9-Day Galapagos Islands Family-Friendly Tour With Kids

Itinerary

• DAY 1 TRANSFER SAN CRISTOBAL - PLAYA MANN
  

  This tour begins when you arrive at San Cristobal Airport, where your driver will pick you up and take you and your toddler to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

  Enjoy a kayak experience at a San Cristobal beach, where you’ll be surrounded by nature and spot various animal species. You’ll receive a brief introduction and safety instructions before the tour.

  After lunch, visit Playa Mann by yourself, a stunning white beach just 15 minutes from the village. Its clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and you’re likely to see Galapagos sea lions.

  • Activity:Snorkeling. Kayaking.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Casa Opuntia or similar.
• DAY 2 KICKER ROCK
  

  After breakfast, you will be picked up at approximately 7:00 a.m. to visit Kicker Rock, one of the most iconic landmarks in the Galapagos Islands. You will head to the passenger pier to board a speedboat for the journey.

  Kicker Rock consists of two 140-meter-tall volcanic rocks off the coast of San Cristobal Island. Known as León Dormido (Sleeping Lion) in Spanish due to its lion-like appearance from one side, and Kicker Rock in English because it resembles a boot from another angle.

  This rock formation is a favorite spot for marine birds and rich underwater life. The natural erosion has formed a channel between the rocks, creating a perfect habitat for sharks, manta rays, and other marine wildlife. After the tour, you’ll return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno around 3:00 p.m. and be taken back to your hotel.

  • Activity:Wildlife Watching.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Casa Opuntia or similar.
• DAY 3 SAN CRISTOBAL - ISABELA
  

  You will be picked up at your hotel and brought to San Cristobal Airport for your departing flight. The drive will take about 5 minutes.

  Flight San Cristobal – Isabela This short flight of about 45 minutes gives you the chance to experience the Galapagos Islands from the air. These planes are small and hold up to 9 passengers. Then you will be picked up at Isabela Airport and brought to your hotel in Puerto Villamil. This drive takes about 7 minutes.

  NOTE: Baggage Policy for Inter-Island air flight: 25 lbs per passenger. This includes checked luggage and carry-on.

  Extra baggage allowance may be purchased online or at the counter (USD 2 per extra pound) to increase the twenty-five-pound allowance per person.

  • Activity:Island Hopping.
  • Transport:Airplane. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Albemarle or similar.
• DAY 4 FLAMINGO LAGOON - WETLANDS BIKING
  

  You will have a short visit to the Flamingo Lagoon. This place is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos Islands and is one of the main reproductive sites for the majority of flamingos within the islands.

  For biking, you can pick up your rented bikes in the village of Isabela, and from there you can bike to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. You will be able to spot young and old Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. From here you can continue biking to the Wall of Tears. Along the way, you even have a great chance to see the Giant tortoises near the road and you can enjoy incredible views across the island.

  • Activity:Hiking. Biking.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Abermarle or similar.
• DAY 5 LOS TUNELES SNORKELING TOUR
  

  For your Los Tuneles tour, you will be picked up at 7:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. based on availability, and taken to the passenger pier for a 45-minute speedboat ride to one of the world’s best snorkeling locations. Los Tuneles, known for its clear, shallow waters and unique geological formations such as arcs and underwater tunnels, offers a spectacular view of the marine sanctuary below. This area supports a diverse array of Galapagos species.

  The site’s entrance has shallow waters where the waves can be strong; it’s essential to be cautious and follow your guide’s instructions. During the morning tour, you will enjoy a snack, and the afternoon tour includes a boxed lunch. After exploring, you will return to Puerto Villamil and be dropped off at your hotel.

  • Activity:Snorkeling.
  • Transport:Car. Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Snack.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Albemarle or similar.
• DAY 6 ISABELA - SANTA CRUZ
  

  You will be picked up at your hotel and dropped off at the Isabela dock to take the speed boat back to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. The drive will take around 10 minutes.

  You will take a public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.

  Upon your arrival at Puerto Ayora dock, you will be picked up by your driver to take you to your hotel in the port town of Santa Cruz. The drive will take between five and ten minutes.

  • Activity:Exploring. Relaxing.
  • Transport:Speedboat. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Ikala or similar.
• DAY 7 SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS - TORTUGA BAY
  

  Explore one of the prime locations to observe the Giant Tortoise in its natural habitat in the diverse ecosystem of a highlands ranch. Here, these ancient creatures roam freely amidst a backdrop of thick, verdant forest. Your experience includes a slow-paced hike through this lush environment, enhancing your opportunities to engage closely with these majestic animals. The trail winds through an area rich with endemic plants, home not only to the tortoises but also to distinctive bird species such as the Woodpecker Finch, Warbler Finch, and Vegetarian Finch, which are rarely seen near the coast. In addition, you’ll wander through ancient lava tunnels accompanied by your guide and enjoy a delicious local lunch at the highland ranch. This immersive experience offers a comprehensive look at the unique flora and fauna of the Santa Cruz highlands, providing a deep connection with the natural world of the Galapagos. 

  If time permits while in Puerto Ayora, consider a self-guided visit to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands. A 25-minute walk from the village leads to a pristine white sand and turquoise water beach, perfect for a quiet day. You can rent kayaks, observe marine iguanas regulating their temperature on the rocks, and enjoy the serene environment. Remember to bring enough water and snacks, as there are no facilities to purchase food or drinks.

  • Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Ikala or similar.
• DAY 8 FREE DAY SANTA CRUZ
  

  Today you have a free day to enjoy the surroundings by yourself. Check our Self Guide for Santa Cruz Island.

  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Ikala or similar.
• DAY 9 TRANSFER OUT - BALTRA AIRPORT
  

  You will have a transfer from Puerto Ayora to the Baltra Airport about 3 hours before the departure of your flight. This time will be coordinated before your travel.

  The transfer will take about 45 minutes until you reach the Itabacca Channel. The ferry will then take you to the other side of the channel, about ten minutes. Once you arrive, you will continue by bus to the airport.

  • Activity:Departure.
  • Meal:Breakfast.