Galapagos Family Vacation

The BEST Galapagos Family Adventure

AFAR magazine named our Galapagos Islands tour the “Best Wildlife Encounter” in the world. So if your family is looking for the best way to experience the Galapagos islands and the wildlife that make their home in this magnificent archipelago, there is one choice: Classic Journeys. So whether your multi-generational family has Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Y, Gen Z or any other ages, you can go knowing confidently that everyone will enjoy up-close encounters with the amazing and active animals all around you. In the company of our expert local naturalist guides, you’ll have more time on land and in the water to explore than on ship-based trips, which means you get to explore more diverse terrain, learn more about the flora and fauna, get closer to the wildlife, and can relax at the end of each adventurous day together in perfectly-sited boutique properties.

Activities in the Galapagos Families Love:

• Immersing Yourselves In Nature
  Join your naturalist guide for fascinating walks that introduce you to the lagoons, mangroves and countryside of the islands, on foot at eye level.
• Kayaking Together
  Together you’ll set out in the pristine waters and kayak leisurely where manta rays and reef sharks glide below. Our kayaking adventures, led by experienced guides with dedicated boat support, allow you to tailor your exertion level – paddle as much or as little as you like.
• Encountering Wildlife
  Walk among giant, 500-pound tortoises as your guides lead you along trails known to locals. You’ll all get exceptional access to diverse birds, animals, and marine life beyond the coastline. And keep your eyes out for the incredible blue-footed boobies throughout your time on tour.
• Setting Sail
  Set out together on a small fishing boat to explore Tintoreras to snorkel with the world’s only warm-water penguins. Get your camera ready to see these incredible (and adorable) animals.
• Relaxing At Your Own Pace
  Start your days with a walk on the beach from your perfectly-sited seafront boutique or take a dip in the pool after an adventurous day. Watch the sunrise or sunset together while staying near the water in a relaxing atmosphere.
• Enjoying Volcanic Views
  Hike together through otherworldly volcanic terrain to the awesome caldera of Volcán Chico to experience new lava flows most people never see. Soak up the view from the rim of the world’s second-largest volcanic caldera.
• Snorkeling With Marine Life
  Snorkel and swim with playful baby sea lions, as well as green sea turtles and marine iguanas, for an incredible aquatic adventure. Our high-quality snorkeling gear – masks, snorkels, flippers, wetsuits – ensures effortless up-close encounters with iconic marine life. 
• Savoring Diverse Culinary Experiences
  Dining together, you’ll savor fresh seafood and farm-to-table cuisine while on the islands. Our team is experienced at ensuring there’s something for everyone at each meal so even those with particular preferences or dietary limitations will find meals they enjoy.
• Enjoying Guides Who Engage All Ages
  Our guides are naturalists and are truly local experts who can share insight on the flora and fauna all around you. And they have experience with multi-generational groups, so they know how to keep travelers of all ages engaged. They’ll share stories, involve everyone in hands-on activities, and tailor the experience to the interests of every family member.

Boutique, Family-Friendly Accommodations in the Galapagos

On a Classic Journeys family tour to the Galapagos, you’ll stay in boutique hotels that are perched on the waterfront and offer all the amenities you’ll need. Located close to remote trails, secluded watering holes, and pristine coves, you’ll get island access that day-trippers and cruise shippers do not have access to. This allows you to linger on the beautiful beaches with sea lions for sunset or rise early with the iguanas and penguins. Everyone will enjoy recharging at these boutique retreats before the next day’s adventures.

Why Travel With Classic Journeys

At Classic Journeys, we understand the unique needs of multi-generational family travel. Our tours provide you seamless, stress-free adventures that allow your family to connect and create lasting memories, while we handle all of the details. On tour together, you’ll immerse yourself in the islands’ natural wonders through walking, paddling, and snorkeling with remarkable wildlife.

The Benefits of Family Travel to the Galapagos Islands

– From Edward & Susie Piegza, Founders & Parents of Jack and Matt

As the founders of Classic Journeys and parents of two boys (now adult men, ‘off the family payroll!’), we’ve had the privilege of traveling with our family to over 35 countries. Among our most transformative experiences have been our many family adventures in the Galapagos Islands. (The boys have explored the islands as tweens, teens, and adults.)

Our Galapagos Island-Based Wildlife Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect as a family, leaving behind the distractions of everyday life—and, most importantly, our devices. (Susie was so moved by her unplugged time with our boys on one of our trips that she coined it ‘A Fortnight Without Fortnite’, which all parents can appreciate.) The unique wildlife and stunning landscapes of the Galapagos make every moment extraordinary. Our expert naturalist guides captivate our sons’ attention, engaging them at every step with fascinating insights into the islands’ rich ecosystem and Darwin’s groundbreaking work.

Family travel to the Galapagos provides an immersive experience that expands children’s horizons and deepens family bonds. Each day brings new adventures—whether it was snorkeling with sea lions, observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat, or hiking across otherworldly lava fields. These shared experiences create memories that continue to resonate with our family years later.

We’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative these experiences can be, which is why we believe the Galapagos is one of the best destinations for families to explore together. From watching blue-footed boobies perform their mating dance to kayaking alongside marine iguanas, the Galapagos offers unique experiences that captivate both children and adults alike. (In the case of our eldest son, he was so inspired by the commitment to ecotourism on the islands, that he pursued his studies at Cornell University’s Hotel School so that he could eventually be part of the commitment to responsible tourism through ecologically crafted hotels.)

As parents who understand the value of educational and engaging family travel, we invite you and your family to explore the Galapagos with us and our extended Ecuadorian family. Join us in this living laboratory of evolution, where every day is a new adventure, and every moment is an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.