I am the early planner, and I’ve been thinking/dreaming of a Galapagos trip for a while – and I think that finally, next year (2011) we can make it. I read a lot about Galapagos, and while “any time is a good time to go”, I’m sure people have their preferences.

I would like to hear your opinion – we would probably go either in May or November, so if you had a choice, when would you go and why?

Our priorities are the variety of animals/birds (albatross, frigate birds, red and blue footed boobies, giant tortoises, etc.) and good snorkeling opportunities, including snorkeling with the sea lions. Weather, calm seas and water temperature are also factors. Thanks

www.weather2travel.com Ecuador

May calmer water always pretty cold

Do a package on the Legend pretty cheaply

www.gotmyfare.com

or fly to Santa Cruz tour from there for budget

Of those two months, I would recommend May. The weather should be a little better, and critically, that should be the peak of albatross mating season.

Thanks a lot – there seems to be a consensus that out of the two options, May is the better one. The albatross mating season is a huge incentive. We have a plan

I went in Feb 2009 (mid month). We had fantastic weather and fairly smooth sailing. We did see quite a few birds but not as many as in the heavy mating season. We swam with the Sea Lions off of one island. Was amazing. Small boat, 16 passengers plus crew, Yolita II which was not fancy but very clean, the guest rooms were more than ample.