Family Safaris

Sample Family Safari: Full Itinerary

Designed with our years of experience living, travelling and hosting family friends and their children in the Galapagos Islands, our Family Safaris are a combination of wildlife tours and activities on Santa Cruz Island, and day excursions by boat to beautiful, uninhabited neighbouring islands. We craft tailor-made, life-changing itineraries that accommodate the needs and interests of all family members, from toddlers, tweens and teens, to parents and grandparents.

Craft your very own Galapagos family adventure!
The following is a sample itinerary. Please contact one of our Safari Designers for more information on the tours, activities and experiences we offer, and to discuss how these can be adapted to best suit the needs and interests of your children and family members.

Days On Land

In addition to day boat trips to neighbouring islands, our Family Safaris include a number of land safaris on Santa Cruz Island itself.

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. 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.

Our Family Safaris offer a wide range of land-based experiences, including:

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. There are also a number of underground lava tunnels here that are fun for children to explore. If your family vacation is celebrating a special event or milestone, we can also organize a surprise tea party in the lava tunnel.

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 ambling down one of the camp’s paths.

Beach Time

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. We can also arrange a surfing lesson here 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 the beach, is a sheltered cove where we can also arrange kayaking.

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

Hiking and Biking

At our 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!)

The Charles Darwin Research Station and 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. It serves as a reminder, particularly to the next generation of leaders, that we must do everything we can to protect endangered species from extinction.

At Galapagos Safari Camp

The Kids’ Club

When traveling with children, we believe it’s important to factor in some down time, particularly for younger kids. At our camp, we have a Kids Club (open during school holiday periods) where children can get creative, allowing parents to have some time for themselves. Activities designed to unleash excess energy include treasure hunts, cooking classes and bouncing on our giant trampoline.

Private Art Class

We can also offer art classes for all members of the family. These are led by a British artist who has lived on Santa Cruz for more than 30 years. A firm believer of living in the present, she encourages her students to rely on their memories, as opposed to their devices, for capturing moments and putting them to paper.

Pool

We also have (an appropriately small) pool for cooling off after a day of adventure.

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

• Charter a boat to explore the waters around Santa Cruz Island
• Learn about artisanal fishing in the Galapagos
• Catch a fish with the help of Galapagos experts
• Snorkel in marine-rich waters
• Explore secluded beaches

Spend the day with a local fisherman exploring the waters around Santa Cruz. This experience has become a firm favorite with our guests, as it combines wildlife experiences with cultural exchange, swimming, snorkeling and a visit to a secluded beach. 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.

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

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. The time spent fishing can be modified, according to your interests.

This is a chance to experience the wild beauty of the Galapagos, exploring spots that are only accessible to local fisherman, and not to all visitors. Relax on the beach, or snorkel in the clear waters with rays, colorful schools of fish, and sea lions. And if you’re lucky, dolphins might even follow you in the boat’s wake.

Lunch is served on board the boat as food is not permitted on the beach / in the National Park.

Our Responsible Fishing program 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.

What to look out for:

Fauna

• Numerous seabirds
• Numerous fish
• Variety of rays
• Galapagos sea lion
• White-tipped reef shark
• Green turtle
• Dolphins

Flora

• Mangrove

CONTACT US

Rates:

Our Safaris are tailored to suit your needs and preferences. The final cost will vary based on your personal selections.

Our Family Safaris start from:

USD 6393 per person for 5N/6D in Tented Double

USD 5395 per person for 5N/6D in Family Suite

Included:

• Accommodation
• Private land excursions and transfers on Santa Cruz, with private english-speaking naturalist guide
• Shared boat excursions and tours of uninhabited islands (private boats also possible), with shared English-speaking naturalist guide. Also includes a snorkeling tour.
• Chartered boat for the fishing experience
• All meals and welcome drink. Our chef has a substantial repertoire of kid-friendly meals and we prepare plenty of healthy snacks for each day’s outings.
• Airport VIP services
• Wetsuits and snorkeling equipment
• Activities and visits detailed in your itinerary

Not Included:

• Flights (all flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands can be arranged upon request)
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee (as detailed in documentation)
• Visitor transit card (as detailed in documentation)
• Beverages
• Laundry service
• Insurance (please check your travel insurance is valid in your country of origin prior to your journey)
• Gratuities

You can find the pricing for ALL our Safari packages on our Rates page:

Our Rates