Days at Sea
Our Family Safari typically includes two days at sea: one day exploring an uninhabited island and a one day Fishing Adventure. As with all our Safaris, they can be customized according to your needs, preferences and number of days you have available.
The uninhabited islands we visit include North Seymour, Bartolomé, South Plaza and Santa Fe (one island per day). On all our island excursions, your visit includes a guided tour along a designated trail and a snorkeling, or swimming experience.
The Uninhabited Islands
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.
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 undisputable 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.
The circuit walk first heads inland on a little path, before turning towards the coast and then back towards the boat. Your guide will stop frequently along the way to discuss the various wildlife.
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.
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.
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.
Our Family Fishing Adventure
Family Bonding Fun
Experience a day with local artisan fishermen on the seas around Santa Cruz Island. Our fishing experience has become a firm favourite with families, as it combines wildlife experiences and cultural exchanges, with swimming, snorkelling and exploring secluded beaches.
We charter very safe and modern speedboats from local fishermen, who share their anecdotes from a lifetime at sea, and their skills and tricks with the children — your guide acting as translator all the time.
After boarding the boat, the captain and crew navigate to a spot where the best fishing can be enjoyed (times vary).
Lunch is served on-board the boat as no food is allowed in the Galapagos National Park. Depending on your catch, the fishermen are happy to prepare sashimi for your lunch, if you like. Alternatively, you can take the days’ catch back to the camp and discuss the preparation with our chefs. They will be happy to indulge you!
After fishing, you’ll land on a deserted beach and may snorkel in a spot known only to locals. If you prefer to limit fishing and enhance the snorkelling or beach experience, your guide is there to adapt the day to your preferences.
Responsible Fishing
This program is part of an initiative with the Galapagos National Park aimed at giving fishermen an alternative means to support themselves while reducing the strain caused on the islands’ marine ecosystems by overfishing. It 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 and experiences on the seas and making new friends in the process.
ⓘ We design our Safaris according to your interests and needs; the best experiences possible at any given time of year; yacht operations; and the rules of the Galapagos National Park. |
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