The Galapagos Islands are an ideal family destination for those seeking a unique blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty.
Perfect for multi-generational travel, the Galapagos offers family-friendly activities such as snorkeling with sea lions, hiking through volcanic landscapes, and exploring the diverse wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
With easy-to-navigate tours and guides knowledgeable in engaging all ages, a family vacation in the Galapagos Islands ensures a memorable experience filled with opportunities for both relaxation and discovery.
On this family trip to the Galapagos Islands, you will visit some of the most beautiful sites in the archipelago.
Forget about bumpy rides! This Galapagos Islands trip is designed so you and your family don’t have to worry too much about seasickness.
This Galapagos Islands itinerary is a great alternative to cruises, especially for land lovers, allowing you to explore the natural wonders and fascinating wildlife of the archipelago by day and stay in comfortable hotels at night.
Our small hotels are artfully designed to inspire, and our trips are activity-packed, including visits to see the unique Galapagos animals and volcanic landscapes, as well as time for snorkeling and discovering the underwater magic of the wilderness sanctuary.
Baltra Airport, Ecuador (Google Maps)
Baltra Airport, Ecuador (Google Maps)
Early morning
Your 6-Day Galapagos Family trip starts at Baltra Airport.
Upon arrival, you’ll meet our staff, who will guide you to Santa Cruz Island and visit the Highlands.
Santa Cruz Island’s Highlands offer a refreshing respite from the sun and a perfect habitat for the giant Galápagos tortoises, Galápagos finches, and other land animals and plants.
You’ll be surrounded by impressive flora and fauna and unique volcanic features that will leave you in awe. Your guide will take you to El Chato Ranch, where you can witness the giant tortoises living in their natural habitat.
Additionally, there are a significant number of lava tunnels that can be accessed from different points on the island, providing an unforgettable adventure for the adventurous.
The trip starts from Puerto Ayora Pier and involves a roughly 1-hour sail to Santa Fe Island, where you will go snorkeling.
During a brief 10-minute stop, you can observe the northern cliffs and beach of Santa Fe and see blue-footed boobies from the boat.
Afterward, you will head to the first snorkeling area on the island’s eastern side, teeming with colorful Galapagos fish. You may also spot sea lions swimming nearby.
After your first dip in the water, you will return to the boat for lunch. Later, you will stop at Playa Escondida on your way back to Santa Cruz Island.
AM: Tortuga Bay (self-guided)
Tortuga Bay is a stunning white coral sand beach with clear turquoise waters on Santa Cruz island.
The wildlife is varied, and you can enjoy activities from sunbathing to kayaking. The beach is walkable from Puerto Ayora, and the trail is paved and accessible. A boat ride is also possible.
The calm waters of the tidal lagoon are perfect for snorkeling with small reef sharks and marine iguanas.
PM: Guided Visit to a Farm
In the afternoon, your guide will take you to an Eco Garden Integral Agrotourism Farm, where you will discover several coffee plantations and enjoy trails in harmony with nature.
Your tour starts with a 40-minute bus ride that will take you across the island to the Baltra channel, where you will embark on a passenger boat with plenty of room to relax for the 20-minute journey to North Seymour.
Explore North Seymour’s 2.5 km trail through the Galapagos Islands’ largest breeding colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls. Observe sea lions, iguanas, snakes, marine iguanas, lizards, and pelicans.
After the tour, enjoy a hot lunch and drinks on the boat before traveling to Las Bachas Beach on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Snorkel and spot colorful reef fish, rays, sharks, and turtles.
Return to your hotel via the Baltra channel.
AM: Las Grietas (self-guided)
Las Grietas is another unique place to swim on Santa Cruz Island!
It is like a small cliff crowned with giant cacti. In that direction is Las Grietas. To go there, you have to take a boat that, for $10, will cross that arm of the sea in a few minutes.
This place is a fault where sea water enters and with it the fish. You can bathe, and it’s free. And with your snorkel goggles, you will see huge, colorful fish coming and going through this deep channel.
PM: Visit to The Charles Darwin Research Station
In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the Charles Darwin Station, where you will witness the fantastic work done to conserve and protect these incredible creatures.
Your family vacation in the Galapagos Islands ends today.
Your driver will take you back to the airport in Baltra, where you will catch your flight back to the mainland.
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I can’t say enough good things about Angelica. Not only did she plan an amazing trip for us, but she helped my boyfriend organize an amazing surprise proposal at one of our spectacular haciendas. She was available anytime we had a question or faced a hiccup. You will not regret using Terra Sur travels!
Amazing!!!! Without the truly great help and support of TerraSur Travels me and my girlfriend would never have had such a wonderful time on the Galápagos Islands and in Ecuador. Thank you Angelica and Christian ☺️ can recommend them to everyone.