Galapagos Family Explorer

  • Trip Type
  • Mid-Luxury
  • Length
  • 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • When to Go
  • July-December

  • Tortoises, reefs, and island magic for all ages

    The Galapagos Islands come to life on this 9-night mid-luxury adventure, designed for families who crave wild encounters and unforgettable moments. Explore the volcanic trails of Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal—spotting marine iguanas, snorkeling with sea turtles, and hiking calderas together. Day trips to North Seymour bring blue-footed boobies into focus, while a private marine biology workshop lets curious minds step into the shoes of real scientists. With flexible land-based travel, family-friendly eco-lodges, and a steady blend of learning and fun, this is an island escape built to inspire.

    Note: Prices are listed per adult based on double occupancy. Children sharing a room with adults are priced from $2,550 in low season and $2,800 in high season

    Trip Highlights

    • Spot giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz
    • Snorkel coral caves with sea lions and turtles in Los Túneles
    • Hike the lava fields of Sierra Negra Volcano
    • Explore Seymour Island’s seabird colonies
    • Dive into science with an exclusive marine biology workshop
    • Stay in eco-luxury family lodges across three islands

    similar trips per person from:

    $4,300.00 low season (May - Oct)
    $4,700.00 high season (Nov - Apr)
    prices vary based on departure season.


    At a Glance

    Click each day for more details.

    • Day 1: Quito to Santa Cruz - Arrival

      Fly from Quito to Baltra, then transfer by boat and car to Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, a luxe eco-lodge tucked between mangroves and the sea. Kids splash in the pool while parents unwind with ocean views and fresh coffee.

    • Day 2: Santa Cruz - Giant tortoises in ancient highlands

      Visit El Chato Reserve on a shared tour to see giant tortoises roaming the highlands. In the afternoon, wander Puerto Ayora’s shops and markets, where island life bustles with color.

    • Day 3: Santa Cruz - Marine biology for explorers

      Your morning is yours to relax by the beach or take a short walk to nearby tidepools. In the afternoon, enjoy a private marine biology workshop, where your family works alongside a naturalist to uncover the Galapagos’ unique ecosystems.

    • Day 4: Santa Cruz - Birds & sea lions on North Seymour Island

      Today, cruise to North Seymour Island, home to frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions. Return to Finch Bay in the evening, where Galapagos stars fill the sky.

    • Day 5: Santa Cruz to Isabela Island - Arrival to Isabela Island

      Travel by private speedboat to Isabela Island and check in at Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel, a beachfront retreat overlooking volcanoes. Kids can spot marine iguanas sunbathing right outside the hotel.

    • Day 6: Isabela Island - Snorkeling with sea turtles & rays in Los Túneles

      Join a guided snorkeling tour to Los Túneles, a labyrinth of lava arches and coral reefs. Swim with sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks, while kids marvel at underwater caves and fish schools.

    • Day 7: Isabela Island - Hike the Sierra Negra volcano

      Explore one of the world’s largest volcanic craters on a guided hike up Sierra Negra, then continue on to the lava fields of Volcán Chico. Afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or walk Isabela’s quiet beach.

    • Day 8: Isabela Island to San Cristóbal - Laid-back vibes & beach endeavors on San Cristóbal

      Transfer by boat to San Cristóbal and settle into Golden Bay Hotel, just steps from the beach. Spend the afternoon watching sea lions nap in the sand or enjoying an easy walk through Puerto Baquerizo.

    • Day 9: San Cristóbal - Volcano trails & ocean views

      Today, hike to Cerro Tijeretas, a viewpoint where volcanic trails meet panoramic sea views. Along the way, spot frigatebirds and lava lizards, then relax for one last island sunset by the water.

    • Day 10: San Cristóbal to Quito - Departure

      After breakfast, your private driver transfers you to San Cristóbal Airport for your return flight—hearts full of tortoises, tidepools, and treasured island adventures.


    Accommodations

    What's Included?

    Your trip includes everything you want & need, plus a few surprises along the way. Unique, unforgettable destinations; tours with local experts; authentic local cuisine; lessons, demonstrations & new cultural insights; more adventure than you can handle; blissful relaxation; romantic touches; and a feeling of total freedom. ROAM takes care of everything so that you can enjoy a hassle-free journey without worrying about a thing.

    • Airport pickup
    • All hotel accommodation
    • All breakfasts, 3 lunches
    • Detailed maps and trip preparation guide
    • All special events and tours
    • All vehicle and regional air transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
    • All baggage transportation

    Know Before You Go

    • Itinerary prices are dependent on season of departure. Christmas, New Years and Easter (Semana Santa) are peak season, and prices during these periods are significantlky higher than other times of year. High season (cool/dry season) runs from July through December, and low season (hot/wet season) from January through June.

    • Arrival: hotel check-in times are typically at 2:00pm, but you may arrive at any time during the day. If you arrive prior to the scheduled check-in time, we will arrange for early check-in wherever possible. Ecuador grnats 90-day visa-free entry for Americans, Canadians and British citizens. Galapagos requires a $20 Transit Control Card, biosecurity check, and online declaration form submitted 48 hours before your flight, as well as proof or return/departure flight. Upon arrival, there is a $200/adult or $100/child Galapagos Park fee due in cash.

    • Departure: hotel check-out times are at 10:00am. International flights on your departure day should be arranged to depart after 1:00pm.

    • All prices in USD.

    • For vaccination recommendations, please visit the CDC website.

    • For American, Canadian, and British citizens, a valid passport with 6+ months remaining is required for entry to Belize.

    • Ecuador uses USD. Carry small bills ($1-$20), as larger bills ($50-$100) are often refused. Credit cards are accepted in cities, Galapagos cruises and most hotels and resorts, though cash is needed in rural areas. ATMs are available in most cities.

    • Please ensure you have immediate access to a minimum of USD $300 as an emergency fund to be used if circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster) require changes to your planned route.

    • If departing Belize by air, most major airlines include exit taxes in the price of your airfare.

    • It is customary to tip service providers (waiters) around 10% depending on service. Tipping taxi drivers is not required.

    • Gratuities for guides and drivers are deeply appreciated, and provide an important supplement to their income. If you are pleased with the tour services you've received, a guideline for tipping in mainland Ecuador is USD $10-20 per person per day for guides of multiple-day tours, and $5-10 per person per day for drivers. For day tours, plan on USD $3-5 per person for drivers, and USD $5-10 for guides. For Galapagos cruises, plan on USD $10-20 per person per day for guides and USD $10-20 per person per day for the crew (total: $20-40 per person per day).


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    Getting There

    From North America: several airlines offer direct and connecting flights to Ecuador’s main international airports: Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (airport code: UIO) or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil (airport code: GYE). Direct flights are available from cities like Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and New York. Including connection time, flights from the USA typically range from 4-8 hours, while flights from Canada (via U.S. or Latin American hubs) range from 8-12 hours. To reach the Galapagos, take a domestic flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Seymour Airport on Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal Airport (SCY), lasting about 2-3 hours.

    From the UK: no direct flights are available from the UK to Ecuador. Connecting flights typically route through U.S. cities (e.g., Miami, Houston), European hubs (e.g., Madrid, Amsterdam), or Latin American cities (e.g., Bogotá, Lima). Including connection time, flights from the UK to Quito or Guayaquil range from 14-20 hours. For the Galapagos, add a domestic flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY), approximately 2-3 hours.


    When you arrive in BZE, there will be an airport transfer waiting to take you to your first destination. If you have questions about flights, or require assistance booking, please contact us here. We're here to help!

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