Galapagos Islands Family Vacation

Your adventure begins in Quito, where you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. 

Settle in, catch your breath, and ease into the journey ahead in Ecuador’s vibrant capital. If you arrive early, you may have time to stretch your legs and explore a little at your own pace. 

In the evening, gather for a welcome briefing and dinner. It’s a relaxed chance to meet your local representative, look ahead to the week to come, go over important details, and ask any questions before your family adventure begins. Afterward, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant. 
Accommodation: Hotel EB, Quito 
Meals: Dinner  

This morning, take a short flight to San Cristóbal, one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. On arrival in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a laid-back coastal town and the administrative capital of the islands, transfer to your hotel and settle in. 

After lunch and a little time to recharge, head to La Lobería, one of the best places in the Galápagos to see sea lions in their natural habitat. Kids and grown-ups alike will love watching these playful animals lounge on the sand and dart through the shallows. Here you can swim in the calm, inviting water and enjoy your first snorkel of the trip, for an unforgettable introduction to the Galápagos’ remarkable marine world. 

It’s an easy, fun-filled first day in the Galápagos, with just the right balance of activity and wonder. 
Accommodation: Hotel Seaside, San Cristobal 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Today is all about discovering the magic of the Galápagos above and below the water. Set out on a scenic boat ride to Kicker Rock, one of the islands’ most iconic landmarks, where dramatic volcanic cliffs rise straight from the sea, and you're surrounded by extraordinary marine life. 

Snorkeling is a true highlight. It's a wonderful opportunity to swim in clear, deep waters alongside sea turtles, rays, starfish, and colorful tropical fish. With a little luck, you may also spot Galápagos sharks or even hammerheads gliding gracefully below. It's a thrilling yet safe experience, made even better accompanied by your certified naturalist guide, and gives the whole family a front-row seat to one of the world’s most remarkable marine ecosystems. 

We continue our adventure to a secluded beach accessible only by boat, where there is time to relax, swim, and enjoy lunch on board. It’s a beautiful setting to unwind together and take in the striking views of Kicker Rock on the horizon. 

After time on the water, return to shore and visit the Galápagos Interpretation Center to learn more about the islands’ fascinating natural and human history. Later, head to Tijeretas Hill, named after the frigatebirds, often seen soaring overhead, where panoramic coastal views provide a perfect end to the day. 
Accommodation: Hotel Seaside, San Cristobal 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

After a scenic flight from San Cristobal to Isabela Island, you’ll arrive on the largest and one of the most pristine islands in the Galápagos. 

Once in Isabela, begin exploring with a kayaking adventure in the bay. Paddle through calm waters bordered by mangroves and volcanic scenery while keeping an eye out for sea turtles, rays, penguins, blue-footed boobies, and even sea lions nearby. It’s a peaceful and active way to experience the island as a family, with plenty to keep younger adventurers engaged. 

Later, you’ll head out for a walk through the Isabela Wetlands, one of the island’s most important natural areas. The trail passes through lagoons, mangroves, and coastal viewpoints where flamingos and other bird species are often seen. The walk ends at the Tortoise Breeding Center, where you’ll learn about the conservation efforts to protect the Galápagos giant tortoises and observe individuals at different stages of growth before they are released back into the wild. 
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle, Isabela Island 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Today you'll travel to Los Túneles, one of the Galápagos’ most unique and memorable snorkeling experiences. If sea turtles, seahorses, reef sharks, and lava formations sound like your kind of day, you’re in for a treat. 

Los Túneles, also known as Cabo Rosa, is a stunning area created when lava flows reach the ocean, forming tunnels, arches, and sheltered bays perfect for snorkeling. It's one of the best places in the archipelago to snorkel with an astonishing variety of marine life. Look for sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and even seahorses tucked among the rocks. The very cute Galápagos penguins and blue-footed boobies also make appearances here, nesting among the lava formations, adding even more excitement to the day. 

After returning to town for lunch in a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours to relax. Head to the beach, wander through town, or simply enjoy some downtime together after a big day on the water. 
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle, Isabela Island 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

This morning, step into one of the most otherworldly landscapes in the Galápagos with a visit to Minas de Azufre. This volcanic area reveals the fiery forces that shaped the islands, with steaming vents, sulfur deposits, and rugged lava terrain stretching across the landscape. 

As you walk across the lava fields and open terrain, you may see steam rising from sulfur vents and brightly colored mineral deposits staining the earth in shades of yellow and orange. It’s a fascinating and educational outing for curious kids and adults alike, offering a closer look at the geology behind this extraordinary archipelago. Along the way, your guide helps bring the landscape to life with stories about volcanic activity, island formation, and the hardy species that survive and thrive in this dramatic environment. 

Later, transfer to the dock for your afternoon boat to Santa Cruz. On arrival, head to your hotel and settle in for the evening. 
Accommodation: Plaza Luna Suites, Santa Cruz Island 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

This morning, discover yet another side of the Galápagos as you head into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz. At a private reserve you'll get to see giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. Watching these gentle giants graze, rest in muddy pools, or slowly make their way across the landscape is one of those Galápagos moments your family will never forget. 

You’ll also explore lava tunnels created by ancient volcanic flows. Walking through these underground passages is both fun and eye-opening, especially for younger travelers with a sense of adventure. It's an experience that offers a hands-on look at the natural forces that created the islands. 

Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the Highlands before returning to town. In the afternoon, cool off with a refreshing swim at Las Grietas, a striking volcanic fissure filled with clear, calm water. Surrounded by dramatic lava rock walls, it’s a beautiful natural setting to relax and unwind, and wrap up your final full day on the islands.   
Accommodation: Plaza Luna Suites, Santa Cruz Island 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Today, your Galápagos adventure comes to a close. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland, bringing home incredible memories of sea lions, giant tortoises, volcanic landscapes, clear blue water, and time well spent together. 
Accommodation: Not applicable 
Meals: Breakfast