If you want to see a lot of newborn sea lion pups, then you need to go to the Galapagos Islands in September.

Since we wanted to use frequent flyer miles for our air, the September timing for our visit was pretty much accidental. It was the only time that the trip schedule fit in with the airline reservations we could get. In the end, we lucked out.

Firstly, though, I have to admit that the Spring is also an excellent time to visit the Galapagos. If you love the water, it is much warmer in the Spring due to the change in currents coming up from the Antarctic. You can swim and snorkel very comfortably without the use of a wetsuit. The skies are much clearer in the Spring and the days are sunnier and hotter. (But be aware that 'hotter' can mean VERY hot. The black, volcanic rock of the islands, that you walk on, also gets VERY hot.)

If the Fall, the weather is cooler. A mist often hangs over the mountains on the islands. It can be drizzly in the morning and cool in the evening. But, weather aside, you've got to go in the Fall if you want to see newborn sea lion pups. We saw some very young ones on every landing. We could have stood and watched their antics for hours. There is a rule to maintain your distance from the sea lions but, obviously, nobody told the sea lions. They would consistently wander up to inspect us. One even took a liking to my sandals. They were definitely a highlight of our trip.