While mainland Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time, Galapagos is on Central Time. Seasickness can be a problem, with some experts warning the ocean often is especially rough going to Tower Island. Metropolitan Touring has doctors aboard its vessels. While early November looked like winter in the Galapagos, it actually was the dry season. May. September and October are the driest and coolest months, with daytime temperatures around 80 degrees, while February through April are the hottest and wettest, with temperatures reaching 100 or higher.
Animals are less active in hot weather, but the ocean is warmer for swimming.
Seeing the islands About 50 tour companies operate about 80 vessels in the Galapagos. A few ships carry up to 100 passengers, but most are smaller and hold between 10 and 24. Some visitors pay top dollar for cramped quarters on small vessels, warned Sylvia Moncayo, director of sales and pro motion at Metropolitan Touring. She said cabins on some other companies' vessels have bunk beds, shared baths, no air conditioning and limitations on water use. Cruise costs Metropolitan, which calls itself Ecuador's largest tour operator, offers reduced Galapagos rates from March 16 to June 14, Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 and Nov. 21 to Dec. 20.