Family Safaris

Varied Landscapes

As one of the most diverse islands in the Galapagos archipelago, Santa Cruz has a variety of ecosystems; from the forested highlands where our camp is based, to the dry, arid coastline, and the transitional zone between the two.

Fun and Easy!

These different landscapes offer a multitude of ways to explore the island’s wildlife and geology, making it fun, and above all, easy for families to explore these Galapagos wonders.

Depending on the itinerary you craft with your Safari Designer, you can look forward to some of the following adventures.

The Giant Tortoise Reserve

Close to our camp is a large nature reserve that is home to hundreds of giant tortoises. This highland sanctuary is one of the best places in the Galapagos Islands to see these iconic reptiles in the wild.

Wildlife at Camp

Another top spot for observing giant tortoises in the wild is at Galapagos Safari Camp. They are often seen (or heard) munching leaves under the tents or shuffling along one of the camp’s paths.

Lava Tunnels

There are also a number of underground lava tunnels on Santa Cruz that children can explore and gain a better understanding of how the islands were formed.

Tortuga Bay Beach

One of the best beaches in the Galapagos (some say in the world) is on Santa Cruz. Tortuga Bay can’t be accessed on a cruise ship, and is one of the most popular land excursions on our Family Safari. White sands, peppered with marine iguanas, stretch for hundreds of meters, making it an ideal playground for children of all ages. (Note: requires a 50-minute walk to access).

Surfing at Tortuga

With advanced notice, we can arrange a surfing lesson at Tortuga Bay for adults and/or children. It is not uncommon to see a marine iguana, or sometimes even a sea lion surfing the wave alongside you.

At the far end of Tortuga Bay is a sheltered cove where we can also arrange kayaking.

Garrapatero beach

Another beach that families enjoy is Garrapatero. Behind this lesser-known beach sits a lagoon where flamingos are often spotted.

Biking

At Camp, families can borrow bikes to explore the quiet lanes of the forested highlands, stopping to admire Darwin’s finches and lumbering giant tortoises.

Puerto Ayora

Older kids may appreciate a trip into Puerto Ayora, where they can wander its laid-back streets, art galleries and souvenir shops. The fish market is also popular with all ages (and animals!)

Lonesome George

Our Family Safaris also offer an opportunity to visit the late Lonesome George, the legendary giant tortoise whom David Attenborough once described as ‘a very important animal. Probably more than any single creature’.

The preserved body of this Pinta tortoise – the last of its species – can now be found on display in the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora.

Kids Club

After a day of exploration, children can join the Camp’s Kids Club (available during school holidays). Through engaging, sustainability-themed activities, such as jewelry making with recycled plastic, children will develop a deeper appreciation for these fragile islands and their legendary wildlife.

Pool

We also have (an appropriately small) pool for cooling off after a day of adventure. Please note the pool is not supervised.

Additional Experiences

To tailor your Family Safari further, please check our full list of Safari Experiences.

Bartolome Island

Navigation time: 2 hours, each way
Walking difficulty: Moderate-Hard

In Bartolome, the walk is a fairly steep climb, up wooden walkways and steps, to the viewpoint at the apex of the island. On the way up, your guide will make a number of stops to point out the islands’ flora and fauna. The view from the top, overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock and surrounding islands is spectacular, and worth the effort.

Bartolome Island: Snorkel

After lunch (served on board your boat), there is time for you to snorkel around the coastline, near the base of Pinnacle Rock. These waters are often frequented by Galapagos penguins, and swimming alongside one of these friendly little water birds is an indisputable highlight for most kids.

North Seymour Island

Navigation time: 30 minutes – 1 hour, each way
Walking difficulty: Easy

North Seymour is one of the closest islands to Santa Cruz, making it an easy day trip for families. Despite its small size, the island is brimming with wildlife, including frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, land iguanas and sea lions.

North Seymour: Snorkel

This day trip also includes a visit to the beautiful white sands of Bachas beach on Santa Cruz, which is only accessible by boat. Here families will get an opportunity to snorkel in the calm waters of its bay.

South Plaza Island

Navigation time: 1 hour each way
Walking difficulty: Easy

Upon arriving at South Plaza, you and your family may have to make your way around a large colony of sea lions on the stone jetty. From here, you will walk among prickly cactus and carpets of bright red plants. Watch out for the land iguanas, marine iguanas, and if you are exceptionally lucky, the exclusive hybrid iguana – a cross between land and marine, only ever found on this island.

South Plaza Island: Snorkel

After lunch you can snorkel in a nearby cove where you may encounter sea lions, turtles and lots of colorful fish.

Santa Fe Island

Navigation time: 1.5 hours each way
Walking difficulty: Easy

Again, you may be greeted by a large colony of sea lions as you are transferred by dingy from your boat to the beach. After spending some time observing these playful Galapagos mammals you will be guided inland, along a little path, with giant Opuntia cacti towering above you. Again, look out for the land iguanas – a particular species that is endemic to the island of Santa Fe itself. You may also spot Galapagos hawks, the islands’ top predator.

Santa Fe Island: Snorkel

After lunch on the boat you will be invited to snorkel in the bay of Santa Fe, where you will likely be checked out by curious sea lions, and all sorts of other marine wonders.

Family Bonding Fun

This experience has become a firm favorite with our guests, as it combines wildlife experiences, cultural exchange, swimming, snorkeling and a visit to a secluded beach.

Responsible Fishing

It is also part of an initiative with the Galapagos National Park, to provide fishermen with an alternative means of livelihood while reducing the impact of overfishing.

Private Boat

Once aboard the fisherman’s simple, yet fully equipped motorboat, the captain will navigate to a spot where the best fishing can be enjoyed.

Catch Your Lunch!

After a hands-on lesson, you can try your luck at catching lunch. The most common species caught on this Safari are Yellowfin Tuna and Palometa. The time spent fishing can be modified according to everyone’s needs on the day.

Sashimi

If you are successful, the crew can prepare sashimi on the boat for your family to enjoy for lunch. (Note: The National Park no longer allows visitors to take their catch off the boat for consumption elsewhere).

Secluded Beach

In between fishing you will have the opportunity to snorkel and explore a secluded beach on Santa Cruz’s coastline that can only be accessed by sea.

Family Time

Our fishing adventure can be enjoyed by guests young and old, no matter if they’re seasoned fishermen or complete novices. The important thing is to be sharing time together as a family.