The Galapagos Islands offer the ultimate family wildlife adventure holiday. Nowhere else on the planet offers such a varied and unusual array of animals – which also have little fear of humans and are friendly and inquisitive. As one of the primary sources of inspiration for Darwin’s theories of evolution, these islands are among the most extraordinary spots in the natural world, and a Galapagos holiday promises to be an educational one for parents and kids alike – and one which will create memories that will last a lifetime.
Family holidays to the Galapagos promise to be an enthralling, fun and educational experience for children. However, it should be remembered that exploration of this beautiful and unspoilt part of the world is often quite an active pursuit, and families booking a Galapagos holiday should be prepared for early mornings and full schedules of activities. With that in mind, we would recommend these trips only for children aged 7 upwards, though most boats and hotels will accommodate younger children.
Aimed primarily at kids between 7 and 12 years old, our range of luxury boats and yachts host a variety of programmes to offer children a fun and exciting way of absorbing the wonders of the Galapagos.
Expeditions take place aboard the vessels Silversea Silver Galapagos, M/V Santa Cruz, Isabela II and La Pinta, with activities planned specifically to take some of the pressure off parents and keep the children occupied. An educational approach is taken to educate young people about the ongoing conservation efforts on the islands, to make sure that they remain such a remarkable and vibrant source of life.
The M/Y Grace and M/V Evolution boats also offer great set family departures, with highly knowledgeable guides who specialise in dealing with children. Time is allotted each day for snorkelling, one of the best and most universally accessible ways of experiencing the Galapagos’ vibrant marine life: come face to face with marine iguanas, sea lions and green turtles, with your destination tailored to you and your family's ability and experience. For exploring the cliffs and shores of your visiting points, the boats offer sea kayaks. The delights of the Galapagos aren’t limited to the daytime, though: when night falls, the cruises’ expert guides can lead you though the beautiful constellations of the southern hemisphere's night sky. Children are well catered for across all areas of our cruises, with special children’s menus and entertainment such as board games.
If you’d rather base your Galapagos experience on land than on a boat, Finch Bay Eco Hotel offers fantastic land and sea programmes, with opportunities for hiking, snorkelling and diving. Even if you’re planning on spending most of your time on the water, we recommend you spend a couple of days pre- or post-cruise on the beautiful island of Santa Cruz, either at Finch Bay or Galapagos Safari Camp. A visit to Tortuga Bay – home to one of the most beautiful beaches in South America – is an absolute must. For more ideas on exploring the Galapagos on land rather than by boat, see our Luxury Land-based Holidays in the Galapagos page.
