changing Humboldt Current. Head to Isla Fernandina to swim among penguins, marine iguanas, and spot some dolphins.
On the eastern coast of Isla Santiago, you'll find Sullivan Bay—named after Charles Darwin's lieutenant, Bartholomew James Sullivan. Walk through swathes of pahoehoe lava flows that are over a century old to find petrified, rumpled land punctuated by hollowed pockets of gas, hornitos, and the remains of the landscape overtaken by heat.
Just off Isla Isabela, you'll find the geological formation Los Túneles (The Tunnels), which is one of the best snorkeling sites on the Galapágos Islands. These volcanic tunnels are naturally formed lava bridges with plenty of hideaways for marine life and seabirds.
On Isla Santa Cruz, you'll find another highlight: the underground lava tunnels, located southeast of Santa Rosa. These tubes look like whitewashed subway tunnels and are ideal for exploring inside. The inside is lit, allowing you to see the fantastic stalactites growing within, and you'll catch the bright eyes of barn owls residing here.
Another major attraction is the Devil's Crown—a volcanic crater almost completely submerged in the ocean. You'll find it off Isla Floreana's northern coast, where you can enjoy some of the best snorkeling the Galapágos Islands have to offer. The coral reef in the middle attracts an abundance of marine life, with hammerhead sharks gathering around the edges and dolphins and schools of tropical fish enjoying the shelter.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Go
November is the perfect time to enjoy snorkeling, bird-watching, and swimming. The month is particularly exciting when the seal and sea lion pups begin to enter the waters for the first time. You'll most likely see them as you swim and snorkel in the Galapágos' sea. They're particularly playful and enjoy playing with the humans who are snorkeling in the water, as they're very curious. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially on the western islands. On the eastern side, many sea lions are often still breeding, sharing space with the cute pups.
It's the breeding and nesting season for many bird species, such as blue-footed boobies, waved albatrosses, brown noddy terns, and red-footed boobies. You can also spot flamingoes and frigate birds nesting during this time. The Galapágos green sea turtles are particularly active as well, and you can see them while snorkeling offshore, and sometimes on the beaches as well.
Events in November
Día de los Difuntos, Nationwide (November 2). All Souls' Day, also known as Day of the Dead, sees families visit cemeteries to share food (colada morada and guaguas de pan) with the deceased.
Traveling to Galapágos in November? Check out these great itineraries
Introductory Nature Cruise Through the Galápagos - 4 Days. Follow in the footsteps of the famed British naturalist on this four-day cruise to the archipelago's top nature spots in search of giant tortoises, winged albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and more. Finish this short but sweet adventure snorkeling among the marine life at the famous Kicker Rock.
Galápagos Small Island Adventures: Isla Santa Cruz, Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Isabela - 9 Days. Discover environmental conservation projects on Isla Santa Cruz and learn about giant tortoises and their habitat before exploring Isla Floreana and Isla Pinzón, where you can swim, snorkel along secluded coves, and lounge with sea lions and marine iguanas.
More Helpful Information
Galapágos Islands in October
Galapágos Islands in December
Best Time of the Year to Visit the Galapágos Islands
How Many Days to Spend in the Galápagos Islands