Written by Paul Schicke Senior Expedition Designer
Updated: April 01, 2026 Published: April 12, 2019
If there is one word to describe October in the Galapagos, it would be active. This Fall time month brings vibrant wildlife encounters, dramatic sunrises and sunsets, temperate weather, and warm, crystal-clear water that’s ideal for snorkeling.
It’s also one of the best months for couples to visit, with activities in full swing that are perfectly suited for romantic memory-making. Swim and snorkel with marine iguanas, sea lions and golden rays. Kayak beside the walls of the sunken caldera. Hike through lava caves to see nesting seabirds and even penguins. Cap off your days with spa treatments and happy hours. Is there any better setting for a relaxing, yet adventurous romantic vacation?
In the Galapagos, you can do as much or as little as you want! Whether you’re planning your honeymoon cruise or a solo bucket list getaway, here are 5 compelling reasons to visit the Galapagos in October.
Temperatures for Galapagos Islands in October:
Average Low:
Average High:
Water Temperature:
Average Rainfall:
64°F / 18°C
77°F / 25°C
70°F / 21°C
0.25 inches / 0.635 cm
Key Takeaways
October (Fall) offers some of the most active marine wildlife in the Galapagos - cool, nutrient-rich waters attract sea lions, penguins, and feeding seabirds in remarkable numbers.
Expect cool, dry, and comfortable conditions - overcast mornings and mild temperatures make it ideal for hiking, kayaking, and all-day exploration.
Snorkeling remains exceptional this time of year - marine life is highly active, delivering some of the most dynamic underwater encounters of the season.
A quieter time to visit with more intimate experiences - Fall travel means fewer crowds, allowing for more personal guiding and closer wildlife moments.
1. October is one of the best months for a romantic Galapagos getaway.
The month of October in the Galapagos offers the best of all worlds for couples, and in our experience, for a honeymoon cruise especially. To balance the wide array of Galapagos activities and active days, there are equal opportunities to relax. Enjoy evening happy hours together, with 360 degree views of the vivid sunsets the archipelago is known for. Debrief your day of excursions with a soak in our on-board jacuzzi, while taking in a breathtaking panorama of the milky way. Get pampered with couples spa treatments, delighting in your quality time away from it all.
The opportunities for couples in the Galapagos are endless – take it from past Quasar traveler, Ashley H.:
“We had the best and most unique honeymoon, all thanks to Quasar. We loved every element of the itinerary. The naturalists were wonderful resources, in addition to being patient, kind, and hilarious. It was above and beyond what we imagined, and the crew and staff made it a relaxing but also action packed trip.”
2. The Humboldt Current heightens water activities and unique wildlife encounters.
During this month, Galapagos snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking conditions are in their prime. Why? The Humboldt Current has rolled in, washing the archipelago with warmer, nutrient-rich waters. This results in more active nesting, breeding, swimming, and feeding activity.
As Quasar traveler Robyn K. noted about her October visit:
“It was exhilarating to swim with sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins and sea lions.”
The presence of the Humboldt Current coupled with breeding season also makes for epic whale and dolphin watching. While cruising from island to island, you’re sure to see a flurry of ocean mammal (and calf!) activity from the bow of your Quasar yacht.
3. Hiking conditions are ideal during October.
With an average daily temperature of 20°C/68°F and plentiful clear skies, the weather is ideal for extended days of island exploration. Hikers will enjoy getting above the morning mist to clear summits, with radiant views of turquoise water, red rock formations, rainbow displays of blooming flora, and mars-like lava field landscapes.
Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera for the best of wildlife-watching on your trek – October is also known for its bustling breeding and nesting activity.
4. October’s breeding and nesting activity means rare wildlife sightings around every corner.
During this month, there is all kinds of breeding and nesting activity to entertain travelers. Rare Galapagos wildlife events take place in October, like Giant Tortoises laying their eggs in the wild. You’re also sure to see Fur Sea Lion pups, melting your heart as they seem to purposefully pose for pictures.
An ideal month for bird watching, seabirds are also quite active in October. It’s nesting season for Blue and Red-Footed Boobies, Waved Albatross, Magnificent and Great Frigate birds, Flightless Cormorants, Penguins, and Greater Flamingos, resulting in on-land and in-air spectacles you couldn’t witness anywhere else in the world.
Quasar traveler Jeffrey K. couldn’t help but remark on the plentiful, well-rounded wildlife activity during his October visit.:
“Playing with sea lions while snorkeling! Mating albatross! Territorial threat displays between male land iguanas! Walking on lava flows! Pinch me and tell me if this was a dream.”
Interested in Visiting Galapagos?
Download our detailed Galapagos Climate, Weather, & Wildlife Activity PDF for a month-by-month guide on what animals to see and what weather to expect.
5. October brings beautiful lighting and ideal weather conditions for photography.
You may not think of October’s morning mist as a reason to visit, but its presence makes for excellent landscape photography opportunities. With unforgettable sunrises and low rainfall, photography enthusiasts enjoy taking snapshots from the deck to start the day.
Awaken in the early hours of the day to find quiet, peaceful ocean waves reflecting the morning light, dolphins catching a ride on the yacht’s wake, and seabirds soaring the friendly skies.
Hello! My name is Paul. I am photographer, traveler, teacher and writer. I have extensive experience in travel to Galapagos, Peru, Patagonia and the western seaboard of South America specializing in ways travelers can experience these once-in-a-life destinations like locals on the road. Lover of wine, chocolate, travel, coffee, and helping others plan vacations of a lifetime!
Hi Paul, Is it possible to take a day boat trip from Santa Cruz or Isabela Is. to Espanola Is. Oct. 1-11, 2019? We will be on Isabela 10/1 – 10/6 and Santa Cruz 10/6-10/11
Thank you for your inquiry. There are no day boat excursions from either Santa Cruz Island or Isabela Island to Española. There are day trips from San Cristobal Island to Española. Just Google Espanola Galapagos Day Trip from San Cristobal Island. Many thanks, Paul
Step into the soulful city of Valparaiso, Chile, and notice as the vibrancy of art, color, and culture gets turned up a notch. This coastal city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its bohemian arts community and buildings of all shades of yellow, red, and blue that spill down steep hills toward the …
Because some adventures don’t just show you the world, they change the way your family sees it. Last July, families from across the world stepped aboard Quasar’s Evolution yacht to follow in the footsteps of one of history’s greatest explorers, Charles Darwin himself. Led by Professor Kenneth Noll, who brings Darwin’s discoveries to life through …
My mom and I have always loved hummingbirds. It’s “our thing.” Watching them at the feeder was a favorite shared activity with my late grandmother—especially in her dementia years, when collecting “yard doo-dads” and birdwatching became the most exciting and accessible thing we could all do together. We’d sit behind her lace curtains, eating popcorn, …
Ecuador, and its capital of Quito, may have eluded your travel radar until now, but it’s time for a revelation. If you’ve been intrigued in the past but weren’t sure what to expect, we’ll share why this country means so much to us and facts about Quito that both surprise and enlighten. Picture a place …
