When To Go · Destination Guide
Pelagics, endemics, and protected waters in a living laboratory
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 10 sources
When to go
There are two main seasons.
Best overall window
Warmer seas around 24°C to 28°C, lighter winds, calmer rides.
Outside that window
Cooler water, stronger trades, rougher crossings.
Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.
The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.
| Scope | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall - Jan: Best | Overall - Feb: Best | Overall - Mar: Best | Overall - Apr: Best | Overall - May: Best | Overall - Jun: Tradeoffs | Overall - Jul: Tradeoffs | Overall - Aug: Tradeoffs | Overall - Sep: Tradeoffs | Overall - Oct: Good | Overall - Nov: Good | Overall - Dec: Best |
These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.
Whale Sharks at Darwin
Best for Scuba
Jun to Nov
Adult females frequent Darwin Island; sightings are by liveaboard only.
Giant Mantas at Cape Marshall
Best for Scuba
Dec to May
Warm season cleaning visits on eastern Isabela walls.
Green Turtle Nesting and Hatching
Jan to May
Monitored nesting on Santa Cruz and Isabela beaches; observe from distance.
Sea Lion Pupping
Best for Snorkel, Topside
Aug to Nov
Young pups are playful in shallow bays.
Mola mola Sightings
Best for Scuba
Aug to Oct
Occasional sunfish in cool western upwellings at Punta Vicente Roca.
Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.