galapagos island family tour

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Galapagos: Wildlife Wonderland

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Uniquely Tauck

Experience with TAUCK

4 nights aboard the 90-guest  Santa Cruz II,  designed especially for Galápagos Islands cruising; dry and wet landings

Licensed Naturalist Guides of Galápagos National Park accompany shore excursions and hold briefings aboard ship, offering hands-on natural history lessons

Private Tauck Shore Excursions with experts, averaging two daily, for wildlife sightings and exciting activities

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Directors, local guides, drivers, naturalists, and ship staff

On-Tour Air included (2 flights)

Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non-Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Mysteries of the "enchanted islands" that time forgot, a virtual wildlife wonderland... but how did the birds, reptiles and small mammals, found nowhere else on Earth, first make their way here... what is the real story behind the disappearance of the Galápagos Tortoise... how did naturalist Charles Darwin miss the pink iguana – discovered 150 years after his visit but millions of years old... Get ready to sleuth!

This eight-day family adventure takes guests to the exotic Galápagos Islands, a region rich with a variety of local wildlife, flourishing flora and on-island excursions. Sailing through the four-island system by panga and by expedition ship, Santa Cruz II , as you and your family take in the beautiful views on both land and sea. Across this island society; explore the lagoons on Baltra Island that have a variety of birds within its ecosystem including pintail ducks, flamingos and stilts. Snorkel in Santiago Island in Buccaneer Cove where local sea lions may sneak up alongside you and surprise you. Hike up Bartolomé Island accompanied by incredible views at the summit. See the intricacies of the island firsthand! From the red sand of Jervis Island to the marine iguanas who forage for food in the sea, e ven the crabs are different here, with their bright red and yellow shells that provide quite a contrast to the black-lava rocks of these volcanic islands. Learn from Galápagos naturalists who travel with you... take walks on lave terrains... travel ashore via  pangas ... swim and snorkel... And much more!

Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands

Enchanted islands - the galápagos.

insideTauck Presentation

Klaus Fielsch, Product Manager and expert naturalist for our travel partner Metropolitan Touring

Naturalist Klaus Fielsch has spent 20+ years working with Metropolitan Touring, our partner in the Galápagos; he shares his years of experience and insights in an informative, charming 1:00 hour insideTauck video presentation. Learn about life in Ecuador and the Galápagos, as well as wildlife and natural habitats you might see on a cruise to the "Enchanted Islands" – and we've also included a selection of videos, documentaries and podcasts for additional information.

Watch Video

Visit a tortoise conservation reserve

Meet the giant tortoises....

A visit to the tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz Island provides a unique opportunity to observe a rare form of wildlife that continues to thrive in the Galapagos archipelago – the giant tortoise. You'll learn about the amazing conservation efforts to preserve and protect these magnificent creatures in their natural environment on the islands and have an opportunity to see them first-hand.

The Galápagos' "Big 15"

Introducing the "big 15" of the galápagos islands.

When it comes to wildlife, no place on Earth compares to the Galápagos Islands. The vast diversity of animal life is what attracts visitors to this remote, far-flung paradise, spread out over 138,000 square kilometers (3,040 square miles). The "Big 15" list was created to identify the archipelago's most unique and fascinating wildlife... so on your journey, your family may spot Galapagos Albatross, Blue-Footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Red-Footed Booby, Flightless Cormorant, American Flamingo, Great and Magnificent Frigatebirds, Galapagos Hawk, Land Iguana, Marine Iguana, Santa Fe Land Iguana, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Sea Lion, Galapagos Fur Seal and the Galapagos Giant Tortoise.

Go snorkeling... and see what lives under the sea

Ever wondered what it's like to swim with sea lions.

Chances are, while you're snorkeling in the warm Galápagos waters you'll find yourself splashing around in the water with a few of these whiskered locals for company – they're sociable, and as curious about you as you are about them.

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Welcome Aboard

• Santa Cruz II

Ship Specifications

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Panorama Deck

Darwin Suite

Explorer Double Cabin

Expedition Deck

Horizon deck.

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Hilton Colon Quito

Quito, Ecuador

Nights 3-6 On Board

Tauck Cruising

Wyndham guayaquil.

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Your journey

Pricing & Availability

Includes On-Tour Air

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About Booking This Tour

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $1,500 per person

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $1500 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Ecuador. You will not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Ecuador to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are traveling with children 11 years old or younger , you must bring two photocopies of each child's passport – in addition to the copies we suggest you bring for safekeeping – as they must be provided on the first morning of the tour for proper ticketing for the flight to the Galápagos Islands on Day 3.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN:  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com. TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents. AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

Due to the casual nature of this tour and climate conditions, we request that you bring only one piece of checked luggage on this trip. Additionally, flights to and from the Galápagos Islands restrict each passenger to no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) of luggage. If you exceed this limit, you will be charged 1% over the net rate of the intra-tour airfare.

If you are taking a carry-on piece of luggage with you it must weigh no more than 22 lbs (10 kg) and the dimensions can not exceed 21 x 13 x 9 in (53 x 33 x 22 cm).

Checked Luggage – General

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies .

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country. These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking  here  and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking  here . You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting. Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site. It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective. Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

VACCINATIONS  

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations .

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

To enjoy this cruise, participants must be in good health. This is a rigorous tour and you need to be in good physical condition with good balance as the terrain varies from sandy beaches to uneven lava and rocks. Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support are essential. There are some walking sticks available on board the ship, but you may want to bring your own. The walks range from 1 to 2 miles (1.6 to 3.2 km) in length and last from 1½ to 2½ hours.

All ship-to-shore transfers use Zodiacs or "pangas" (capacity 9 to 12 persons). Occasionally you will get wet with spray. Some wet landings require guests to wade through knee-high deep coastal water.

There are five decks on the  Santa Cruz II ; however, there is no elevator.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey. Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. The  Santa Cruz II  does not have mechanical stabilizers because the water around the Galápagos Islands is very calm. We travel between the various islands so the areas in which we cruise are sheltered. If you are prone to seasickness, bring a non–drowsy, over-the-counter, anti-nausea medication. Anti-nausea wristbands are also a good idea. The anti-nausea patch is not recommended for use in the islands as it tends to impair vision in direct sunlight.

Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the trip, both on board and for onshore excursions.

The  Santa Cruz II  does not permit smoking in any interior space. Smoke and open fire will activate the smoke detectors. Smoking is allowed on outside decks only. Please refrain from smoking onshore, in shore excursion vehicles and zodiacs. Please do not throw your cigarettes overboard, as it is a violation of international maritime pollution laws and they can easily be blown back onto the ship. There are ashtrays placed in specific exterior deck areas. Smoking is also not permitted on the motor coaches.

The only islands with bathroom facilities are Baltra, and Santa Cruz Island where the airport and a visitor center are located. Meals are served on board the Santa Cruz II , so we will be returning to the ship for lunch and dinner. Zodiacs or Pangas will travel back and forth to the ship during shore excursions.

The infirmary on the  Santa Cruz II  is staffed by a licensed Ecuadorian doctor. The infirmary visit is free of charge. The ship is registered in Ecuador. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine if coverage applies while you are traveling, and purchase appropriate travel insurance if necessary.

If you are traveling as the guardian of a child or children, we strongly suggest you bring along a letter from both parents of the child authorizing any emergency treatment, as medical facilities may require permission from the child's parent or parents.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Airline Disinsection

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click here for more information.

Cruise Regulations

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the cruise ship, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here.

In the Galápagos, temperatures range from 75° to 86°F (24° to 30°C) year round. The weather is hot and sunny in the islands and sea temperatures average 67° to 72°F (19° to 22°C). For guests planning on swimming, most swimming takes place at midday hours.

The Galápagos Islands lie almost on the equator about 650 mi (1,046 km) west of the coast of Ecuador. The islands have an unusual climate in view of their proximity to the equator; rainfall is low and temperatures are lower than would be expected. There are no extremes of heat or cold. Although there is more rain on the larger islands which are hilly (such as Seymour Island), rainfall is low at sea level and comes during the months of January through April. Light drizzle and even fog, however, are not uncommon at other times of the year.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your adventure in the Galápagos is informal and casual. Essentials include bathing suit(s), tee-shirts, short and long pants, long and short-sleeve lightweight shirts, and a windbreaker, sweater or light jacket for evenings.

The hotels in Quito and Guayaquil provide valet laundry services. There are no laundry facilities on board the  Santa Cruz II ; however, a dryer is located on the sun deck to dry wet clothing. Irons and ironing boards are available in your guest room at both hotels.

Most importantly, bring comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes with adequate ankle support. You will also need reef shoes or aqua shoes for beach landings and walks over rocky, uneven lava terrain. Your feet will get wet when you transfer from ship to shore on many landings.

Wetsuits and snorkel gear is available on board the ship; however, if you have prescription lenses you should bring them. You may also wish to bring an underwater camera. Scuba diving is not available.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.Following is a list of recommended items to pack for travel to the Galápagos Islands:

• Casual daytime wear
• Short and long pants
• Short and long sleeve shirts
• A light sweater or jacket for the evenings
• Comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes with adequate ankle support
• Aqua shoes or reef shoes
• Bathing suit(s)
• Lightweight waterproof slicker
• Collapsible umbrella
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Small backpack for long walks
• Adequate personal toiletries and sundries
• Reusable zippered plastic bags or other waterproof bags for protecting valuables
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in your in-the safe in your room while traveling

Each child 17 and under will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the continental United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the tour departure date (please note backpacks cannot be sent to P.O. boxes). If the child resides outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the first hotel on your itinerary.

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I absolutely loved everything about this tour. The guide was fantastic and knew everything there is to know about all the wildlife on the islands. The hotels and food and drinks were wonderful. Every day included a fun activity. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves adventure!

Galapagos Discovery

Once we got all the paperwork sorted & through the airport COVID checks etc the fun began! I liked the family style accommodation & the hotel in Santa Cruz, all within walking distance of everything, the same in Quito in the old city. Genesis our very knowledgeable guide from Intrepid was lovely. I think she could suggest different levels for eating out since it is pricier on the islands. Edwardo in Quito with Intrepid was great at guiding us through the airport protocol with test results needed etc but he should have been at the airport to meet us on our return instead of sending someone else as because of COVID we all had. a lot of questions about our last night and our onward journeys the following day & had to wait for him to arrive before we could go out to eat. However these points will be brought up along with others when I write my harsher review to Intrepid regarding the unnecessary anxiety they caused me regarding the lack of communication it letting me know A) that I was even going on the trip (I found out 2 days before)!! Then, I was frantic for those 2 days trying to find out the starting Hotel in Quito. I FINALLY found out the name at almost midnight, 7 hrs before catching the bus into the City. I know by the emails from Tourradar that you were also doing your best so I portion no blame on you. I never want to go through that anxiety again & would definitely choose a different company (probably G.Adventures, over Intrepid in the future).

Best of Galapagos

4 day/3 night Galapagos Flash - 4**** Hotel tour is really abysmal and a waste of money despite being 'cheap'. My wife and I went on the basis of having only a limited time in the Galapagos, therefore wanting something booked in advance to reduce the pressure of seeing as much as possible. In fact we could have utilised our time much more effectively if we'd self-coordinated. Let me start by saying this tour is not cheap, far from it, we paid £1300 between us for this package. Day 1: you are met at Baltra airport by a guide from Gray line (tourradars local tour operator on the ground in galapagos) - she was on time and very amicable, but then you have to still pay for the public bus to get to the port from the airport- I'm sure that $5 each should be covered within the total amount paid. We arrive at the port, the boat across to Santa cruz was paid for (we later found our this is only $1 per person), as was the taxi on the other side to take us to Puerto Ayora (the main town in Santa Cruz) - essentially where everyone stays as a hub. On the way we went to the tortoise ecological reserve and were given a private tour here but in reality, were only relayed limited information for a location that only costs a nominal single digit dollar entry fee ( you can do this on your own!)- to get here you can take a taxi from the main town once you've settled in to your hotel, if feeling more active you could also cycle. Next we moved on quickly to the Charles Darwin station - again very small entry fee and most of the information is on information placards around the path of the tour around the grounds - really another thing I'd advise you don't need to book a tour for these elements of the itinerary. We then arrived at the hotel just after 5, check in to the hotel was seamless and I must say the hotel was very good, checking online it was around £170per night, so for our 3 nights would have only totalled £510- struggling to see where the near other £800 was accounted. Day 2: your tour guide picks you up at your hotel on a timely fashion to take you to tortuga bay and playa mansa - they pay for your cab to tortuga bay ($2 max). Then you walk down a single path all the way to the beach - there is no entrance fee and again we learnt very little about the island and the location we were visiting as our same tour guide (although very nice), can reel off a set script of information but whenever we asked questions she couldn't understand them and we just had to move on. Later she disclosed she's only been learning English for the last 8 months and perhaps this showed in her lack of receptive comprehension. She walks with you all the way over the initial beach - Playa Brava and takes you to Playa Mansa - all of which you can do yourself for free as she didn't speak to us the whole walk along the beach anyway. They then give you some autonomous time to dip into the water at Playa Mansa - you can get a kayak if you'd like aswell (at your own cost). She waits on the side for an hour. It seems essentially you're paying for someone to escort you on a free activity. We arrived back at the hotel by 11.15am and then had 2.5 hours of time to 'rest' and eat our own lunch as you are not on a tour any longer. In the afternoon we followed our guides instructions to meet at the tour stall next to the church at the port area in Santa Cruz - a short walk from the hotel. We were due to be doing the shared Bahia tour - which is a land and sea tour. This is essentially a locals tour, with everyone apart from us speaking Spanish natively. Luckily the tour guide spoke excellent English and he translated everytime after explaining parts in Spanish but given our experience up to now we were afraid that we'd been lumbered onto a Spanish speaking tour. This tour itself was decent for a half day tour - but half day tours are well under $100pp - again struggling to see where the money goes. Day 3 - is a free day for yourself - which you know about in advance and actually lucky that you have it as you get to book your own tour doing your own research - but piece of advice - do it on the day you arrive as they get booked up fast - don't book it online as it's cheaper in person in the Galapagos. Day 4: because of travel complications with our flight we had to leave at 7am rather than 8.30 and didn't have time for the 'brief tour of Los gemelos'- this is also a free activity that I would recommend you could do at the same time as the eco tortoise reserve and Charles Darwin. We asked, but they couldn't adjust our transfer to the port so we had to pay $25 ourselves for a private taxi to get to the port, even though on the printed itinerary we received from our tour guide said it was a private transfer. We in fact spent around 40 minutes on the phone with them trying to explain this to 3 different people who didn't seem to understand what we meant. Having now been to the Galapagos Islands and seen the cost and quality of tours available, this package tour leaves an extremely sour taste in the mouth. I only hope that reading this will leave you with a greater understanding that this tour charges you a lot for free things and you'd be much better off using your time on the Galapagos booking your own tours and doing your own activities at a fraction of the price - so save your money and don't book!

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure

Go For It! A truly amazing Active Adventure!

10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

Excellent coordination! Good guides! Daniel was super! Was there for us whenever and wherever! Better hotels recommended in Isabella island! Will come back to Tour Radar after our first experience!

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

5 Days San Cristobal Island Wonders

Galapagos Multisport

Adventure Journeys is a very professional tour operator. All of our guides were excellent and did there best to please us. The hotel in Quito is definitely five star. Make sure that you ask to be placed in the second tower as the rooms are of nicer quality and they have air conditioning (on the chance that Quito is not cool). The accomodations on the islands are nice but your experiences can vary depending on the rooms you are assigned. They vary in size and views. Most are small hotels so there aren’t a lot of choices to go around if you are in a large group. We stayed on San Cristobal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz. Arianna was our tour guide on San Cristobal. Knowledgeable and very helpful. I especially enjoyed the Kicker Rock excursion. They take you to a beautiful beach that you get to explore for about an hour an a half and then you go snorkeling around Kicker Rock for a couple of times for a total of about 1 1/2 hr. The snorkeling was amazing as you see much wildlife (sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays, lots of fish and one side of the rock is beautiful). My favorite snorkeling experience on Galapagos. It was nice to take the inter island flight to Isabela and save us a 4 hr boat ride. Los Túneles was snorkeling was fun as we saw sharks, lots of turtles and sea horses. Definitely was enjoyable swimming with the turtles. Water could have been clearer. The highlight was walking on the islands and getting up close and personal with the blue footed boobies! Guess it should be mentioned that we went in mid April as conditions change as do the animals. Wetsuits were provided but nowhere was the water overly cool. We also saw some penguins on this excursion. The walk through the marsh was great for the flamingos and other birds. Also, enjoyed the bike ride on Isabela to the Wall of Tears. Nice little hike for a 360 view to a lookout point and later a short walk through the mangroves. It was cool running into the tortoises in the wild as well. We had a rainy and cloudy walk to the crater. It would have been cool to see it without the clouds, but this was the only weather problem we encountered. The kayaking at Las Tintoreras was more swimming with turtles and penguins. We literally were swimming with the penguins here. It is nice as all the animals on the Galapagos aren’t afraid of people, so you’re pics and experiences are all magnified. There is a two hour boat ride from Isabela to Santa Cruz. Sit up top with the captain and miss out on the vomit fest downstairs with everyone else. On Santa Cruz, the highlights were the Charles Darwin Center and the Tortoise Reserve. Once again at the reserve, you can see the giant tortoises up close in the wild. Very cool. Not to be left out was kudos for our guide on Isabela and Santa Cruz, Maritza. She was great the whole time and a treasure trove of information. AJ has great guides! Christian, one of the owners (I think) took us and picked us up at the airport in Quito. On the way back, we asked about street food and he asked us if we’d like to go to La Floresta and try the local street food. Great idea and great experience! Super experience and great tour company!

• Hiking & Trekking

Affordable Galapagos 8 Days Tour

My wife and I are seasoned travelers so trust me when I say that this is the BEST vacation we've ever had! Thank you Guidecuador Travel and specifically, Esteban, for putting this all together and exceeding our very high expectations! He did an outstanding job of listening to our wishes, promptly responding to our many, many questions, and offering outstanding suggestions that fit our time and budget constraints. Esteban knows Galapagos very well and you can trust his expertise. He did this all with a charming attitude eager to make this the vacation of our dreams for sure We will contact him next year.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Magical Galapagos (5 Days)

Great collection of day tours but just be aware that’s what it is - no tour group as such but everything organised seamlessly and really made the most of all the time there. Would recommend this trip

• Sightseeing

Highlights of Peru (Galapagos Legend, 13 Days)

Highlights Of Quito and Galapagos Islands

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Essentials

Very well organized tour, well-balanced itinerary with lots of free time to explore. It is definitely an express tour of Galapagos, if time allows a few more days are recommended

Galapagos Experience: 5 days

• $150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Volunteering

Galapagos Experience Volunteering & Travel 3 Weeks

What people love about galapagos islands tours.

This tour is intended for people who are physically fit,able to walk 6 kilometers a day, love to kayak/snorkel/swim/bike, and still have plenty of energy to enjoy the wildlife. I cannot cope up with the group, but luckily our CEO offered me options like museum visit, tour to Tntoreras. I still was able yo see all the wildlife I need to see exvept the cormorant. I did not expect to stay in a 5 star hotel. I find the accommodation suitable enough for my needs: comfortable bed, air condition, water, electricity, wifi. Special thanks to Sandra, CEO. She is one of the best tour guides I met in my years of travel. She is a great listener and teacher. She was born in Santa Cruz. She knows Galapagos like the palm of her hand.

This was a great tour, the galápagos is amazing! G-adventure has a well organized tour. There are some early morning days but they don't matter because you are in the Galápagos! The rooms are basic but have air conditioning which is good since it is very hot there. José was a fantastic guide and had so much knowledge about the islands. Definitely choose the add-on snorkeling trips they are worth it. I think the Galápagos needs to be on everyone's list.

lovely tour - very good itinerary and comfortable pace

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Galapagos Islands with Kids: How to Plan a Galapagos Family Trip

Last Updated on March 6, 2024

Traveling the Galapagos Islands with kids is an epic, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s my guide to planning the perfect Galapagos family trip!

At 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are some of the best wildlife destinations in the world . Because the islands are so remote and far from one another, the animals that live here evolved and adapted to conditions unique to their island. That’s why wildlife here are so special and cannot be found elsewhere on Earth.

When we first visited the Galapagos 15 years ago, we fell in love with the islands and knew we wanted to return someday! This year, we brought Kaleya there on her birthday trip and she had a blast swimming with sealions and marine iguanas, hiking on volcanoes and spotting blue-footed boobies and manta rays. The Galapagos Islands are a fantastic place for kids to connect with nature and learn about our planet in a fun and engaging way.

Table of Contents

Galapagos with Kids: What Age is Best?

Cost of travel in the galapagos with kids, when to travel the galapagos with kids, how long to travel the galapagos with kids, how to get to the galapagos, 1. by expedition cruise, 2. on day tours, 3. by ferry, is it safe to travel the galapagos with kids, heath risks in the galapagos with kids, how to get travel insurance for kids,  how to stay connected on the galapagos islands, do you need to speak spanish to travel the galapagos with kids, puerto ayora, santa cruz, puerto baquerizo moreno, san cristobal, puerto villamil, isabela , what to eat in the galapagos with kids, where to eat in the galapagos with kids, 1. santa cruz island, see lizards and sea lions at tortuga bay, snorkel in las grietas, visit the charles darwin research center, 2. san cristobal island, swim with sea lions at la loberia, snorkel or scuba dive at kicker rock, hike around punta pitt, see the views at mirador cerro tijeretas, 3. isabela island, hike and snorkel around los tuneles, snorkel at las tintoreras, see flamingos at the wall of tears, 4. north seymour island, 5. bartolome island, what to pack for the galapagos with kids, practical tips for traveling the galapagos with kids, further reading on ecuador, traveling the galapagos with kids.

The Galapagos Islands are some of the most unspoiled places on Earth thanks to protection laws and conservations efforts. Over 97% of the Galapagos Islands is national park , and Ecuador limits how many tourists visit per year.

Because of how well it has been protected, the Galapagos is a fantastic natural playground for kids. They can see sealions and marine iguanas up close, spot unique blue-footed boobies and red-throated fregate birds flying overhead, and even swim with penguins, dolphins, and whales.

The islands’ unique ecosystem, which has been largely untouched by human interference, offers a valuable lesson in conservation. On our Galapagos trip, my daughter learned so much about animals and how important it was for us to protect their natural habitat. The lesson truly came alive when our boat spotted a turtle stuck in a large fishing net at sea and we all helped to release it!

On our recent Galapagos family trip, we traveled with our 8-year-old daughter as well as my sister and her 10-year-old son. The kids were at the perfect age to explore the Galapagos as any younger would have been more challenging.   We live in Mexico , so my daughter is used to outdoor activities; she gets nervous snorkeling sometimes but she did real well on this trip.

Any trip to the Galapagos involves lots of outdoor activities, so you need to make sure your kids are comfortable at sea and can hike for a distance. Even if you’re just doing land-based exploring, there’s a lot of walking, swimming and snorkeling involved.

The best age for kids to enjoy the Galapagos would be 8-16 years old. Younger kids might not be able to tolerate the heat, walk long distances or snorkel in the sea.

• 0-12 months — Small babies will be easy to carry around on slings and they’ll do fine on boat rides, but the scorching sun and lack of shade can be challenging for babies.
• 1-3 years old — Tiny toddlers can still be carried around on hiking backpacks but the sea conditions might not be suitable for the lil ones. They also won’t be able to snorkel and see marine animals.
• 4-7 years old — Pre-schoolers that can walk might find it fun to swim in the sea and hike short distances.
• 8-12 years old – The best age to travel the Galapagos as they’ll be able to participate in most activities and learn valuable lessons.

Let’s face it: the Galapagos is an expensive destination. The only way to get there is by plane from Quito and there’s the tourist tariff that everyone needs to pay. Expect to spend around US$300 for your flights and US$100 for the entry tariff . Day tours are around US$200-300 each, and a week-long cruise can set you back at $2500 .

Galapagos Islands travel is expensive as the archipelago is so remote, almost everything needs to be imported. 97% of the archipelago is a highly protected national park and funds from the entry tax finance the conservation of biodiversity of flora and fauna, and benefit the local community.

Accommodation on the islands are more expensive than on mainland Ecuador but you can still find decent guesthouses at $80/night for a double room and midrange hotels for $200/night. Food is quite affordable especially at the local eateries. Expect to spend around US$8-10 on a local meal, and $20-30 in a hotel restaurant. There are also grocery stores in towns and you can cook on your own to save money.

One of the perks of the islands’ location along the equator is that the weather is going to warm and sunny all year round. Regardless of when you visit the Galapagos Islands, prepare for high temperatures. We have visited the Galapagos in April and June and it was really hot and sunny on both trips.

There are two main seasons in the Galapagos: January to May is the hot season, giving calmer seas and warmer ocean temperatures. July to December is the dry season which sees cooler temperatures, making it great for hiking inland.

In general, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from January to May for the best conditions to go snorkeling or scuba diving and cruising around the islands. The Galapagos Islands offer some of the best scuba diving in the world .

On our first trip there as backpackers, we spent 5 days in the Galapagos Islands and based ourselves on Santa Cruz the entire time. This time round, we had 1 week in the Galapagos and stayed on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, but we still wished we had more time. Ideally, I would recommend spending 10 days in the Galapagos Islands so you can enough time to base yourselves on the three main inhabited islands.

You’ll probably want to combine another week or so on mainland Ecuador to make the most of your trip. On this recent trip, we spent two weeks in Ecuador , combining time in the historic center of Quito with hikes in Otavalo and Cotopaxi National Park. You can also choose a few nights’ stay in the Amazon Rainforest . Check out our full Ecuador itinerary .

Our 1-week Galapagos itinerary:

• Day 1: Fly to Santa Cruz
• Day 2: See Tortuga Bay + Visit Charles Darwin Center
• Day 3: Do a day trip to Bartolome Island
• Day 4: Take the ferry to San Cristobal
• Day 5: Explore the Loberia, Puerto Chino, and the Giant Tortoise Reserve
• Day 6: Do a 360 day trip around the island + Kicker Rock
• Day 7: Fly to Quito from San Cristobal

Recommended 10-day Galapagos itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Santa Cruz Island  
• Days 4-6: Isabela
• Days 7-10: San Cristobal

The only way to get to the Galapagos Islands is by air from Quito and Guayaquil (on mainland Ecuador). LATAM and Avianca are the main airlines that serve the Galapagos Islands — Baltra or San Cristobal.   It’s important to note that flights to the Galapagos are tightly regulated, and the government limits the number of visitors to the islands each year to protect its fragile ecosystem.

Flights from Quito/Guayaquil to Galapagos Islands cost around US$300 to $400 roundtrip. All flights are with either LATAM or Avianca, which are both reliable South American airlines. Foreigners are only allowed to book flights on premium class (and sadly they are very strict about it).

The 2 airports on the Galapagos Islands are:

• Baltra Airport (GPS): Baltra is the airport closest to Santa Cruz Island. To get to Santa Cruz island, take a bus for $5, a barge for $1 and another $5 bus (or $25 taxi) to Puerto Ayora, the biggest town in the Galapagos. Or book a fuss-free airport transfer here .
• San Cristobal Airport (SCY): This airport is less than 5 minutes drive from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. It costs only $2-$4 per taxi (not per person). Most flights to San Cristobal will make a stopover on Baltra.

*TIP: I recommend flying into Baltra and out of San Cristobal like we did on our recent trip. It’s the same price as flying return to either island.

Book Your Flights to Galapagos Islands

Getting around the Galapagos with Kids

There are three possible ways to explore the Galapagos Islands:

The most popular way to explore the Galapagos Islands is going on an expedition cruise , which brings you to several islands within a short time. Not all cruises are suitable for kids though, as most involve an intense schedule, a lot of time at sea, and limited space for kids to run free.

A 4-day Galapagos cruise can set you back around US$2,500 for budget standards or $5,500 for luxury cruises . They typically include all accommodation and meals, visits to the islands with a certified naturalist, and access to snorkeling gear and kayaks. You can save some money by showing up on the Galapagos Islands and shopping around for last-minute deals, but still expect to pay at least $1,800 per person.  

Also, it can get choppy on the waters of the Pacific Ocean; many people get seasick while cruising the Galapagos. My friend was seasick the entire time he was on a Galapagos cruise. If your kids aren’t comfortable at sea yet, I wouldn’t recommend going on a cruise.

On both our trips to the Galapagos Islands, we chose to do land-based travel as it was much more affordable. We based ourselves on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, and did day tours to other islands.  

Most Galapagos Islands day tours cost around $150-250 . [They were $70-100 when we first visited 15 years ago.] They are usually boat tours with snorkeling and food included; some also include short hikes.

You’ll get cheaper deals booking the day tours when you arrive, but they have a fixed schedule and you’ll only be able to visit the islands that they’re scheduled to go to. On our recent trip, we visited during Easter (high season) and many tours were fully booked — we were lucky to get a last-minute cancellation for our Bartolome day tour!

There are three main islands that you can stay on:

• Santa Cruz : This island has the biggest tourist town and has most sights
• San Cristobal : It has the second biggest sealion colony in the Galapagos, but a smaller town
• Isla Isabela : Largest island with smallest town but great for wildlife

Here are the day tours we did and highly recommend:

Kicker Rock day tour from San Cristobal island

North Seymour day trip from Santa Cruz island

Bartolome day trip from Santa Cruz island

Floreana day tour from Santa Cruz island

There are also several speedboat companies that offer inter-island shuttling service. You need to plan in advance as there are limited departures each day and they get fully booked. We booked these ferries to go from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal and managed to get tickets a few days beforehand.  

The inter-island ferries cost US$35 per person each way . They usually leave early in the morning and each boat takes up to 30 people. Most tour operators sell tickets. To ensure availability, you can also book these ferry transfers that include hotel pickups!

Inter-island ferries run these routes (back and forth):

• Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) – Isabela (Puerto Villamil): 3 hours
• Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) – San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno): 2 hours

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands with kids is generally very safe, the islands are very quiet, calm and peaceful. The towns have little crime and traffic.  

The only potential risks come from the sun and sea. The Galapagos Islands are located near the equator, which means that the sun can be very strong. It’s important to take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and staying hydrated.

Water safety is another important consideration for families traveling to the Galapagos Islands. The islands offer many opportunities for water activities, such as snorkeling and swimming. It’s important to supervise children at all times and make sure that they are wearing life jackets when appropriate.

You don’t need specific vaccinations to travel the Galapagos with kids . The airlines that operate between Ecuador’s mainland and the islands do an outstanding job of keeping at bay many invasive species and threats to Galapagos.

Galapagos’ terrain is so isolated that it sees few mosquitoes. There have been no reported cases of Zika or Malaria in recent years. Dengue fever is an emerging infectious disease in the Galápagos Islands , with the first cases reported in 2002 and periodic outbreaks since then.

It’s not safe to drink the tap water in the Galapagos Islands, always buy bottled water. Food hygiene is generally very good.

While there are medical facilities on the islands, they may not be equipped to handle all types of medical emergencies. It’s important to carry a first-aid kit and any necessary medications, and to purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

I highly recommend getting  travel insurance as well as it covers personal loss, theft, and medical as well as COVID risks.

Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my  travel insurance guide  for more details.

Many travel insurance providers offer free travel insurance to cover kids who are traveling with their parents, or even grandparents. There is usually a one-to-one ratio, that is you usually have to have at least one insured adult per traveling child to earn the free coverage.

Internet connection is limited and slow on the Galapagos Islands. Even in our hotel and Airbnb, the download speeds are very slow. To mitigate the slow internet, I suggest using a free VPN for Android , which can help optimize their online experience by ensuring secure connections and potentially bypassing certain limitations.

You can also get an eSIM card with data plan as that works faster than the WiFI in hotels. I personally use eSIMs wherever I travel these days as they are SO much more convenient – you can buy them online, and don’t need to go to the shop or activate your eSIM through the store. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store and it has eSIMs from over 190 countries and regions around the worlds. Check out  Airalo’s eSIMs  here. 

Like most parts of South America , Ecuador uses Spanish as its official language. In the Galapagos, you’ll find lots of locals who speak English. Guides are also fluent in English. We speak Spanish, so this is not a problem for us.  

Try to learn some basic words before you go. Take the opportunity to expose your kids to a new language and teach them some words like “ hola! ” (hello), “ gracias ” (thank you) and “ por favor ” (please).

Where to Stay in the Galapagos with Kids

There are three main inhabited islands that you can stay on and each island has a town. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island is the biggest town in the Galapagos. As compared to 15 years ago, the town now has proper tourism infrastructure with a range of restaurants, hotels, tour operators and shops. It gets pretty lively in the evening.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno , the town on San Cristobal island, is smaller but its accommodation and food options are more affordable. I liked this town more than Puerto Ayora as it’s quieter and there are lots of beaches to swim with the sealions! San Cristobal has the second largest sealion colony in the Galapagos and there are thousands of sealions hanging by the pier everyday. Puerto Villamil on Isabela island is the smallest but accommodations are cheapest.

Luxury: Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel — Undoubtedly the best hotel on Santa Cruz, this stylish hotel is slick and unpretentious. It’s got a beautiful swimming pool and beachfront location, with even its own pier and private yacht. Excellent place if money isn’t an issue! Check the rates.

Midrange: Casa Paloverde — We booked this Airbnb for our whole family and it was fantastic! Lots of space, great location and great amenities. The house has 4 bedrooms, a big kitchen and comfortable living room. There are even bunkbeds for kids and a play area.

Midrange: El Descanso del Guia — This new midrange hotel offers panoramic views over the coast from its rooftop. It also has a nice swimming pool, and clean and spacious rooms. Check the rates.

Budget: Hostal Gardner Galapagos — On our first trip, we stayed at this place located in the heart of town and minutes from the pier. Rooms are cheap and spacious, and relatively well maintained. Great value! Check the rates.

Luxury: Hotel Indigo — The best hotel on the island is an ultra modern, slick hotel right on the Playa del Oro beach. It’s just a short walk from town and has an infinity pool and upscale restaurant. Check the rates.

Midrange: Galapagos Sunset Hotel — We stayed at this newish hotel right by the pier and enjoyed the central location and spacious, sparkling clean rooms. Check the rates.

Midrange: La Zayapa — Located right on the dock, La Zayapa is the heart of the town, offering room with views of the pier. We absolutely loved staying here. Good prices for such excellent location. Check the rates.

Budget: Hotel Cactus & Cactus — With a minimalistic design, this artistic hostel features clean lines and very simple but beautiful decor. Rooms are well-priced for what it is, highly recommend it! Check the rates.

Luxury: Flip Flop House — With capacity for four people, this beautiful, modern house has 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and a hot tub. The property was built in 2016, and makes a comfortable home away from home. I highly recommend this if you are traveling with family or friends. Check the rates.

Midrange: Drake Inn — Located right on the beach, this simple but comfortable guesthouse offers well-priced rooms just three minutes from town. Its rooftop has excellent ocean views and makes a great spot to chill in the evenings. Check the rates.

Budget: Hotel La Jungla — This budget place offers great value for money, and a rustic jungle setting despite being just a few feet from the sea. All of its rooms have wide windows that look out to the ocean. Check the rates.

You’ll be surprised to find that there’s actually quite a good range of food options in town. Food choices in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz run the gamut from simple local eateries to upmarket seafront restaurants. There are even pizzerias, burger joints, craft beer brewery and modern Asian fusion bars. Kids who are fussy with food are   spoiled for choice.

Most eateries offer an almuerzo (set lunch) for $5-10 that usually include a soup, fish/chicken with rice and beans, and a drink. These are great value for money and the food usually comes fast!

In general, seafood is a staple in the Galapagos Islands. The headliner on most restaurants’ menu is the brujo (Pacific spotted scorpionfish) and the albacora (yellowfin tuna). Those usually cost around US$25-35 for dinner.

Los Kioskos — Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

Los Kioskos is basically a street lined with small, local stalls selling freshly caught seafood. You’ll hear sizzling from the charcoal parillas  and smell smoky, grilled fish long before you stumble across this little alley. Food here is reasonably priced and oh so bueno!

Galapagos Deli — Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz This deli is famous for its brick-oven pizza ranging in price from $6.50 to $9.75   and high-quality deli sandwiches from $4.70 to $8.75. Of course, it wouldn’t be a seaport deli without fish and chips, as well as piping hot espresso and delicious frozen gelato. Read reviews here.

Booby Trap — Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island Booby Trap is the best place to grab a slice of pizza, but it’s their fish tacos that I loved. The lobster also comes highly recommended at a very reasonable rate. The restaurant is owned by a greagarious retired American man and his Ecuadorian wife.  Read reviews here.

Wok by the Sea — Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal

This joint serves pretty good Asian noodle dishes as well as sandwiches, ribs, wings and ceviche. They also have a great beer promo on their craft beer: 3x $10. Read reviews here.

Post Office — Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal

Perched right on the beach, you can sit by the sealion colony and sip on freshly brewed craft beer and enjoy crunchy fish and chips with at sunset here. The restaurant is stylish and upmarket, and food fantastic.  

Muyu Galapagos — Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal

If you’re looking to splurge, definitely book a table at Muyu Galapagos, one of the best restaurants in the whole archipelago. They serve up modern fusion food, focusing on fresh seafood with a contemporary twist. Read reviews here.

Things to Do in the Galapagos with Kids

A 45 minute hike from town leads you to Santa Cruz’s most beautiful beach and bay. There are plenty of marine iguanas and sea lions lounging on the beach when we were there. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling with white tip reef sharks, and occasionally tiger sharks. It was the first spot we visited and we were blown away!

How to : Visit independently by walking or taking a taxi from Puerto Ayora.

Las Grietas is a beautiful naturally formed freshwater pool formed in a crack between two volcanic cliff faces. During midday when the sun is high, the pool is a bright, clear blue. There isn’t a lot of wildlife here, but the crystal clear waters make it just a fun swimming spot. Plus it’s free to visit the site! No guide or tour needed. We absolutely loved it here and could have spent a day here if not for our fomo!

The Charles Darwin Research Center is a breeding centre and rehabilitation facility for animals from local islands. First stop by the Ruta de las Tortugas for a guided tour ($10) — they run tours in both English and Spanish every hour. The guide brings you on a short walk and talks about the endemic wildlife and plant life on the Galapagos, before showing you the tortoise breeding area (which is fenced up). At the end of the tour, you’ll be led into a room where the famous Lonesome George (the last tortoise of its kind who passed away in 2012) stands immortalized.

After the tour, walk to the end of the centre to visit the museum and learn more about the wildlife of the Galapagos. There’s also a station beach where you can swim and see black-tip reef sharks. All in all, the research center is a great spot to visit for those traveling the Galapagos with kids .  

San Cristobal is the best island to go for sea lions. Here at La Loberia, not only can you snorkel with tons of sea lions, but you will also see marine iguanas, lava lizards, frigate birds, and more. We had SO much fun swimming with the sea lions! Those animals can be really cheeky. It’s free to enter, just rent snorkeling equipment beforehand.

How to : Visit independently by walking 30 minutes or taking a taxi ($3 ride) from Puerto Baquerizo.

Around 3 miles north of San Cristobal island is this volcanic cone that rises from the sea. Kicker Rock, known locally as León Dormmido, is home to a smattering of blue-footed boobies and fregate birds, but it is really its below-water inhabitants that has visitors in awe.

The natural erosion of the cone has created a channel between the rocks that serves as the ideal place to view sharks and rays. If you come at the right time, you can see hundreds of Galapagos sharks (and come into touching distance of them if you choose to snorkel through the canyon). You might have the chance to see schools of spotted eagle rays, turtles, jellyfish, and sea lions.

How to : Book a day tour to Kicker Rock from Puerto Baquerizo.

Punta Pitt is one of the best places to see a huge variety of wildlife on the Galapagos. Both the blue-footed and red-footed boobies, and various species of frigates live in the area. They have chosen this site because its rugged geography prevents species that would be a threat to these birds from accessing here. Another species commonly found here are the iguanas, also due to its complex geography.

How to:   Book a day tour from Puerto Baquerizo .

The Cerro Tijeretas lookout point offers a panoramic view of Shipwreck Bay and Kicker Rock. It’s definitely a spectacular spot and well worth the two-mile hike there from the visitor center. You’ll be hiking through a dry forest area full of cacti, acacia trees and lava lizards. The trail also leads to a calm, protected inlet along the shore which is a great spot for snorkeling.

How to: Visit independently by taking a taxi to the visitor center or walking from Puerto Baquerizo.

Los Tuneles or lava tunnels is a hugely popular site to visit. We hired a guide and came here on a day tour. A boat first takes you along the coast to a landscape characterized by bizarre lava formations and tunnels that provide shelter for an abundance of sea life.  You’ll then need to hike for a bit before getting the chance to snorkel with sea lions, turtles, sharks, rays, sea horses among innumerable fish species.

How to: Book a day tour from Puerto Villamil .

Las Tintoreras is an islet just off the main dock of Isabela Island. It’s often called mini Galapagos since almost a ll the Galapagos marine wildlife are found here. There is actually more wildlife here than on the main island.

It’s one of the few places to see the Galapagos penguins, the second smallest penguins in the world. It was incredibly getting to swim with them and see them in the water! You can snorkel in the area without a guide.

How to:   Book a half-day tour from Puerto Villamill.

The Wall of Tears, or El Muro de Las Lagrimas,   is one of the most famous hikes on the Galapagos Islands . It’s the only place to see the Galapagos Flamingos and you can do it without a guide. The name comes from the wall at the end of the hike. The Wall of Tears was built in the 1950’s by 300 prisoners, toiling away under the hot sun to cut and haul heavy black volcanic rock in order to build their own prison.

How to: Visit independently by walking from Puerto Villamil.

Our favorite spot, North Seymour, is a small uninhabited island that is hugely popular with all kinds of birds that live in the Galapagos. It’s a fascinating place with open nesting grounds of blue-footed boobies and the archipelago’s largest colonies of fregate birds. If you’re lucky, you might even see blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas.

How to: The only way to get there is on a cruise or a day tour from Santa Cruz island .

Bartolome Island is the most scenic island in terms of landscapes. Be sure to climb up to the top of the viewpoint for a 360 degree panorama. There are black volcanic formations, which contrast sharply with the red, orange and green of the rest of the island. Also don’t miss the Pinnacle Rock, home to a colony of Galapagos penguins.

How to: The only way to visit is on a cruise or a day tour from Santa Cruz island .

A trip to the Galapagos involve lots of outdoor activities and underwater experiences, so definitely pack lots of waterproof gear and tropical-weather clothes. You’ll find some gear in the shops in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), but there are limited options.

1. Hiking shoes : Make sure you bring some comfortable and light covered hiking shoes.

2. Sports sandals : KEEN shoes are the best options for traveling the Galapagos as you can wear them on hikes and in the water. My Teva sandals were fantastic too. I don’t recommend bringing flip-flops as those are only useful for the beach and showers.

3. Moisture-wicking t-shirts : Pack several lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirts that are great for hiking in the hot weather. You don’t want to be wearing cotton, black t-shirts under that scorching sun.

4. Quick-dry pants /shorts: Bring at least two pairs of comfy trousers for the hikes. Quick-dry and lightweight hiking trousers are the best options as they are comfortable, breathable and easy to wash and dry. I recommend bringing convertible pants that allow you to zip off the bottom part and convert them to shorts.

5. Rashguard/swim shirt : Pack SPF 50+ rashguards for kids to protect their skin. Wearing normal swimsuits and applying sunscreen aren’t enough to prevent sunburn – we all got terribly burned despite layers of sunscreen.

6. Wide-rimmed hat : The sun can be brutal so make sure to bring safari-style hats that protect your neck and the back. Waterproof hats would be ideal.

7. Sunscreen : Another essential thing to bring on this ec as you’ll be on the beach, island-hopping, hiking and doing lots of outdoor activity under the tropical sun. I recommend getting at least SPF 50.  

8. Dry bag : You’ll need a small dry bag to protect your valuables when you’re island-hopping or kayaking and hiking around waterfalls. A 10L bag will be enough for you and your partner (unless you’re carrying an SLR).

9. First-aid kit : It’s always a good idea to pack a small first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and any medications your family may need. I highly recommend bringing Dramamine for motion sickness even if you don’t usually get seasick.

10. GoPro : An underwater camera is really useful in the Galapagos, I took thousands of videos of sealions swimming right around us in San Cristobal. Many of them are really curious about the camera and came closer for a peek!

• Bring cash with you! ATMs are available on the 3 islands but they don’t always work and your daily withdrawal maximum is typically US$200. When you arrive in the Galapagos, you will need to pay $100 entry fee in cash per adult and $50 per child.
• A few hotels will take credit cards, but all tours, most restaurants, shops and taxis will require small bills or cash. Do not take anything bigger than $20s.
• Remember to bring any medication that your child takes regularly (or may need), as pharmacies aren’t quite as well stocked in the Galapagos.
• Some protected areas can only be visited with a licensed guide, so make sure you research before venturing out on your own.
• When you encounter wildlife, remember to stay back and not get too close as you might cause them stress. Don’t feed them or use flash photography.
• When traveling to the Galapagos Islands with kids, remind the little ones not to touch the animals as they’ll be interfering with the natural environment.
• The Galapagos Islands take the practice of “leave-no-trace” very seriously. Since fire poses a serious risk to the flora and fauna, smoking of any kind, as well as campfires, are strictly prohibited.
• When shopping for souvenirs, do not take or buy any products made from banned substances like black coral, lava rock, native woods, and animal parts.

Phew! Thanks for reading all the way to the end. Let me know if you have any questions on traveling the Galapagos Islands with kids. I hope both you and your kids love the Galapagos as much as we do!

 Check out other articles I’ve written on Ecuador and other parts of South America:

• My 2-Week Ecuador Itinerary
• How to Visit the Galapagos Islands
• My 10-Day Colombia Itinerary
• 22 Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia
• Bogota Travel Guide
• 2-Week Brazil Itinerary
• Traveling Peru with Kids
• How to Get to Machu Picchu in Peru
• Best Things to Do in the Sacred Valley, Peru
• 2-Week Chile Itinerary
• How to Visit Easter Island

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Deirdre Fobes

I’ve wanted to go to Galapagos as long as I can remember (and I’m 70!) I traveled to Colombia many years ago with a friend (in my 20’s) who was a native. At one point I discovered we were just about at the Ecuadorian border and there were signs for Galapagos tours. I was so disappointed that we hadn’t planned for going there if we were going to be that close. I sort of put it aside and life happened. It’s still on my bucket list and would love to take my 12 year old grandchild. Your writing and photos have inspired me again. Thank you for all your information and resources. Prior to this all I saw were the very expensive cruises.

hi Deirdre, oh wow thank you so much for the kind words! So glad that my writing has inspired you to embark on a trip to the Galapagos with your grandchild! There are definitely ways to explore the islands without burning a hole in your pocket. I’m sure both you and your grandchild are going to have an adventure of a lifetime! Please let us know how it goes. :)

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Galapagos Family Holiday

8 days | experience nature on this galapagos islands expedition.

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the rarest animals on the planet and this trip gives the whole family a unique opportunity to learn about the biology and diversity of this paradise. Everyone will enjoy spotting the myriad animals in their natural environment as they graze, sleep and play on the beaches, mountains and rocks of the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Snorkel beside sea lions, marvel at the plodding majesty of giant tortoises, spot frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos crabs, and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, whales, dolphins and sharks as you explore this natural paradise. You’ll experience (animal) life like never before together on this beautiful family-focused expedition to the Galapagos.

Trip overview

• Swimming beside sea lions is an incredible and surreal experience, and there are few better places to do so than Isla Lobos: home of the world's second largest sea lion colony.
• You'll get to know the locals by staying in small hotels on the Galapagos islands, as well as exploring the islands and coves by boat.
• Be surrounded by birds like blue-footed boobies and frigates, who land so close, and often have not even the slightest interest you're there!
• Incredible photo opportunities await around every corner – not least of Kicker Rock, the marvellous twin volcanic peaks seen sitting in the ocean from the top of Cerro Tijeratas.
• With spare time in Quito and Isla Santa Cruz, you can spend quality time with the family – perhaps with further hiking or visiting the colourful local markets.
• This is a well-rounded family adventure, and there are many reasons to fall in love with the Galapagos Islands. That said, wildlife is the major focus of this trip, so it's especially suited to animal-lovers and birdwatchers.
• There's a lot of boat travel between the various islands. If you're prone to seasickness or motion sickness, it might be wise to consult your doctor about preventative medication before you go.

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres, under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you have time beforehand, take a walk down the famous Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street. La Ronda is a peek into the colonial past of the city. This awesome street offers the city's best in one place. You may even wish to arrive a day or two early and explore further beyond the city, visiting Otavalo, Cotopaxi or the Cloud Forest.

• La Cartuja Hotel or similar (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Complimentary Arrival Transfer
• Quito - Compania de Jesus - USD4
• Quito - La Ronda Walk - Free
• Quito - Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40
• Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
• Quito - Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest - USD160
• Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
• Quito -The Otavalo Indigenous market and Condor Park - USD90

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

After breakfast, explore the historic centre of Quito on a walking tour. Stroll through Plaza Grande (main square) and by the Archbishop's Palace. From here, walk about 800 metres uphill to reach the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Time permitting, you may wish to spend more time exploring this church and its views from the top towers. Finally, walk to La Ronda Street and pass by La Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus) and San Francisco churches From here we travel to the Equator line The famous Mitad del Mundo monument is an impressive 30-metre-tall structure that marks where the equator is located— or, at least, that’s what many people believe. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city more, or simply just relax at the hotel, getting ready for tomorrow’s adventure!

• Quito - Leader led city tour + the Equator line

Today you will take the short flight to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the main hubs of the Galapagos. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Purto Ayora, after which you’ll take a walk to Tortuga Bay. The walk to Tortuga Bay beach takes approximately 45 minutes (one way). The rest of the day is free for you to further explore. Perhaps visit the buzzing local fish market, where cheeky pelicans try to get in on the daily catch! You might like to simply stay in Puerto Ayora, soak up the seaside ambience and make some of your own discoveries. The town itself is nice and small, perfect for exploring on foot.

• Lobo de Mar Hotel or similar (1 night)
• Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
• Isla Santa Cruz - Purto Ayora Walking Tour

Today can be a long travel day and the airline (Avianca) only provides a small snack on board. We recommend purchasing some snacks for this journey ahead of time in Quito.

The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a mandatory Transit Control Card which will cost you USD 20. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival at the domestic airport on Day 2, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight. Also, upon arrival to the archipelago you will need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 in cash (preferably in small bills).

NOTE: snorkelling equipment will be included for the water activities which on this trip is Isla Lobos and Loberia in San Cristobal

After breakfast, head off to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This not-for-profit organisation has been operating since 1959. The station's visitor centre is an essential stop for anyone interested in the archipelago's natural and human history. It's great for learning about the local conservation of the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. It offers the chance for close-up encounters with giant tortoises, and you can see many newborn and young giant turtles too – they're here as part of the breeding program to reintroduce the creatures to their natural habitat. In the afternoon you will venture to the higher part of Santa Cruz to observe giant tortoises roaming around in the wild. These fascinating animals can weigh as much as 400 kilograms and are very popular with kids.

• Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
• Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands

Today, head by boat to your second island, Isla San Cristobal. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and have time to relax before heading to the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the islands and the challenges local conservationists face. Then you'll head to the Cerro Tijeratas (Frigatebird Hill) which is located 2 kilometres from the centre, southwest of Isla San Cristobal. It is a bit of a climb to the top, but your reward is an amazing view of the bay. From here you can see the 140-metre-tall Kicker Rock, its twin volcanic slabs looming large in the ocean. Soon after you will travel to La Loberia to enjoy some snorkelling, perhaps spotting sea lions and sea turtles as you paddle around – they love friends swimming nearby!

• Miconia Hotel or similar (1 night)
• Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
• Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Las Loberias

You second day in Isla San Cristobal begins with a short boat ride to Isla Lobos (approximately 1 hour). This island boasts the second-largest sea lion colony in the world, not to mention the tallest lighthouse on the entire continent. Along the way you can observe the abundant sea life that the Galapagos is renowned for. You might be lucky enough to spot nesting frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. On arrival you might want to head out into the water for some quality swimming and snorkelling time. You could find yourself in the midst of turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd Galapagos shark (don't worry – they're harmless!). Then it's time to head back to base and relax.

• Isla Lobos - Swimming and Snorkelling

You will have a free morning to further explore the unique sights of Isla San Cristobal – maybe some last-minute shopping or a visit to the beach one last time. The best thing is, you decide! Late in the afternoon, take a flight back to Ecuador’s capital, Quito.

Today can be a long travel day and the airline (Avianca) only provides a small snack on board. We recommend purchasing some snacks for this journey ahead of time.

Welcome back to the mainland! With no activities planned for today, you can depart at any time. Hotel check out is normally at midday. If you would like to spend more time in Quito, good for you! We’ll be happy to organise some additional accommodation (subject to availability).

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Boat, Speed boat

Hotels (7 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

FAMILY TRIP: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. MINIMUM AGE: Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 5 years old.  DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:  A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. FIRST DAY: This trip starts in Quito on Day 1 at 5 pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Quito. AIRPORT TRANSFER: A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD AND ISABELA PORT FEE The Galapagos park fee (US$100), transit card fee (US$20) and Isabela Port fee (USD5) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). This amount is in addition to your trip payment. From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from USD100 to USD200. This applies to everyone aged 13 years and above. For children aged 12 and below the fee will be USD100 When booking, please ensure that your details are correct, and double check them on your documents prior to departure. If your passport does not match your booking details, you may be refused entrance to Galapagos National Park. Please make sure that your name is spelt correctly, and that you book using the name in your passport (particularly if you are recently married). If you are issued a new passport with a different number between the time that you book and the time you travel, please take both the old and new passports with you. TRAVEL INSURANCE: The Ecuadorian government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers entering Ecuador. Proof of insurance may be requested at upon entering the country by immigration officials, so please ensure you carry this with you. SNORKELLING: Snorkelling equipment is included in this tour (mask & flippers). If you wish to hire a wetsuit this can be arranged locally for an additional cost.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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9-Day Galapagos Islands Family Friendly Tour with Kids

Tour Summary

Welcome to an exciting 9-day adventure in the Galapagos Islands , specially designed as a Family Friendly Tour with kids. Explore the enchanting wildlife, pristine beaches, and unique ecosystems while creating lifelong memories with your little ones.

This family-friendly tour offers a perfect balance of educational experiences and fun-filled activities suitable for children . Discover the fascinating marine life through guided snorkeling tours , where your little ones can observe colorful fish and playful sea lions. Embark on gentle nature walks, accompanied by expert guides who will engage your toddlers with interesting facts about the Galapagos’ endemic species .

Enjoy relaxing beach time , build sandcastles, and soak up the sun on the beautiful shores . Your little ones will also have the opportunity to learn about conservation efforts through interactive programs designed specifically for their age group.

This immersive journey ensures a safe and comfortable experience for your kids, with accommodations and facilities that cater to families. Let the Galapagos Islands become a magical playground for your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity. Enjoy this 9-Day Galapagos Islands Family Friendly Tour with Kids and make memories that will last forever with your family.

If you want to know more about Galapagos or another tour for your family contact our destination experts for more information.

This tour starts when you arrive at San Cristobal Airport, your driver will pick you up and your toddler and take you to your selected hotel in the village of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Then enjoy a kayak experience on a San Cristobal beach. You will enjoy different activities, be surrounded by the wealth of nature, and find different species of animals along the way. Prior to the tour, you will receive a short introduction and safety instructions.

After lunch visit Playa Mann, a beautiful white beach located just outside the village of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, within a walking distance of about 15 minutes. The purity of its waters makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling and you have a high chance of seeing Galapagos sea lions here.

End your activities of the day with a Ceviche Cooking Class, this activity is an amazing way to get to know the local and fresh produce of the Galapagos Islands and the delicious fish ceviche you can make with a local expert, Mrs. Barbara! Her cooking class began from humble beginnings when she used to sell her special ceviche in town. Later on, she began to offer classes of her famed ceviches, which is now a complete experience at a local restaurant on the way to the beach near Playa Mann.

After breakfast, you will be picked up at approximately 7:00 a.m. to visit Kicker Rock, one of the most spectacular landmarks in the Galapagos Islands. You will be taken to the passenger pier to board the speedboat for the tour that will take you to Kicker Rock.

Kicker rock is made up of two volcanic rocks 140 meters tall, located off the coast of San Cristobal Island. When viewed from the south, the rocks look like a sleeping lion, which is why the Spanish name is León Dormido. From another side it looks like a boot, hence the English name Kicker Rock.

This rock formation in the middle of the water is the favorite place for an array of marine birds and great underwater life. The natural erosion of this ancient cone has created a channel between the rocks that provides the ideal habitat for a variety of sharks, manta rays, and any other aquatic wildlife. In the afternoon, you return to Pureto Baquerizo Moreno around 3:00 p.m. and you will be taken to your hotel.

You will be picked up at your hotel and brought to San Cristobal Airport for your departing flight. The drive will take about 5 minutes.

Flight San Cristobal – Isabela This short flight of about 45 minutes gives you the chance to experience Galapagos Islands from the air. These planes are small and hold up to 9 passengers. Then you will be picked up at Isabela Airport and brought to your hotel in Puerto Villamil. This drive takes about 7 minutes.

NOTE: Baggage Policy for Inter-Island air flight: 25 lbs per passenger. This includes checked luggage and carry-on.

Extra baggage allowance may be purchased online or at the counter (USD 2 per extra pound) to increase the twenty-five-pound allowance per person.

You will have a short visit to the Flamingo Lagoon. This place is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos Islands and is one of the main reproductive sites for the majority of flamingos found within the islands.

For biking, you can pick up your rented bikes in the village of Isabela, and from there you can bike to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. You will be able to spot young and old Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. From here you can continue biking to the Wall of Tears. Along the way, you even have a great chance to see the Giant tortoises near the road and you can enjoy incredible views across the island.

For your tour to Los Tuneles, you will either be picked up at 7:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. according to availability. You will be brought to the passenger pier to be taken to what is known as one of the best snorkeling locations in the world, Los Tuneles or “The Tunnels”. It will be about 45 minutes to arrive via speedboat. The water is shallow, calm, and very clear, allowing you to view the sea sanctuary below you. There is a series of lava flows that have produced unique geological formations like arcs and tunnels underneath and above the water. This has created a habitat for many local Galapagos species.

The entrance to the site is shallow and the waves can be strong, enter with care and follow the instructions of the guide. You will have a snack during the morning tour and if you are in the afternoon tour you will have a boxed lunch. After the tour, you will return to Puerto Villamil and be dropped off at your hotel.

You will be picked up at your hotel and dropped off at the Isabela dock to take the speed boat back to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. The drive will take around 10 minutes.

You will take a public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, which takes approximately 2,5 hours.

Upon your arrival at Puerto Ayora dock, you will be picked up by your driver to take you to your hotel in the port town of Santa Cruz. The drive will take between five and ten minutes.

On your way to Puerto Ayora, you will stop in the Santa Cruz Highlands. Here is one of the best places to view the Giant Tortoise in its natural habitat. The ranch you will visit allows you to have close contact with nature and these gentle giants. During the visit, you will also be able to see various Galapagos finches and other land birds you do not see near the shore surrounded by endemic vegetation.

If you have time you can do this self-guided activity while in Puerto Ayora. You can visit one of the most beautiful beaches of the Galapagos Islands. The walk from Puerto Ayora village takes about 25 minutes. This white sand and turquoise water pristine beach is ideal to have a quiet beach day, rent some kayaks and see groups of marine iguanas that are regulating their temperature on the rocks and sand. Take enough water and some snacks with you, since there is no place to buy food or water.

Today you have a free day to enjoy the surroundings by yourself. Check our Self Guide for Santa Cruz Island .

You will have a transfer from Puerto Ayora to the Baltra Airport about 3 hours before the departure of your flight. This time will be coordinated before your travel.

The transfer will take about 45 minutes until you reach the Itabacca Channel. The ferry will then take you to the other side of the channel, about ten minutes. Once you arrive, you will continue by bus to the airport.

+ International flights. + Flights between Ecuador’s Mainland and the Galapagos Islands. + Activities, meals and drinks not described in the itinerary. + Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park: $ 100 p.p. (cash only). + Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card: $ 20 p.p. (cash only). + Water Taxi (the small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back). + For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November). + Personal medical and travel insurance. Can be included upon request. + Personal expenses. + Optional tips for the guide.

Additional information

• Prices for 2024 and 2025 are subject to change.
• For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
• For the Galapagos Islands part of the tour, please take into consideration that you will need to arrive at San Cristóbal Island (SCY) and depart from Baltra Island (GPS).
• The paddleboarding is subject to availability.
• Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precaution to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat ‘street food’, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
• Rebecca Adventure Travel is not responsible for any illnesses or missed meals and tours due to an illness.
• It is important to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
• Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, availabilities, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
• Important things to bring: Warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing, appropriate shoes or boots, water, sunblock, sunglasses, pocket money, and passport.

Accommodations

Casa Opuntia

Hotel Albermarle

Hotel Abermarle

Hotel Ikala

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Dates & Prices

Activity level, accommodations, ecuador galapagos & amazon family adventure tour, wildlife wonders, tropical rainforest & enchanted isles.

See two of the most incredible and iconic wildlife destinations in the world — the Amazon Rainforest and the Galápagos Islands — on this family trip featuring activities suited for ages 6 and up. From your Ecuadorian Amazon base at Sacha Lodge, look for monkeys, caimans, and three-toed sloths, as well as hundreds of species of birds and blue morpho butterflies in the middle of a 5,000-acre nature preserve. Then, cruise for four nights in the Galápagos, where you'll meet 3-foot-long iguanas and 100-year-old tortoises, and snorkel alongside beautiful white-sand beaches under the watchful eye of sea lions. This is a family adventure you'll never forget! Explore further on our range of exciting pre- or post-trip extensions in Ecuador . To learn more about the Galapagos Islands and what you can expect from MT Sobek boats and adventures, check out our Galapagos Islands Visitors Guide .

From: $7,995

• Available: June, July
• Activity: Level 1
• Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels,Comfortable Small Ship
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