The Galapagos are truly one of nature’s paradises and are a special highlight of any Ecuador tour. But when you’re in Ecuador with kids, is it really a good idea to visit Galapagos with the little ones? The answer is: Yes, they will have the experience of a lifetime! There are different ways to discover the amazing islands, depending on your family’s wishes we are happy to find the best tour for you.
Cruise
A cruise is a wonderful chance to see lots of wildlife up close, snorkel and swim in the ocean with sea lions and turtles, and walk on real volcanic lava. For older kids, it is probably the best way to discover the amazing variety of the islands.
However, small kids are usually not allowed on board (under 5) and only few yachts have family cabins. Some yachts offer special kids tours during high season, with special activities and food.
Island Hopping Tour
A land-based tour (so-called “Island Hopping”) is the perfect alternative for kids of any age. You stay in comfortable hotels and on day trips and shorter tours you can discover the islands. You can choose how many different islands you want to visit and include some fun activities like kayaking and snorkeling. If you or your kids tend to get seasick, don’t worry: there’s even small planes that you can take to travel from one island to the next. Here you can find an itinerary example.
Read more about one family’s experience in Dorit’s Blog Post about traveling to the Galapagos as a family.
Five top reasons for travelling with kids to the Galapagos Islands
- Amazing Animal Encounters: Have you ever shared a bench with a sea lion? Or a pool deck with a marine iguana? Just some of the encounters with the wildlife in Galapagos your kids will love!
- Education & Adventure: Your kids will have the opportunity to learn about the environment, nature and the different species through close-up encounters without a teacher or textbooks.
- Foster a Love of the Environment: Visiting Galapagos will build a sense of love for the environment. Older kids and teenagers can even participate in volunteer conservation projects to help give something back.
- Create Memories: An once-in-a-lifetime-vacation for the whole family!
- Connect with each other: You will have enough time to bond with your kids, limited access to online entertainment will help.
