Traveling To The Galapagos With Kids

If your children or grandchildren love animals, then a Galápagos Islands family vacation would be a dream come true. It's truly a one-of-a-kind destination that will appeal to your spirit of adventure. Travel to the Galápagos with kids, and you'll all become genuine explorers, while sharing quality time during an experience everyone will remember.

Writing about his legendary five-year H.M.S. Beagle voyage there, English naturalist Charles Darwin said, "Nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist, than a journey in a distant country." And, "The natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well deserves attention... we seem to be brought somewhere near to that great fact — that mystery of mysteries — the first appearance of new beings on this earth."

You can launch your young naturalists, sleuth myriad mysteries and marvels, and witness animals and flora found nowhere else on Earth with a premier guided tour like our Galápagos: Wildlife Wonderland. 

What Are the Galápagos Islands, and Where Are They?

A volcanic archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and a province of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands lie 600 miles west of the mainland and encompass 3,093 square miles' worth of islands sprinkled across 23,000 square miles of ocean. They became famous when Darwin visited in 1835 and his observations of their unusual creatures sparked groundbreaking scientific theories on natural selection, which he presented in his renowned book On the Origin of Species.

Scientific studies continue there today, in an isolated area that shelters an incredibly rare and diverse ecosystem. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with further protections for its terrain, waters and indigenous animal life and vegetation.

The Galápagos promise world-class — and often up-close — wildlife viewing. In this far-flung paradise, you and your children can track the "Big 15." That is, you might spot animal species such as the Galápagos albatross, blue-footed booby, flightless cormorant, American flamingo, land iguana, marine iguana, Galápagos penguin, Galápagos sea lion, Galápagos fur seal, Galápagos giant tortoise and more.

Our Top Pick for a Galápagos Islands Family Adventure

Set off on a Galápagos Islands-hopping expedition! Our exotic 8-day Galápagos: Wildlife Wonderland is a kid-friendly Galápagos tour that explores both water and land. Its featured highlights include a 4-night cruise, private shore excursions led by licensed Naturalist Guides of Galápagos National Park, and hands-on natural history lessons.

What Is There to Do in the Galápagos with Kids?

The name of our tour says it all: 

• See marine iguanas who forage for food in the sea.

• Marvel at Jervis Island's astounding red sand. 

• Snorkel among sea lions on Santiago Island in Buccaneer Cove. 

• Explore Baltra Island lagoons with its ecosystem that includes a variety of birds such as pintail ducks, flamingos and stilts.

• Hike up Bartolomé Island to incredible summit views. 

• Take walks on lava terrains. 

• Brunch near a dormant volcano, close to the Equator. 

• Visit a tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz Island. 

• Explore colonial Quito. 

• And much more!

During the cruise portion, you'll sail on the Santa Cruz II, a ship specially designed to navigate remote areas like the Galápagos Archipelago. Relax and chat with family and fellow guests in communal areas and viewing platforms, indoor and outdoor dining venues, two lounge bars, a well-stocked library, two ocean-view hot tubs and a state-of-the-art gym. Savor creative Ecuadorian dishes and international cuisine prepared under the leadership of a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef. Settle in to luxurious double and triple Explorer cabins, or the more exclusive Darwin Suite.

Your voyage brings you to the best places to visit in the Galápagos Islands with kids. Click here for the full itinerary.

Our Kid-Friendly Galápagos Tour Is Specially Designed for Families

Our Galápagos family vacation package above features an all-inclusive itinerary led by our Tour Directors and local guides, encompassing private and exclusive activities, as well as meals, hotels, transportation, transfers and excursions. It's intended to accommodate and interest your group's different ages, and balanced for maximum enjoyability — and minimal hassle and anxiety. We're here to help with traveling to the Galápagos Islands with kids, so get in touch with us with any questions!