The Galápagos Islands with Kids—Yes!

This exotic locale is not at the top of most family vacation lists, but it should be, especially for families with older kids. This one-of-a-kind place offers awesome animal encounters, adventures in nature, and pristine beaches. It’s a trip your family won’t soon forget.

Imagine climbing a lighthouse on the rocks to find that an ambitious sea lion has already claimed the top spot (and judging by that noise he just made, he’s not about to give it up). Picture kayaking through crystal clear water when a giant green sea turtle pops its dinosaur-like head up next to you for a quick breath before diving back below. See yourself snorkeling off the beach when a tiny penguin swims up to playfully peck your mask—so quick you might have missed it if you’d blinked.

These are the types of breathtaking moments you can expect in the Galápagos Islands.

Located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos are a group of volcanic islands that straddle the equator and are best known for the research done there by English naturalist Charles Darwin in the mid-1800s (theory of evolution, anyone?). Today, the islands are home to a unique variety of sea and land life, from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies, and have become a popular spot to visit year-round. Tourism is limited in order to reduce human impact on the islands’ fragile ecosystems, but there are still plenty of options for families that want to visit this beautiful place.

The Galápagos' famous giant tortoises are slowly making a comeback after years of conservation efforts. Fun fact: These tropical reptiles can live up to a year without any food or water and are thought to have a lifespan between 100 and 300 years!

Getting There

The Galápagos are part of Ecuador, although about a 2-hour plane ride from the mainland. You’ll need to take a flight into either Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador, and then a second flight on a smaller plane into the Galápagos. 

Where to Stay

You might opt to take a weeklong cruise aboard an eco-friendly tour boat, such as one of the three 20-passenger yachts operated by Ecoventura. This isn’t your average cruise—think less lounging and more snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and exploring (with a daily afternoon siesta and time for stargazing at night, of course). Cruisers follow an itinerary that’s been approved by the Galápagos National Park Service and typically visit six or seven islands over eight days, with excursions led by two experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Ecoventura is an especially family-friendly option, as the tour groups are small, the boats offer two triple cabins (a rarity), and the company is careful to place families on cruises with other families—often those with younger children are placed on one boat while families with older children are placed on a separate boat.

If a week on the water won’t work for your crew, look for a hotel on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Floreana, or Isabela—the populated islands (the Galápagos Islands’ total human population tops out at just 25,000)—and make your own itinerary of day trips to the other islands via high-speed boat.

Is my child the right age?

However you choose to visit, a Galápagos adventure is best for families with kids ages 5 and older. The sweet spot for kids is most likely ages 9-12—when they’re old enough to appreciate a little bird-watching but still young enough not to treat the spotty Wifi access as a prison sentence—although it depends on the child, of course. The youngest age recommended for an Ecoventura cruise is 7, although the boats are equipped with life jackets and snorkeling gear for kids as young as 5.

Unsure if your kid is ready for this kind of trip? Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Is my child good with following directions? There are many rules in the Galápagos, from staying on the trails during an island visit (so you don’t accidentally trample an iguana’s eggs, for example) to placing toilet tissues in the garbage rather than the toilet (let’s take a moment to be thankful for American plumbing!).

2. Does my child have good impulse control? There’s a strict no-touching rule for the wildlife you’ll see—no matter how cute those baby sea lions are and how close they get to you (they're anything but shy!), you’ll have to resist reaching out and petting them. Including this little guy:

3. Will my child appreciate this? The Galápagos are a far cry from Disney World. Your child won’t be surrounded by in-your-face entertainment at every turn, and she won’t be able to Facebook, Snapchat, or tweet her every move. If you’ve got a teen whose smartphone seems like a fifth limb, the digital detox this trip requires may have him sulking through his snorkel mask.

If your child checks out, get ready for a memorable trip you’ll be talking about for years to come.

When to Visit

You can visit the Galápagos year-round, as the weather is more or less consistent. There are technically two seasons in the islands: December through May is the “warm” season, when the air temperature is more tropical and the water is warmer for swimming and snorkeling. June through early December is the “dry” season, when the water is a bit cooler (better for diving) and the highlands have a layer of mist that makes them greener and lusher this time of year.

Besides checking out the wildlife, year-round activities include snorkeling and swimming, SCUBA diving, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the beautiful beaches that rival any in the Caribbean.

Must-see Places

Since each of the islands is unique, you have a lot of options when it comes to planning your trip. Here are a few must-do’s when visiting with kids, which you can look for in a cruise itinerary or plot out on your own:

Highlands of Santa Cruz

Located on one of the four populated islands, this area is easily reachable by bus or car. Here you’ll find the Charles Darwin Research Station, which houses the giant tortoise breeding center (read: lots of baby tortoises). You’ll also want to pay a visit to Las Primicias, a tortoise reserve and private farm where you can take a walk among the giant tortoises that roam freely. And don’t miss a descent into “the tunnels,” the largest lava tubes in the Galápagos (now completely lava-free, of course).

Young giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station range in age from a few months to a few years old. The younger they are, the faster they move!

Devil’s Crown

The area around this rock is one of the best for snorkeling. Snorkelers will likely find clear waters and a variety of sea life, from sea turtles to dolphins, sharks, sea lions, Galápagos penguins (if you’re lucky!), and lots of tropical fish. If you’re visiting between December and May, you should stop by nearby Floreana (population: 250) for a chance to see sea turtles on land or just off the shore during their breeding season.