Galapagos Island Family Holidays

Whether you’re a seven-year-old first-time traveller, a fortysomething wildlife-watching veteran or a septuagenarian with a passport full of show-off stamps, the Galapagos Islands has the power to make everyone see the world through the eyes of a child. 

The Galapagos Islands provide a safe, comfortable and – most importantly – indelible experience for all of the family. No matter how old you are, these beach-scalloped islands create a real sense of exploration – spying the next landfall, hopping onto a different island and setting out to see the quirky and colourful creatures that each port of call is famed for. So whilst mum and dad can take things at an adult pace (Another sundowner, dear? Don’t mind if I do…), the kids will be ushered through experiences by specialist guide who can bring nature to life in a fun and unforgettable way. From iguanas noisily blowing salt from their nostrils, to birds that can’t fly (huh!?), boobies with bright blue feet, giant tortoises that can live to over 100 years old, and sea lions that are indolent on land but hyper-inquisitive in water, the Galapagos Islands are the greatest classroom conceivable. 

Cruising between islands presents a great opportunity to look out for whales, dolphins, turtles and penguins, while the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortoise Centre on Santa Cruz, Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island, the iguana-piled Santa Fe and bird-circled Española islands are some of the must-see spots on dry land. To extend the explorer experience onto terra firma, why not sleep under canvas at Galapagos Safari Camp on Santa Cruz then take to horseback for a different view of this truly unique eco-system. 

Back on the mainland of Ecuador, that capital Quito with its colonial architecture and ring of volcanoes offers a fascinating bookend to your Galapagos adventure, and also puts a trip to the handicraft market of Otavalo and the equator (Mitad del Mundo) within easy reach. 

Many boats visiting the Galapagos offer ‘family departures’ - trips that have guided adventures and activities designed especially for children. So you can soak up the experience safe in the knowledge that your children are also having a whale of a time.