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Where to go in January: the best places to visit In January, it’s safe to say that many of us are daydreaming about our next holiday. Christmas is over, the decorations are coming down, and the UK is firmly in its cold, dark season. Look beyond Europe, and January offers plenty of travel possibilities. You could be swimming in the Indian Ocean, exploring ancient temples in Cambodia, watching wildlife in Ecuador or trekking through the mountains of Chile. And importantly, January doesn't have to be about finding somewhere hot. The best destination depends on what you actually want from your holiday, whether that’s wildlife, beaches, culture, adventure or a combination of all four. Our experts know these destinations inside out, having returned to them countless times, year on year. So, rather than simply telling you where the weather is good, here are the places we think are particularly worth considering in January, and why. These are our top picks on where to go in January Cambodia: temples, countryside and island January is firmly within Cambodia's dry season, making it an excellent month for exploring. Around Siem Reap, cooler, drier conditions make visiting Angkor's temples considerably more comfortable than later in the year. Our Cambodia expert, Fenton, recently explored everything from the famous sights of Angkor Wat to the quieter beaches of Koh Rong island, and everything in between, with his wife and two young children. He says that January is a particularly good time to combine the two sides of Cambodia: a few days exploring its history and culture before heading south for some sunshine. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Cambodia is a great standalone destination, often demoted to a ‘city break’ to tag on to a trip to a neighbouring country. Spend a bit of extra time here, and you will be rewarded with wildlife encounters, unforgettable scenery, delicious food, and the smiles of a nation. [name] => Fenton [location] => HA Destination Manager, Cambodia. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Cambodia is a great standalone destination, often demoted to a ‘city break’ to tag on to a trip to a neighbouring country. Spend a bit of extra time here, and you will be rewarded with wildlife encounters, unforgettable scenery, delicious food, and the smiles of a nation. Fenton HA Destination Manager, Cambodia. ” And don't overlook the food. Cambodian cuisine is still strangely underrated, despite being every bit as interesting as its better-known neighbours. Our expert's personal verdict is Fish Amok for seafood lovers, or Beef Lok Lak if you're after something richer and peppery. Taken by HA Cambodia specialist Lisa during the Angkor Cycling Tour. Sri Lanka: January sunshine on the south and west coasts If you're searching for where to go in January, Sri Lanka will probably come up near the top of the list, and for good reason. January brings some of the best weather to the island's south and west, with warm, sunny days that make it a brilliant time for beaches, wildlife, tea country, and cultural sightseeing. But there's something you won't always read in a generic “best time to visit Sri Lanka” guide: January will also be exceptionally busy. Our specialist Rebecca said that It's not just the beaches that feel it. The national parks, tea plantations and cultural sites can all be busy, and in some of Sri Lanka's smaller hill towns and national parks, there are only a handful of places to stay. Once those rooms are gone, there's very little flexibility. That's especially true if you're after the smaller, characterful hotels we love recommending. The difference between finding the right place to stay and having to compromise can come down to when you book and, sometimes, which month you choose. (Pst, we have just written about some of our favourite Sri Lankan hotels if you fancy taking a peek: "The best sustainable hotels in Sri Lanka".) So, would we rule out January? Absolutely not. Sri Lanka is still a wonderful choice, and we'd happily recommend it for 2028. But if you're flexible on dates, we'd probably point you towards this March instead. You'll still get excellent conditions across the south and west, but with a little more breathing room. And that can make a real difference when you're travelling around an island where some of the most special experiences and places to stay are deliberately small-scale. It's a good example of why we don't think there is a single answer to “When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?” The best month depends on what you want to do, where you want to go and how you want to travel. So, if you've got Sri Lanka on your January shortlist, talk to our experts. They can look at your dates, the experiences you're after, and the types of places you would like to stay in, and tell you honestly whether January is right for you or whether shifting the trip by a few weeks could give you a better experience. Views of KK Beach, Galle, taken by HA's Head of Marketing, Gabs. The Maldives: a proper winter escape January is peak season in the Maldives, with the warmest and driest weather, which is why the price point tends to be much higher. The northeast monsoon generally brings the dry-season conditions that people picture when they imagine the Maldives: sunshine, warm temperatures and beautifully clear water. It's a particularly good time for snorkelling, diving and getting out on the water. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => There is nothing better than finishing a Sri Lankan adventure with a few nights on a tiny island. [name] => Gabrielle Morley-Ham [location] => HA Head of Marketing [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ There is nothing better than finishing a Sri Lankan adventure with a few nights on a tiny island. Gabrielle Morley-Ham HA Head of Marketing ” On her most recent research trip with our specialist Rebecca, she said, “After the amazing rush of temples, wildlife and road journeys. Then being able to move on to nothing more complicated than a stroll along the beach or enjoying a glass of wine in the jacuzzi. It feels like mental preparation before having to head home to face the post-holiday blues!” January is one of the most popular times to travel to the Maldives, particularly around New Year, so keep in mind that the best resorts and room categories can disappear quite quickly. HA's Gabs watching the sunset from the jacuzzi in the Maldives. India: the classics and wildlife According to India specialist Clare, January has a classic North India itinerary written all over it. The monsoon has long gone, and the worst of the summer heat is still a long way off, making places such as Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur far more comfortable to explore. But January isn't simply about pleasant temperatures; you can actually enjoy the places you're travelling so far to see. You can spend more time wandering through Rajasthan's forts and markets, explore the Taj Mahal without the oppressive summer heat, and make time for the smaller experiences that can get lost when you're rushing between major sights. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Take a guided walk through the town at the right time of the day; the scene is something else. The farmers have returned from the fields, women are busy in their homes, and the shopkeepers have opened their doors. Production has started in the cotton mills, and the cows are returning home in the evening from their day of grazing. [name] => Clare Burkey [location] => HA Destination Manager, India. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Take a guided walk through the town at the right time of the day; the scene is something else. The farmers have returned from the fields, women are busy in their homes, and the shopkeepers have opened their doors. Production has started in the cotton mills, and the cows are returning home in the evening from their day of grazing. Clare Burkey HA Destination Manager, India. ” And this is where our specialists' first-hand knowledge really comes into play… Clare returned from her most recent trip and makes a brilliant point about slowing down rather than trying to cover the whole country. India is enormous, and she recommends spending at least two nights in each location because journeys often take longer than expected. Her newest article focuses entirely on how to begin mapping out a trip to Rajasthan. She highlights the hidden gems she likes to sprinkle into an itinerary after locking in the major cities, such as her visit to Ramathra Fort, which she describes as “pretty unique, totally unexpected, off the beaten track, and preserved from development.” Read the blog here: "Where to go in Rajasthan" Taken by HA's specialist, Clare, of her son meeting the elephants at Dera Amer. Tanzania: calving season, green landscapes and quieter safaris Tanzania in January can be overlooked in favour of the famous June–September safari season, but our Tanzania specialist, Cat, has a very good reason to put it on your radar. Calving season begins in January. Across the Serengeti, zebras, wildebeest and antelope begin giving birth, making it one of the most fascinating times of year to be on safari! And, naturally, where there are thousands of newborn animals, predators aren't far away… Another little extra that January brings is the occasional shower that keeps the landscape green and clears the dust from the air, resulting in beautifully crisp conditions for photography. Temperatures are also pleasant, and compared with the huge rush of June to September, January can feel considerably more relaxed. So while the Great Migration's dramatic river crossings get most of the attention, in January you can witness new life arriving across the plains, green landscapes, and predators keeping a close eye on the herds. For keen wildlife photographers in particular, this is a month worth talking to our Tanzania specialists about. And if you're considering a Tanzania safari followed by some winter sun with time on the beach, January also works beautifully for combining the Serengeti with Zanzibar. Cat's January tip: “Don't overlook the quieter dry season. The migration is a year-round phenomenon, and January gives you a very different and incredibly rewarding perspective on it.” A little zebra foal in Tanzania. Chile: summer in Patagonia January is peak summer in Chile , and if Patagonia is high on your list, this is one of the months when conditions are most convenient. By this, we mean longer days give you more time outside, trails are open, and it is the season for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the dramatic landscapes of the south. But there is a catch: January is busy. Chile's most famous areas, particularly Patagonia and Torres del Paine, can be considerably more expensive and harder to book during their summer months. So if space and quieter trails matter to you, we'd look at the shoulder seasons instead, which are just as fulfilling. If you do travel in January, planning ahead is essential, but it really is an excellent time to travel. You can combine the south with the Atacama Desert, Santiago, wine country or even Easter Island, creating a trip that feels completely different from beginning to end. On Louise’s most recent trip, she spent three weeks exploring Chile from top to bottom. Visiting coastal towns, wineries, and trendy neighbourhoods in the capital. She travelled solo through the scenic Lake District, passing volcanoes, araucaria forests, and islands. Then went far south to Torres del Paine, seeing wildlife, glaciers, granite peaks, and ranches. Finishing in the Atacama Desert, admiring lunar landscapes, more volcanoes, salt flats, and flamingo-dotted lakes. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => High summer is December- February, which is peak holiday season for locals; the capital city and desert are very hot. Although you absolutely have to expect four seasons in a day in Patagonia – at any time of year! [name] => Louise Mumford [location] => HA Destination Manager. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ High summer is December- February, which is peak holiday season for locals; the capital city and desert are very hot. Although you absolutely have to expect four seasons in a day in Patagonia – at any time of year! Louise Mumford HA Destination Manager. ” Lou's advice: if January is your only option, don't let the high season put you off; just get in touch early and secure your Chilean adventure. Ha's Lou in Castro, Chiloé Island. Ecuador & the Galápagos : wildlife above and below the water January is an interesting time to visit Ecuador , particularly if you're planning to combine the mainland with the Galápagos Islands. It's the beginning of the warmer, wetter season in the Galápagos, which can actually make it a particularly interesting time for wildlife lovers. The lovely warm water and calmer seas are perfect for snorkelling and swimming. You can count on eastern and northern routes for the best clarity when snorkelling. Our Galápagos specialist Dawn says it’s the best time to see marine iguanas grazing underwater and Green sea turtles nesting on the warm beaches. On the Ecuadorian mainland, you can combine the Galápagos with Quito, the Andes, or the Amazon, creating a truly varied trip that lets you hop from one environment to another. A useful little timing tip: if you can travel in the second half of January, you're avoiding the Christmas and New Year rush. Visitor numbers begin to ease, and availability can improve, while you still retain the characteristics that make this season so appealing. Aditionally, Galápagos cruises do need to be planned well in advance, particularly if you have a particular boat or cabin in mind. Llama in Equador, taken by HA's specialist, Dawn. Argentina : wildlife, wine and long summer days January is high summer in Argentina, like Chile, making it a particularly good month for exploring Patagonia and getting properly outdoors. Argentina isn't a destination we'd recommend simply because January is warm. In January, you can make the most of the country's huge landscapes. Patagonia is great this time of year for walking and exploring, while around Mendoza, the vineyards are green and the wine valleys come alive in the summer. And there are plenty of ways to make a trip to Argentina feel much more personal than simply ticking off Buenos Aires, Iguazú, and Patagonia. Our specialist Louise, says that La Bamba de Areco, around two hours from Buenos Aires, is a particularly lovely addition. “A relaxed estancia where guests can ride with gauchos at any level. Watch a horse whisperer at work, take cooking classes, swim, walk and experience traditional asado”. Lou recommends two nights here at the end of a trip as a chance to slow down before travelling back home. There's also the atmosphere of Buenos Aires itself. Louise describes it as “a beautiful, clean, laid-back city” that works particularly well on foot, with weekends bringing the parks, Recoleta and La Boca to life. One thing to know: January is a popular time to travel to Argentina, particularly for Patagonia, so the best accommodation and experiences can book up well in advance. HA's Lou horse riding in Argentina. So, where should you go in January? You have so many options for where to go on holiday in January. You could be walking through Rajasthan one week and snorkelling in the Maldives the next, exploring the temples of Cambodia, hiking beneath the mountains of Patagonia or heading over to the Galápagos to see wildlife found nowhere else. The important thing is that January doesn't work equally well everywhere. Some destinations are at their absolute best, some are busy and need planning well ahead, and others become considerably more appealing if you travel later in the month. That's where our specialists come in. They don't just know when a destination can be visited; they know what it actually feels like to be there at that time of year, which places are worth your time, where to slow down, and what is worth booking early. Thinking about getting away in January for some much-needed winter sun? Talk to one of our travel specialists, and we'll help you work out where makes the most sense for you. Holidays at their best this January Need to escape this January? Chat with one of our experts today to start planning your next getaway this January. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS

A question we hear more and more from environmentally conscious travellers. There is a natural question that comes with planning a Galápagos cruise: “If I'm travelling somewhere as ecologically important as the Galápagos, is getting on a boat really the responsible thing to do?” It's a very fair question. The simple answer is that tourism and cruising in the Galápagos operate very differently from cruising in most parts of the world. The Galápagos is a protected national park and marine reserve, and tourism is managed under a strict system of rules designed to allow visitors to experience the islands without overwhelming the wildlife and landscapes that make them so special. And that's important. Because if we want people to experience the Galápagos in the future, we have to protect what they're coming to see today. Cruising with Endemic. The islands decide where you go One of the things that surprises many first-time visitors is just how little freedom there is to simply decide where your boat will go. The Galápagos National Park manages designated visitor sites across the islands and controls the activities that can take place at each one. There are currently 176 authorised visitor sites – 91 marine and 85 terrestrial, with specific activities permitted at each. Cruise itineraries therefore aren't simply created by operators based on what might sell best; they’re carefully regulated. That helps spread visitors around the archipelago, protects particularly sensitive sites and means wildlife isn't constantly exposed to large numbers of people. In other words, the itinerary is part of the conservation system. Sally Lightfoot Crab in Santiago. Your naturalist guide isn't just there to tell you about the wildlife Every visit to protected Galápagos sites is accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide. This is one of the things that really enriches your Galápagos experience. Your guide isn't simply pointing out a sea lion or explaining the difference between a marine and land iguana. They're also there to make sure visitors understand how to behave around wildlife and follow the park's rules. The National Park specifically requires licensed naturalist guides for visits to protected sites, while authorities regularly monitor guiding and visitor groups to ensure regulations are being followed. So those seemingly simple instructions- "don't touch the animals", "keep your distance", "stay on the trail"- aren't suggestions, they are how tourism is managed. Taken by HA's specialist Lou on a guided tour in the Galápagos. Even getting to the Galápagos involves checks You'll notice the conservation effort before you've even reached your boat. The Galápagos has its own biosecurity controls because one of the greatest threats to its unique ecosystem isn't necessarily tourism itself, but the introduction of invasive species. At the airport, luggage and goods are subject to checks designed to reduce the risk of introducing plants, insects, animals or other organisms that don't belong on the islands. It can feel like a slightly laborious part of the journey, but it's there for a very good reason. The Galápagos National Park describes these controls as part of its strategy to minimise threats to the archipelago's conservation and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. It's a lovely example of how something that might feel like an inconvenience to a visitor can actually be an important part of protecting the place they're so excited to see. HA's client Isabel with her family kayaking in the Galápagos. What about the cruise boats themselves? This is probably the part environmentally conscious travellers are most interested in: Galápagos vessels aren't simply free to operate as they like. The National Park carries out environmental inspections of boats entering and operating within the protected marine environment. These inspections look at compliance with environmental management plans and measures designed to reduce the potential impacts of tourism. That can include everything from waste and wastewater management to recycling, hazardous materials, spill-response equipment, and even keeping the hull free from organisms that could be introduced into the marine environment. There are also controls on where and when boats can go, meaning that cruising is inherently tied to the wider management of the National Park rather than operating independently. View from the Endemic upper deck. And this is where choosing the right partner matters At Holiday Architects, we don't simply choose a boat because it has a nice cabin or a good itinerary. Louise and Dawn have spent years building relationships with our partners in Ecuador and the Galápagos . They've travelled there countless times themselves, inspected boats and hotels and built up the knowledge needed to understand which operators we genuinely feel comfortable recommending. That's important because, for us, cruising sustainability in the Galápagos is about the guides they employ, the way they interact with wildlife, how they treat local communities, and whether protecting the place they're working in is genuinely part of how they operate. Our role is to do that research for you. HA's specialist Lou in the Galápagos. So, should I feel comfortable taking a cruise in the Galápagos? Yes. If you're an environmentally conscious traveller, it's completely reasonable to question the impact of travelling to somewhere as fragile and extraordinary as the Galápagos. But you don't need to choose between seeing the islands and caring about them. The whole tourism model here has been designed around that balance: keeping the islands accessible while putting controls in place to protect their wildlife, marine environment and communities. The reason for visiting the Galápagos is to experience a place that still feels remarkably wild, and to make sure it has every chance of staying that way. If you're considering a Galápagos cruise and would like to talk through the most responsible options, our Galápagos specialists, Louise and Dawn, would be very happy to help. Fancy cruising the Galápagos? Is responsible travel important to you? It's important to us too. Speak to our specialists today to create a fantastic trip with no compromises. 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In many places, spotting wildlife can take a fair bit of patience. The Galápagos feels quite different. You might find sea lions stretched out on benches, or marine iguanas warming themselves right beside the path as you walk by. Giant tortoises wander the highlands, completely unbothered by people coming and going. It's one of the few places in the world where wildlife still behaves much as it did before humans arrived. The Galápagos is a place that excites both our team and the HA community, so for this guide, we turned to two people who know the islands particularly well: our South America specialists, Dawn and Louise. Together, they've shared some of their favourite wildlife sightings, expert tips, and the things they think every visitor should know before travelling. Dawn Smith HA Galápagos Expert Dawn’s been chasing adventures for more than 25 years, from swimming with whale sharks to ziplining through the forest on the lookout for her beloved Frigatebirds. Dawn’s our go-to for all things wildlife and culture across the Galápagos and has a real knack for designing holidays full of colour, nature and proper wow moments. Meet Dawn Louise Mumford HA Galápagos Expert Louise first visited the region almost 20 years ago, and her love of it has shaped her travels and her career ever since. She’s explored plenty of the wildlife-ridden Galápagos Islands. Day-to-day, she uses all that knowledge to design holidays that capture the colour, culture and character of this extraordinary part of the world. Meet Louise What makes Galápagos wildlife so special? The Galápagos Islands are about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, right out in the Pacific. Because they're so remote, the wildlife here has evolved in its own way over millions of years. Many of the animals you'll see live only in the Galápagos, and most have developed with hardly any natural predators. So, the animals behave in ways you might not expect if you've travelled elsewhere. "The thing that surprises people most," says Dawn, "is how close the wildlife often is. Not because you're allowed to approach it, but because the animals simply carry on with their lives around you." Two sea lions, mum and her cub sleeping on a park bench, Galápagos. Why now is the time to start planning Galápagos expeditions are always in demand, and spaces tend to fill up quickly. Capacity here is naturally limited as expedition yachts are small by design, permits are tightly controlled, and the most sought-after departures often fill up well in advance. That's why our Galápagos experts, Dawn and Lou, here at HA, are always working behind the scenes, chatting with our in-country contacts to ensure we can offer the best possible prices for your holidays. Working closely with our trusted partners on the ground in Ecuador, Dawn has recently secured savings of up to £950 per cabin on selected expedition departures travelling between July and December 2026. ( Get in touch to find out more!) Yacht view in the Galápagos, taken by expert, Lou. The best part is you get the same expert guidance, carefully chosen yachts, and, as always, a uniquely designed itinerary, just with a little more room left in the budget for that extra night in Quito or a few days in the Ecuadorian Andes. Because availability and savings depend on the yacht, dates, and cabin type, Dawn can help you work out which departures best match what you’re after. If the Galápagos Islands have been on your wish list for a while, this is a good chance to make it happen. Offer available on selected departures booked before 30 June 2026. What wildlife can you see in the Galápagos? Galápagos (giant) tortoises If you’re heading to the Galápagos, seeing the giant tortoises is a must; they’re the reason the islands have their name. The name comes from galápago, an old Spanish word for tortoise or a type of riding saddle (Galápagos Conservancy). Early Spanish explorers used this term to describe the animals because their curved shells resembled saddles. You can often spot these ancient creatures moving at their own pace through the highlands of Santa Cruz or Isabela Island. Giant tortoises spend around 16 hours a day resting, which is a rather enviable routine if you ask us. There is something remarkably humbling about standing alongside an animal that was most likely alive before your grandparents were born. Galápagos tortoise resting on the rocks. Galápagos land iguana resting on lava rock Galápagos iguanas You’ll spot the familiar yellowish land iguanas on several of the Galápagos islands. There are two main types: Conolophus subcristatus , which lives on six islands, and Conolophus pallidus , which is only found on Santa Fe. There’s also a third, much rarer species, the rosada iguana . This one was discovered only in 1986 and is found exclusively on Wolf Volcano in the far north of Isabela Island. It stands out with its pinkish head and body, marked with black stripes. Scientists have found that it’s quite different from the other two, not just in looks but in behaviour and genetics as well. You’ll spot marine iguanas ( Amblyrhynchus cristatus ) on just about every rocky shoreline in the Galápagos. They’re the only lizards in the world that head out to sea, spending their days basking on the rocks before slipping into the cold water to graze on algae. It’s a remarkable way of life, and completely unique among lizards. They can’t stay in the chilly sea for long, though, so you’ll often see them sprawled out in the sun, warming up after a swim. Here’s something you might not expect: when food is scarce, marine iguanas don’t just lose weight; they actually shrink in length. During El Niño years, when algae is hard to find, they can become noticeably shorter, only to grow back again once their food returns. Three Species of Boobies If you spend any time on the Galápagos, you’ll spot plenty of boobies. Their long, pointed beaks are the reason for their Spanish name, piquero. You’ll find Blue-footed Boobies in small groups dotted across the islands, Nazca Boobies gathering in larger but less common colonies, and Red-footed Boobies forming just a handful of very large colonies. During mating season, males perform a little dance, lifting their feet one by one to impress potential partners. It's impossible not to smile when you see it. Explore our Galápagos holidays Galápagos blue-footed booby showing off his fascinating blue little feet Mammals Young seal pup laying on the rocks in the Galápagos. Sea lions are curious and playful. You’ll often spot them stretched out on the sand, swimming close to the boat, or darting around snorkellers in the water. Louise says snorkelling with sea lions is right up there with her favourite wildlife experiences in the islands. "They're incredibly agile and playful. One moment they're circling around you, the next they've shot off into the distance" It often surprises people to learn that Galápagos Fur Seals are actually about as numerous as the Sea Lions here. You just tend to see them less often, as they favour the rockier, shadier parts of the coastline where people rarely go. Back in the 1800s, fur seals were hunted in huge numbers and came close to disappearing altogether, but they have made an amazing comeback! If you want the best chance of seeing them, head to James Bay on Santiago Island or Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. Galápagos Penguins Galápagos penguins are among the rarest you'll find anywhere, and they're the only penguins that live north of the equator. You’ll usually spot them around the Isabela and Fernandina Islands, where they like to gather on the black lava rocks before darting into the water to chase fish. A trio of Galápagos penguins on a rocky seashore in Puerto Villamil . Dawn's most underrated wildlife encounters Sally lightfoot crabs You can spot these brightly colored crabs along volcanic shorelines, where their orange, blue, and red shells stand out against the dark lava rocks. They may be small, but they are very photogenic. Frigatebirds With enormous wingspans and remarkable aerial abilities, frigatebirds are among the most impressive birds in the archipelago. During the breeding season, males inflate vivid red throat pouches to attract mates. Flightless cormorants Found only in the Galápagos, these unusual birds lost the ability to fly over thousands of years due to the absence of predators. Watching them dive beneath the surface in pursuit of fish is a fascinating reminder of how uniquely evolution has shaped life here. A Sally lightfoot crab, a frigatebird, flightless cormorant. When is the best time to visit the Galápagos? The truth is, there isn’t a single best time. Stay with me here; this is a good thing. Wildlife is active all year, and the islands are always changing. Depending on when you visit, you’ll see different animals breeding, nesting or on the move. As Dawn explains: "The wildlife never really switches off in the Galápagos . Every month offers something slightly different, which is why it's such an enjoyable destination to visit at any time of year." Galápagos, taken by HA expert, Louise Depending on when you travel, you might witness: * Sea lion pups taking their first swims * Blue-footed booby courtship displays * Marine iguana nesting behaviour * Albatross breeding season * Whale shark migrations * Different snorkelling conditions and water temperatures So rather than searching for the 'perfect' month, we always suggest thinking about which wildlife experiences are most important to you. Availability is usually the bigger factor. Yachts are small, and space is limited, so the most popular trips can book up quickly. If you have your heart set on a particular yacht or travel date, it’s best to plan at least six months ahead, and sometimes even a year in advance. If you’re thinking about a trip next year, there’s some availability on some departures between July and December 2026. Dawn has also arranged some savings on selected expedition trips during these months, so it’s a good time to start looking at options. Things to look out for when planning your trip Whilst the wildlife is the star of the show, the experience itself can vary considerably depending on the yacht, itinerary and time of year you choose. Some trips focus on getting you out to the more remote islands, while others are designed with photographers, families or anyone who likes a bit more comfort in mind. That’s one of the reasons Dawn and Louise enjoy planning Galápagos trips. There’s no single answer for everyone. The best itinerary is always shaped by how you like to travel and the experiences you’re after, then working out how to bring those ideas to life. It takes a bit of thought, but it’s worth it. Getting those details right can really shape your experience once you arrive. It helps to have someone who knows the Galápagos inside out to guide you through the options. Our lovely HA expert, Lousie in the Galápagos. Holidays Dawn and Louise recommend If you want to spot unique wildlife, swim with sea lions, or explore the islands by small yacht, we can help you plan a trip that fits what you’re looking for. Get in touch with our Galápagos experts, Dawn and Louise, to start planning a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. Has the Galápagos been sitting on your wish list for a while? Secure savings of up to £950 per cabin on selected Galapagos expeditions departing between July and December 2026. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS