Wildlife viewing in the Galápagos Islands reaches its prime from June through December, but realize the water is cold for snorkeling and scuba diving in the summer months. The temperature increases as you get closer to January, the reason many locals think Christmas break is the best time of year to visit.
The reefs and rocks off San Cristóbal are known for their wealth of sea life. Book a two-tank dive with Galapagos Underwater and you’ll likely be headed to Kicker Rock, a unique rock formation one mile offshore. Expect to find sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, stingrays and eagle rays. Snorkelers can also swim through the channel to see this natural aquarium. Casa Opuntia, an 11-room boutique hotel on the beach in San Cristóbal, features a swimming pool and a seafood restaurant known for its ceviche, all within easy walking distance to the scuba and snorkeling shops in town.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2026
Jul 10, 2026Global City Guidebook: Paris
Long heralded as an international hub for culture, fashion, art and gastronomy, Paris draws visitors from around the world to its café culture, designer shopping, museums and iconic landmarks. Stroll along the Seine, explore each unique arrondissement, and fall in love with this City of Light.
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
Daily
Jul 10, 2026How to Desert Summer at Parker Palm Springs
Palm Springs may not be a conventional summer escape, but that’s the point. High-season crowds disperse and the desert city allows for unhurried sightseeing, crowd-free cultural programming, sunrise hikes, stargazing and wellness rituals.
Daily
Jul 10, 2026Accor Hotels Celebrates Art of Mixology with Special Bar Series Across Properties
Each year, starting with World Cocktail Month in May and stretching into summer, a select group of Accor Hotels MGallery Collection properties celebrate the art of mixology across many of its properties worldwide, turning bars into a stage for creativity and connection.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
Daily
Jul 10, 2026Whiteface Lodge’s Spa Embraces an Adirondack Summer Glow with These Treatments
Summer in Lake Placid is unlike any other. Days are spent hiking Adirondack trails, sailing the beautiful lakes, biking through mountains and soaking up the sun. And, although outdoor adventure takes center stage, travelers shouldn’t ignore wellness experiences.
Why Golden, Colorado, Deserves a Visit
Daily
Jul 8, 2026Daily
Jul 8, 2026Historic Multiuse Park in Pittsburgh Opens After 10-Year Revitalization
The 4-acre, $31 million multiuse cultural park on 8th Street Block of Downtown Pittsburgh will serve as a new recreation and event space for the neighborhood. Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro secured $50 million in the 2025/2026 budget to ensure Pennsylvania is ready to welcome millions of visitors for major events.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 8, 2026Review: Hartwell House
In the library of Hartwell House, I checked the latest weather forecast on my phone. Most immediately, I made sure we had time for a walk in the 90 acres of gardens before the arrival of thunderstorms. I was also monitoring the next day’s weather, which was expected to break the highest ever June temperature in England. Through my smartphone, I benefited from a science that began, in its modern form, in that very room. There, in 1850, the Royal Meteorological Society was founded.
ShareThis