Ecuador is a beautiful and exceptionally varied country with a range of distinct geographical environments. Explore cloud forests, mountains, the Amazon, coastal regions and more
The Galapagos Islands are located about 851 miles off the Ecuadorian coast. The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean famed for their unique wildlife.
The islands are very isolated, meaning that the wildlife evolved with no outside influence. The archipelago was crucial to Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution. You don’t have to be the next Darwin or even a scientist to get the most out of the Galapagos. It’s enough to appreciate the opportunity to get up close to giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and over a dozen other species that only live on the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos Islands are now home to a small airport connecting the archipelago to the mainland, so it’s an easy trip to make. You can also take an organized group trip to learn the most about the islands’ biodiversity and unique volcanic landscapes.
When to Travel the Galapagos with Kids
One of the perks of the islands’ location along the equator is that the weather is going to warm and sunny all year round. Regardless of when you visit the Galapagos Islands, prepare for high temperatures.
There are two main seasons in the Galapagos: January to May is the hot season, giving calmer seas and warmer ocean temperatures. July to December is the dry season which sees cooler temperatures, making it great for hiking inland. In general, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from January to May for the best conditions to go snorkeling or scuba diving and cruising around the islands. The Galapagos Islands offer some of the best scuba diving in the world.
It is an adventure?
At 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are some of the best wildlife destinations in the world. Because the islands are so remote and far from one another, the animals that live here evolved and adapted to conditions unique to their island. That’s why wildlife here are so special and cannot be found elsewhere on Earth.
The Galapagos Islands are a fantastic place for kids to connect with nature and learn about our planet in a fun and engaging way.
Experience and live Latin America’s most incredible wildlife destination
As the planet’s ultimate up-close wildlife encounter destination, a Galápagos family trip offers unparalleled wildlife activities, and our expert Latin America travel designers will know the best luxury cruises and lodges to suit your family.
The best tours for families will combine a cruise with time spent at a luxury lodge on one of the islands.
Spot sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, beautiful birdlife, and then go climbing on extinct volcanoes, try sea kayaking, snorkeling and much more.
What to do in Galapagos Islands
A family vacation to the Galapagos Islands can be a learning experience for the whole family, with a variety of activities for kids and adults:
Snorkeling: See a colorful array of fish
Hiking: Hike among land iguanas or giant tortoises
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding: Explore pristine shorelines
Stargazing: See the crystal-clear night sky
Zodiac boat: Search for marine life while zipping along in Zodiac boats
It’s hard to find a more wonderful destination for a multi-generational family trip than the Galápagos Islands. You’ll gain rich insights into this incredible archipelago with the help of expert naturalist guides, observing sea lions, sun-bathing iguanas, countless bird species and more in their natural habitat.
The Galapagos Islands are some of the most unspoiled places on Earth thanks to protection laws and conservations efforts. Over 97% of the Galapagos Islands is national park, and Ecuador limits how many tourists visit per year.
The best age for kids to enjoy the Galapagos would be 8-16 years old. Younger kids might not be able to tolerate the heat, walk long distances or snorkel in the sea.
There are 3 main inhabited islands in the Galapagos that you can stay on–Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. And then there’s also the option of “cruising” if you want to explore uninhabited islands and get off-the-beaten-path. It is recommended doing a small cruise. If you only have 1 week (7 days) in the Galapagos Islands, we would suggest doing one or the other–a cruise OR staying on two different islands. However, if you have 10 or more days in the Galapagos, we would recommend doing both
