Island UpdatePosted by Greg Estes on June 8, 2008If anyone is interested in our ACTIVE GALAPAGOS TOUR please click on our Trips Page or contact us at greg@galapagosconnection.net for more information. JUNE 2008The sea surface temperatures in Galápagos are normal to slightly above normal for this time of year. Sea temperatures are currently in the high 70s°F (25-26° C). These temperatures are likely to drop into the low to mid 70s°F (22-24°C) by the end of June. It is always difficult to predict sea surface temperatures in the Islands, but it is likely that sea surface temperatures at most of the sites will be between 70° and 75°F (21-24° C) for the rest of the month. For current updates on sea surface temperatures check the NOAA website (http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov/PSB/EPS/SST/data/equatpac.REM.c.gif). For current updates on sea surface temperature anomalies check the following website (http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov/PSB/EPS/SST/climo.html). And for predictions concerning El Niño for the next six months you can look at (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/). As far as wetsuits: For those sensitive to the cold, a full-length 5 mm wetsuit and a neoprene hood is recommended. It should always be remembered that differences in water temperatures between islands can vary as much as 10° F (5.5° C). During a one week cruise, there could be a range in temperature from 65° to 75° F (18.5° to 24° C). Those who are NOT sensitive to the cold should be fine with a short 3-mm wetsuit over a full-length skinsuit. The full-length skinsuit is recommended as it offers protection from the sun. Although La Niña conditions (below-average sea surface temperatures) are being experienced elsewhere in the Pacific, this is not the case in Galápagos. Galápagos has been experiencing above normal sea surface temperatures, with the result that the Galápagos has had much rain this year. We are now going through a transition from the hot rainy season to the cool dry Garua season. It is cooling off but not as fast as it normally does. The islands are therefore still relatively green for this time of year. Typically the days are partially cloudy. Recently we have had a combination of rain associated with the hot season together with a mist associated with the cool season. We can expect air temperatures to drop slightly over the next few months with less rain and more mist. Air temperatures are in the 80’s° and low 90’s° F (27° - 33° C) during the day and in the low 70s° F (22° - 23° C) at night. |