Galapagos Islands · Ecuador · Things to do
5 things to do in the Galapagos with kids
The five best family things to do in the Galapagos are meeting giant tortoises, spotting blue-footed boobies, finding marine iguanas, sharing a beach with sea lions, and sailing between islands. The animals are unusually unafraid of people, so children see them from close range. Most visits are by cruise or by island-hopping between Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela.
What to do, in order
- 1
Meet giant tortoises
Giant tortoises are the animal that gave the islands their name, galapago being an old Spanish word for tortoise. They can weigh several hundred kilograms and live for well over a century. On Santa Cruz, you can see them in the wild in the highlands, on private reserves, and at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which runs a breeding programme. Keep the required distance, about two metres, and never touch or feed them. Visit in the morning, wear boots because the highlands are muddy, and combine it with a lava tunnel walk.
- 2
Spot blue-footed boobies
Blue-footed boobies are seabirds with bright blue feet, and the males show them off in a high-stepping courtship dance. They nest on the ground in several islands, so you can often watch them on a trail from a short distance, and they plunge dive into the water for fish. North Seymour and Isla Isabela are popular places to see them, usually on a guided day trip. Everyone must stay on marked paths with a licensed naturalist guide, and children are rarely bored by the birds and their dance.
- 3
Find the marine iguanas
Marine iguanas live only in the Galapagos and are the only lizards that feed in the sea, grazing on algae. They bask in dark clumps on black lava rocks, sneeze out salt, and are easy to find on most islands. Kids call them little dragons. They are slow and calm, but you must still keep your distance and never block their path to the water. Look for them around the harbour on Santa Cruz, and on shorelines on Isabela, San Cristobal and Fernandina, in the morning and afternoon.
- 4
Share the beach with sea lions
Galapagos sea lions rest on the sand, on benches and on boat steps in the main towns, and many are used to people. On beaches such as Playa Mann on San Cristobal, you may share the sand with them, and snorkelling often brings playful pups close. Give them space, stay at least two metres away, and keep away from large males, which can be aggressive during the breeding season, and from mothers with pups. Bring snorkel gear, and look at the warnings posted near the beach. Mornings are quieter.
- 5
Sail between the islands
Reaching different islands is the heart of the trip, because each has its own wildlife and landscape. You can join a small-ship cruise, usually four to eight days, or base yourself in a town and take day boats to nearby islands. Cruises put children in the middle of the animals but can involve long days and are less flexible. Land-based trips are easier for toddlers. The Galapagos National Park sets limits on group sizes and operators must be licensed. Ask about minimum ages, since some cruises do not accept very young children.
Plan it
- Best time
- December to May is warmer and calmer, with the best swimming and snorkelling. June to November is cooler and drier, with rougher seas but excellent wildlife viewing. Animals can be seen year round.
- How long
- A week is the minimum, with three islands. Five days works for a land-based trip from Santa Cruz with day trips, and eight days suits a cruise.
- Getting around
- Fly to Baltra or San Cristobal from Quito or Guayaquil, and take boat transfers between islands. Land-based trips use water taxis and day boats. Cruises include meals and transfers. Entry requires a national park fee and a transit card.
Good to know
- Book early. Cruises with family-friendly cabins fill up months ahead.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and motion sickness tablets for boat days.
- Follow your guide, stay on trails and take nothing from the islands, including shells and rocks.
Frequently asked
Are the Galapagos good for kids? +
Yes, for school-age children in particular. Animals are unafraid and close, and snorkelling is easy in many places. Some cruises set minimum ages, so check before booking, and expect early starts and long boat days.
How many days do you need in the Galapagos? +
At least a week gives you a few islands. A land-based trip can work in five days, and a cruise usually runs four to eight days. Add time for the flights from mainland Ecuador.
Is a cruise or a land-based trip better for families? +
Cruises take you to more islands with less travel effort, but they are fixed in schedule and cost. Land-based trips are more flexible, easier for toddlers, and let you choose each day, though you reach fewer sites.
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos? +
December to May has warmer water, calm seas and sunshine. June to November is cooler, with cloudier skies and choppier seas. You can see wildlife all year, so choose by weather and sea comfort.