Take your family to the Galapagos Islands

For a true adventure that combines magical wildlife experiences with boundless scientific wonder, you could do no better than a Galapagos family vacation. This is a valuable opportunity to appreciate the wild and wonderful, and absorb the unique landscapes of this incomparable archipelago. The Galapagos really is the perfect destination for curious young minds to flourish.

So what exactly makes these islands so unique? They’re situated about 1,000km (621 miles) from the nearest major landmass of Ecuador, and were created by volcanic activity in a hotspot beneath the Earth’s crust, between two and four million years ago. In geological terms, that makes them a relatively young set of islands. These factors combined have created an intriguing coastal environment, on which an astonishing array of wildlife – the likes of marine iguanas, giant Galagapos tortoises, blue-footed boobies and more – have evolved and adapted over millennia.

As well as boundless opportunities for children (and grown ups!) to learn a huge amount about the natural world, a Galapagos vacation offers plenty of time for relaxation on the beach, family friendly activities, and adventures on land and water, as well as ample ways of getting to know the local culture. The Galapagos has a huge range of landscapes, so you can explore bleak volcanic outcrops one moment and hike verdant forested peaks the next, then by the afternoon, end up swimming and snorkeling off dreamy beaches – it’s all here, and your company the entire time is the incredible wildlife.

When you plan your family Galapagos vacation through TravelLocal, you’ll have direct contact with our handpicked local operators who can design your trip around your family’s specific requirements – so if you or your children have any questions about what to expect on a Galapagos cruise, you can get the answers direct from experts based within the destination. Until then, we’ve put together this guide to family adventures in the Galapagos to whet your appetite…

When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

The first thing you’ll want to decide is when to go – the good news is that the Galapagos is a year-round destination, with plenty to see whenever you choose to visit. Weather-wise, your options tend to be rainy and warm, or cool and misty. This is the charm of the Galapagos, it has a climate all its own – and sun-bathing probably isn’t your biggest priority anyway when there’s so much to see.

From December to June it’s the rainy season, but if you’re looking to snorkel in calm, warm seas, this can actually be the better time to cruise the islands. The rains are heavy when they fall, but showers are usually brief and interspersed with sunny weather.

Outside of this season in July to November, the Humboldt current makes an appearance and cools the water considerably. This may sound like a disadvantage – but the colder seas produce more abundant food, meaning wildlife generally shows up more often and in bigger numbers. The weather tends to be drier in this period, but also foggier, windier and cooler.

What you can expect to see in the Galapagos

The unique appeal of the Galapagos owes a lot to the diversity of its ecosystems, so to see the contrasts between them, it’s recommended to take a trip that covers several of the 16 islands. If there is a particular wildlife encounter your family has their heart set on, TravelLocal’s Galapagos experts can advise you where is best to find them and therefore which island-hopping route would be most suitable.

Children are usually delighted to be able to see some of the larger animals up close, for example the famously playful Galapagos sea lions, or the playful penguins. Other species which leave a lasting impression are the marine iguanas – the only seagoing reptiles in the world; as well as the striking giant tortoise and colorful Sally Lightfoot crab. Avian fauna is equally rich, and the iconic blue-footed booby is one of the species synonymous with the Galapagos that you may be lucky enough to see up close.

One neat way to help older children understand the value of conservation – particularly relevant in a pristine environment like the Galapagos Islands – is to include a day’s voluntary work as part of your trip. Clearing invasive plant species helps preserve the original ecosystems for further generations to enjoy, and can be a memorable way to imprint on your children how fragile our natural world is.

Read more: The Galapagos Islands: wildlife and historic wonder

Which of the Galapagos Islands should our family visit?

Though so many of the islands have their own unique charm, some are particularly great for family visits due to their accessibility and range of things to do and see.

• The main island, Santa Cruz, is the home of the capital city Puerto Ayora, so perfect for stocking up on essential items before you hit any more remote islands. There is also lots for curious kids to do, such as visiting the Charles Darwin Research Center to observe giant tortoises, kayaking at Tortuga Bay, and exploring the Lava Caves.
• Quieter San Cristóbal Island is brilliant for water activities, with calm beaches great for snorkeling and plenty of chances to watch sea lions and frigate birds.
• Isabela and Floreana Islands are both recommended; they’re slightly more remote but offer cool historical sites (like the Wall of Tears on Isabela, and the old Post Office Bay on Floreana), and beautiful beaches and nature walks where children young and old can enjoy spotting plants and animals with binoculars and reference books.
• There are plenty more remote islands if you have the time – chat to our local experts in the Galapagos for more guidance on how to build an itinerary with everything you want to see.

What to bring for your Galapagos family vacation

For an outdoorsy, action-packed trip in and around boats and beaches, you may need to bring some equipment:

• For both water and land, grippy water shoes are ideal, especially for kids.
• Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available locally but if you already have your own, you may prefer to bring them as you are likely to be using them frequently.
• Underwater cameras are great fun and allow you and your children to record the incredible marine life of the islands. The Galapagos Islands tend to bring out the David Attenborough in everyone!

Sun protection

The archipelago is equatorial, and the sun is strong. Always slip (on a t-shirt), slap (on a hat), and slop (on the sunscreen). For activities in the water, maintain vigilance and ensure children have most of their skin covered.

Seasickness

The clear Pacific waters around the Galapagos are rarely completely calm, so if seasickness is likely to affect you or your children you may need to pop to the pharmacy before departure to stock up on anti nausea wristbands or medication. To maximize your chance of a cruise without seasickness, choose to visit the Galapagos between December and June, when seas are calmer, and opt for a large vessel and a lower cabin where possible.

What to do for the pre-trip build up to the Galapagos Islands

To stoke the fire of your children’s enthusiasm for a trip, you could invest in a couple of Galapagos wildlife guides, where they can learn more about the various rare plant life and cool animals they might meet before you arrive, then refer to them when you’re there in person. Several excellent nature films have been made about the environment and wildlife of the Galapagos, including David Attenborough’s Galapagos 3D, BBC’s Galapagos: Islands of Change, and certain sequences of Planet Earth II.

Make it happen

We have some excellent tour ideas for the Galapagos Islands, each offering something different. To best match your family’s requirements, our local experts can adapt their itineraries to suit. Send them your details and make your dream Galapagos trip a reality.