Galapagos Family Vacation
Are you a family looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Then a Galapagos Islands family vacation might just be the perfect choice for you!
With its pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and stunning landscapes, this remote archipelago offers a bucket-list travel experience that’s active, fun, and relaxing.
The Galapagos Islands are a travel destination for all ages, from curious kids to proud parents and active seniors.
Galapagos is also the perfect educational vacation. From nature to science, history, conservation, geography, and geology, the archipelago has you covered.
The best news? We’ve prepared this short read with everything you need to know about planning the perfect Galapagos family vacation. We include tour recommendations, top travel tips, and much more.
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Get a FREE personalised quote todayGalapagos Islands Family Travel – An Adventure for all Ages?
The Galapagos Islands are a great travel destination for most age groups, promising the perfect blend of fun, education, nature, adventure, and relaxation.
However, there are a few special considerations for family groups traveling with kids or seniors.
How young is too young for kids at Galapagos?
Is Galapagos suitable for seniors?
Galapagos Vacation with Kids
Children love the natural playground that is the Galapagos Islands. There’s so much to explore, discover, and share with parents and siblings.
A trip to the Galapagos creates lifetime family memories, as well as instilling a love for the natural world and for active travel.
We consider Galapagos to be most suitable for kids aged 8 and over. Active and inquisitive 6 to 7-year-olds will also have a whale of a time here.
Children younger than 6 will enjoy the beach and animals but may tire or lose interest more quickly than older kids.
For toddlers and babies, it’s perfectly possible to bring them along, but we generally recommend waiting until they are old enough to fully appreciate the Galapagos experience.
One final age consideration is that some Galapagos cruise yachts have a minimum allowed age for children on board.
Galapagos Vacation with Seniors
A typical Galapagos cruise or tour is suitable for guests aged up to 80+, so grandparents can easily join the family vacation.
That said, some trips are more active than others, so careful Galapagos trip planning is important.
To fully enjoy a trip to Galapagos we recommend that seniors are of reasonable fitness and mobile. For example, access to each island on a cruise involves boarding and disembarking zodiac boats, with crew on hand to help you, of course. Walking trails may be flat or uneven or sometimes a little steep. Currents in the sea can range from easy to moderate/strong.
If you are unable to walk distances of 1 or 2 km or struggle over uneven terrain, then it is still possible to visit the islands, but you’ll need special advice to design a suitable trip itinerary.
Just let us know if you have concerns about mobility or fitness, and our expert Galapagos team can help you to choose a suitable tour. We have ample experience with active seniors who want to climb volcanoes, as well as less mobile travelers who prefer to travel at a more relaxing pace.
Best Galapagos Islands Family Vacations
There are 2 main ways to visit the Galapagos Islands: on a live-aboard cruise or a land-based tour.
Each has its pros and cons for family travel, as we’ll discuss below. For a more detailed comparison, take a look at our Galapagos Cruise versus Land Tour blog post.
1. Galapagos Family Cruise
A Galapagos cruise will have the most complete itinerary of the islands, so you’ll get to see and experience more.
The downside is that cruise itineraries are set in stone, so they cannot be specially customized for families or kids.
Cruises are great for active families, with multiple island excursions and opportunities for Galapagos snorkeling and hiking each day.
What is the best Galapagos cruise for families?
With over 70 Galapagos cruise yachts to choose from, the answer will depend on your budget and preferences. Check out live Galapagos Cruise Availability and offers for an idea of which yachts are operating for your travel dates.
Some important family Galapagos cruise planning considerations include:
Yacht Size – Most yachts & catamarans carry 16 passengers, while larger Galapagos ships have the capacity for 80-120 people.
Cruise Itinerary – There are many different itinerary routes for cruising around the archipelago. Some visitor sites are more active or demanding than others. Some Galapagos wildlife, like Galapagos penguins and Flightless Cormorants can only be spotted at specific islands. Itinerary research is therefore recommended before booking to ensure the best route for your family.
Large Family Groups - for larger families of 10+ passengers, a Galapagos Charter could be a great choice. Not only will you have more privacy on your own yacht, charters also afford more flexibility to tailor your own cruise.
Family Rooms – Some yachts offer triple rooms or interconnected rooms, ideal for family group travel.
Children's Play Areas – Some of the larger ships even have dedicated children's areas and/or education programs.
Children’s discount - Most Galapagos cruises offer special discounts for children under 12 who share a cabin with 2 adults. Discounts range from 10% to 40% and can help your family make significant savings.
Age limit – While most Galapagos yachts are kid-friendly, others may have a minimum age policy on board.
2. Galapagos Land Tour for Families
A Galapagos Land Tour offers a more flexible way to travel, with the freedom to customize your own itinerary and hand-pick activities most suitable to your physical abilities. You’ll also have a comfortable hotel bed waiting for each night.
The downside is that your itinerary choices are a little more constrained to islands around the inhabited towns. Land tour itineraries are still great fun, though, and you’ll get to see most of the iconic wildlife too.
For examples, check out our popular land tour itineraries, Galapagos Discovery 6 days and Galapagos Explorer 8 days.
Or contact us to customize a Galapagos land tour from scratch for you. Galapagos land tour itineraries and activities can be tailored for all levels of activity and fitness.
We consider Galapagos land tours to be very family-friendly. In general, they are the best Galapagos tours for seniors with limited mobility, and perfect for young children too, thanks to the extra freedom and flexibility.
Family-Friendly Galapagos Activities
What type of activities should families expect at the Galapagos?
A typical day on a Galapagos tour might involve a mix of the following activities.
1. Wildlife Watching
Activity Rating: Easy.
The principal activity on the Galapagos Islands is wildlife watching. Many of the Galapagos birds and animals will be close up and easy to observe.
Your English-speaking naturalist guide will explain all about each animal, as well as answer any questions that you may have.
Wildlife photography is also popular, either usinga cellphone or a camera.
2. Galapagos Hiking & Walking
Activity Rating: Easy, Moderate, or Hard.
Most island excursions involve walking along marked trails to discover Galapagos wildlife along the way. You’ll be accompanied by your guide and the rest of your group.
Galapagos trails vary from flat and easy to steep and hard. Most trails are relatively flat but can be along uneven and rocky terrain. The easiest trails may be as simple as a stroll along the beach.
Your cruise guide will brief all passengers about the activity rating of each trek so that you can go prepared with the correct footwear and expectations.
3. Educational visits
Activity Rating: Easy.
Galapagos is an educational treat for family members of all ages. From nature to science, history, conservation, geography, and geology, the archipelago has you covered.
The outdoors is often the best classroom for first-hand learning. There’s something here for children of all levels to explore, discover, and learn.
As well as learning about the birds, animals, volcanoes, and history during daily tours, we also recommend a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Here, your family can learn about important Galapagos conservation projects to protect the future of the island's habitats and wildlife.
4. Zodiac boat rides
Activity Rating: Easy.
Some Galapagos islands have no landing point, so you’ll be taken instead for a Zodiac ride along the coast or cliffs to get closer to nesting birds.
Crew will be on hand to help you on and off the zodiac, and the rest of the ride is very easy.
5. Galapagos Snorkeling & Swimming
Activity Rating: Easy, Moderate, or Hard.
Most days, you’ll have the chance to swim and/or snorkel in the ocean. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Galapagos.
Common sightings include sea lions, sea turtles, colorful fish, and docile reef sharks.
Groups are accompanied by a naturalist guide, while crew members are always close at hand in the Zodiac should you wish to leave the water at any time. Wetsuits and snorkel gear are available on each tour.
The activity levels of swimming and snorkeling vary at each site, based on local conditions such as water depth and strength of currents. So, visitors who are less comfortable in the water can pick and choose which sites they feel comfortable enough to swim.
6. Galapagos Adventure Activities
Activity Rating: Moderate to Hard.
For active families, there is also a long list of cool Galapagos adventure activities to sign up for.
Hit the kayaks or SUP paddleboards to explore the seas, or give mountain biking or horse riding a try on land.
The islands are also recognized as a world class scuba dive destination, with specialist dive cruise itineraries to spot Whale Sharks and Scalloped Hammerheads.
Check out the Galapagos Sky, Tiburon Explorer, and Galaxy Diver yachts for more information or dedicated dive day tours.
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From a Galapagos destination expert todayWhy the Galapagos is the Perfect Family Destination
Most families are looking for an immersive vacation that sparks curiosity and learning and, above all, strengthens family bonds. What better way to bring a family closer together than by creating lifetime memories at such a unique travel destination?
So, just what is it that makes the Galapagos Islands such an incredible vacation for families to enjoy?
1. A unique, bucket-list destination
Galapagos is famous for its unique, endemic wildlife species. You’ll literally discover creatures here that exist nowhere else on the planet.
None are more iconic than the Galapagos giant tortoise, living to well past 100 years and weighing in up to 400kg! Then there’s the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin species to live in the tropics. Or how about the marine iguanas who learned to swim for food? On top of all that there are playful sea lions, funny blue-footed boobies, and rare waved albatross.
What blows most people away, though, is how close up the wildlife action is. These curious creatures have no fear of humans, so a visit to Galapagos is like walking onto your very own NATGEO documentary.
2. Fascinating history to discover
The Galapagos Islands are not just a wildlife destination, they also played an important role in the natural history of the world.
The visit of Charles Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle back in 1835 inspired his famous Theory of Evolution and Natural Selection, changing the world of science forever.
Today, you can walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, visiting the same islands he explored so long ago. The very same creatures still call the archipelago home, so it’s easy to see evolution in action even today.
3. A healthy balance of adventure and relaxation
Many of the activities on the islands are low-impact and can be tailored to suit different fitness levels.
So, whether you’re walking along beautiful beaches, taking boat rides, exploring nature trails, or swimming in the ocean, you can enjoy everything without feeling overwhelmed.
Health Benefits include fresh ocean air, healthy food, and natural beauty, which can be a great boost to overall well-being. There’s also plenty of time for relaxation on the pristine Galapagos beaches.
A trip to the Galapagos really is the perfect blend of fun activities and relaxation time, ideal for keeping your body in shape, your mind active, and your soul invigorated.
4. Stunning views and landscapes
What many people don’t realize is that the Galapagos Islands also boast picturesque scenery and landscapes to enjoy.
Whether you get hands-on exploring the islands on trekking trails or snorkeling in the sea, or prefer to admire the stunning views from the deck of a comfortable yacht, there are options for everyone.
The archipelago was born of fire, as volcanoes from underneath the ocean emerged to form islands. There is evidence of this process all around us today, as volcanoes and lava flows dominate the landscape.
White sand beaches, crystalline waters, and lush green highland forests complete the vibrant color palette of the Galapagos Islands.
5. Different Galapagos tours for each ability level
Galapagos tours are customizable, so families can travel at their own pace and design a vacation that best suits their fitness level and abilities.
Plus, there are many options for guided tours, so you don’t have to worry about navigating on your own, with a guide looking out for you every step of the way.
Many tour operators, like Happy Gringo, cater specifically to family travel, offering perfectly-paced tours, activities for all ages to enjoy, family-friendly accommodations, and any other special arrangements that prioritize fun and enjoyment.
Top Tips for Family Travel to Galapagos
Here are some more great tips that we’ve received from other family groups to prepare you for a family Galapagos vacation. Happy Gringo’s General Manager, Eva Merkx, has also visited the Galapagos multiple times with her husband and 2 kids, both as young children and teenagers.
- Choose activities that suit your family’s energy level, and don’t forget to pace yourself. Including a few free days into your itinerary can be a good idea, allowing time to take a breather and recover before continuing on the journey.
- Bring sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The Galapagos weather is never too extreme, but the equatorial sun is strong even on cloudy days.
- Pack a basic first aid kit just in case you need to use plasters, paracetamol, Immodium, or other basics along the way. Also, take an extra supply of any daily medication you usually use at home.
- Galapagos travel insurance is highly recommended to cover you for the unexpected and give you peace of mind while you travel.
- Many cruise yachts and most Galapagos hotels have WIFI service, so it’s easy to stay in touch with loved ones back home as you travel.
- Galapagos is arguably the safest travel destination in all of Latin America, so no need to worry about security issues.
- Galapagos is a year-round destination, with good weather and wildlife every month of the year. Check out our When is the best month at Galapagos blog for more details.
- School holiday dates can get busy at the Galapagos Islands. We therefore recommend advance booking to avoid disappointment. If possible, start Galapagos trip planning 9-12 months prior to travel.
Other Great Destinations for Family Travel in South America
For families who do visit the Galapagos Islands, there are also some excellent add-on destinations worthy of consideration.
The Amazon Rainforest
A destination that needs no introduction, it’s surprisingly easy to visit the Amazon in comfort and safety. Similar to Galapagos tours, families will be well looked after by the attentive staff and guides in the Amazon.
Popular Amazon lodges in Ecuador include Napo Wildlife Center, Sacha Lodge, and Napo Cultural Center. There are also excellent Amazon cruising options like the Manatee Explorer and Anaconda ships.
Ecuador's Andes
On the Ecuador mainland, why not take a multi-day tour to explore the Andean mountains and the famous Valley of the Volcanoes?
Our Best of Ecuador’s Andes tour, for example, showcases popular highlights from Quito to Cuenca over 7 spectacular days.
Happy Gringo also specialize in tailoring itineraries right across Ecuador and Peru. We can easily design a unique itinerary that captures the pace and activity level that you are looking for.
Peru & Machu Picchu
It’s also possible to combine the Galapagos Islands with other unforgettable South America bucket-list destinations, including Machu Picchu, the lost citadel of the Incas in Peru.
Our Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour visits both destinations in just 13 days, including time spent in Cuzco, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire.
Happy Gringo Travel are the experts in Galapagos Islands travel. With 20+ years of experience helping over 10k clients, and a long list of glowing feedback, your Galapagos Vacation is safe in our hands.
Contact us for a FREE GALAPAGOS TOUR QUOTE or personalized assistance. We also specialize in mainland Ecuador Tours and Amazon Rainforest Trips, as well as Peru and Colombia to compliment your Galapagos holiday.
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In conclusion, we believe that the Galapagos Islands are the perfect destination for family travel.
Not only is the Galapagos a unique, once-in-a-lifetime travel destination not to be missed, but today, it's more accessible than ever.
Active families can enjoy trekking, snorkeling, and adventurous exploration aboard a Galapagos Cruise.
If you prefer to take it easier, not to worry, we can customize the perfect Galapagos Land Tour suited to your family’s desired level of activity.
A trip to the Galapagos is also a wonderful opportunity for education. It’s fair to say that all ages, from grandparents to kids, will learn something new here and return home with a new appreciation for the wonders of nature.
The spectacular Galapagos wildlife awaits. Just contact us today to take the first step.
