Galapagos Islands with Kids

DAY 1: Upon arrival at Quito airport you will be welcomed to Ecuador by your guide, and transferred to your hotel. Once checked in you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your flight. On the way you will be given a short briefing on Quito and the country in general.

DAY 2: Today you can explore the delights of Quito's Old Quarter, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, working your way towards the statue of the 'Virgin of Quito' which offers a great lookout point over the city. 

DAY 3: Taking an early morning departure from Quito you have 2 jounrey options. Either head south to the the charming town of Sangolqui to explore the traditional Andean market, the national park of Cotopaxi, home to the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, rising 5,897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level and Quilotoa Volcano.

Or, if your dates allow, travel north to the enormous and busy Saturday market at Otavalo and stand on the Equator with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the south!

DAY 4: After an early breakfast, you will depart by for your flight to Guayquil and then onto the Galapagos Islands to meet your ship.

DAY 5: Embark your chosen ship for this unparalleled 5-day, 4 night journey of discovery to some of Galapagos’ most beautiful islands. You will begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous in the archipelago, where you explore the lush vegetation of the highlands before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station to meet giant tortoises face to face.

DAY 6: Depending on your itinerary the order of islands that you visit will vary but water activities are available on most days. Take a session in the kayak chasing giant turtles, then a snorkel swimming with turtles and sealions, visit white coral beaches that are home to turtle nests (depending on time of year)

DAY 7: Isla Isabella is the largest of the islands in the archipelago formed by extensive lava flows from 6 volcanoes on the island, 5 of which are still active. Despite the extensive lava flows and highly saline waters the island is still home to very pink flamingos, yellow tail mullet fish and Gallinule birds.

DAY 8: North Seymour Island is a favourite among many visitors, as the island offers an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, giving you time to observe numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. After this visit you will disembark on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island at the glorious white beach of Las Bachas, to enjoy a swim or snorkel, possibly in the company of some sealions!

DAY 9: Today’s expedition sees you starting at Bartolome Island, with its unbeatable volcanic viewpoint, golden-sandy beach and excellent wildlife exploration for snorkelers or glass-bottom boat passengers. During the afternoon you will land at the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay, ideal for swimming or snorkelling, and a walk across a dramatic lava field.

DAY 10: Today your magical journey around the islands comes to and end, either at Baltra Island, or San Cristobel. If the latter you will get the opportunity to take a final trip into the highlands to see the 'intermediate’ shell tortoises. These differ from the giant tortoises and the saddlebacks. The intermediate tortoises are only on San Cristobel Island and the breeding programme is aimed at re-populating the island with these majestic animals. 

And so you will depart the Galapagos,a unique and wonderful family experience on so many levels.