July • The sea bird colonies are very active (breeding), especially the Blue-footed Boobies on Española. • Flightless Cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina. • American Oystercatchers are nesting on the beaches of Santiago. • Lava Lizards begin their mating rituals which continue until November. • One of the best months to observe whales and dolphins especially off the western coast of Isabela. • A good time to observe the four stages of nesting in Blue-footed Boobies - eggs, chicks, juveniles and sub-adults. August • Galapagos Hawks begin their courtship displays on Española and Santiago. • Nazca Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls nest on Genovesa. • The ocean temperature drops to 18°c. • Migrant waders begin to arrive and stay on the islands until March. • Giant Tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz. • The sea is choppy and ocean currents are at their strongest levels. • Galapagos Sealions begin to give birth. September • Peak of the cold season. • The air temperature is at its lowest level at 19°c. • Galapagos Penguins are at thier most active on Bartolome. • Galapagos Sealions are very active. Females have come into season and the males are constantly barking and fighting. • Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites. October • Lava Herons start nest building and continue until March. • The Galapagos Fur Sealions begin mating. • Blue-footed Boobies raise their chicks on Española and Isabela. • Giant Tortoises are still laying eggs • Days are not always sunny. Garúa can be expected in most locations, except the western islands where most days have a misty start but after few hours of daylight it burns off. November • Pupping of Galapagos Sealions continues. • Breeding season for the Brown Noddies begins. • Some species of jellyfish can be seen around the islands. The genus Physalia is commonly seen floating around Gardner and Tortuga Islets. Some can also be seen stranded on the shores of Flour Beach on Floreana. • Band-rumped Storm Petrels begin their second nesting period • The seas are calm and the south-east trade winds have decreased in strength. The water temperatures are slowly rising. • Generally good weather due to a seasonal transition. • Excellent visibility for snorkellers. December • Hatching of Giant Tortoise's eggs begins and lasts until April. • Green Sea Turtles begin their mating display. • The rainy season begins and all of the plants in the dry zone produce leaves. The Galapagos archipelago becomes noticably ‘green’. • The first young Waved Albatrosses fledge. S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 155 South America / Galapagos Galapagos Sealion Sealion Pup Galapagos Penguin Marine Iguana Marine Iguana

156 F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Beluga The Beluga is a spacious, comfortable first class 36- metre motor yacht, carrying sixteen passengers in eight double/twin cabins each with a private bathroom (toilet and shower). Facilities include hot/cold water, lounge, bar and dining area, together with plenty of deck space. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. There are nine crew on board, including a naturalist guide. The Beluga usually visits Baltra, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Bartolome. Please note that the vessel itineraries shown are probable itineraries only and are subject to change. Isabela II The Isabela II is a deluxe 53-metre motor yacht, carrying 40 passengers in 21 cabins including sixteen cabins with twin beds, two cabins with a double bed, two cabins with a double bed and single bed, and one suite with a double bed. All cabins have a private bathroom (shower and toilet) and are located on the main and upper decks of the vessel. Facilities include a resident physician, bar, lounge, boutique, jacuzzi, dining room, reading room and library, as well as a sun deck. The yacht is air-conditioned throughout. There are 24 crew on board, with three naturalist guides, together with three zodiacs for ship to shore transportation and a glass bottom boat. Snorkelling equipment is also on board. The Isabela II usually visits Baltra, North Seymour, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago and Bartolome. Santa Cruz The Santa Cruz is a first class 72-metre cruise ship carrying 90 passengers, in 47 cabins varying from master suites to quadruple cabins - all with a private bathroom (shower and toilet). They are located on the boat, main and upper decks. The facilities include a lounge, bar, restaurant, resident physician, shop, reading room and library, jacuzzi, sun deck and an aromatherapy centre. The vessel is also air-conditioned throughout. There are 52 crew on board with six naturalist guides, and five zodiacs for ship to shore transportation and also a glass bottom boat. Snorkelling equipment is also on board. The Santa Cruz usually visits Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Espanola, San Cristobal, Bartholome, Santiago, Genovesa and North Seymour. Please note that 3, 4 and 7-night cruises are available. Cruises of three or four nights duration do not call at all of the destinations mentioned. Please ask us for the itineraries for these shorter cruises. Eclipse The Eclipse is a 64-metre luxury cruise ship carrying 48 passengers, in four deluxe suites with convertible sofa bed and bathtub, eight deluxe staterooms, thirteen deluxe doubles and two singles, each cabin/suite having a private bathroom (shower and toilet). These are located on the main deck and the boat deck. Facilities include hot/cold water, dining area, library/video room, swimming pool, bar, shop and observation deck. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. There is a naturalist guide for every twelve passengers, and an infirmary with a physician on board at all times. The Eclipse usually visits Baltra, Santiago, Genovesa, Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz and Espanola. Kayaking is also possible. Please note that the vessel itineraries shown are probable itineraries only and are subject to change. Eclipse Isabella I I Beluga Santa Cruz