Kuoda’s Guide To The Perfect Honeymoon in The Galapagos Islands

June 16, 2023 | by: Kuoda Authors

After your big wedding day full of teary-eyed speeches and warm congratulations, there’s no better way to begin your journey as a married couple than with a trip to one of the most beautiful places on Earth! A honeymoon in the Galapagos Islands is an idyllic way to disconnect from the rest of the world and really spend time with your partner. Begin the biggest adventure of your relationship with an extra fun excursion to this tropical archipelago!

This is the perfect time to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to a destination that is otherwise a little off the beaten path, enjoying a vacation that’s full of unique experiences. But where to start planning? Our experts have curated the ultimate guide for everything you should see, do, and experience during your honeymoon in the Galapagos Islands! Use this to inspire your perfect romantic getaway.

Take Luxury Cruise Through The Galapagos

Embark on an adventure on the Santa Cruz ll luxury cruise where you will enjoy the ultimate romantic experience on board.

For the most incredible stress-free honeymoon imaginable, indulge in a week-long luxury cruise around the archipelago! Instead of hopping from one hotel to the next, newlyweds can get settled in five-star accommodations aboard a spacious cruise ship. You’ll be able to relax every night in the same bed but still explore as much of the islands as possible.

As you cruise through the Galapagos Islands, you’ll embark on daily trips to the different islands including Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Puerto Egas, and more! In each new destination, an expert guide will lead the excursions to provide you with the best experience possible. Discover rare wildlife, unparalleled landscapes, and a mix of relaxation and adventure in every destination.

Cruising also allows you to eliminate any stress about catching different boats or finding transportation. Once you board the ship, you’ll have the best local guides leading you on the journey the entire time. There are several types of cruises to choose from depending on your ideal boating excursion!

If you want something extra intimate, replace the cruise ship with a catamaran tour which typically hosts 14-16 guests. Couples can enjoy increased privacy, luxurious amenities, and more time on shore as you easily navigate the islands.

Exploring The Galapagos On Land

Hike along South Plaza Island in the Galapagos Islands and keep an eye out for local fauna.

If you want an ultra-customized Galapagos Island honeymoon, consider an island-hopping honeymoon where you can escape the crowds by choosing hidden gem experiences and adding unique activities to your itinerary.

While a land tour will require a little more planning and logistics than a cruise, it also gives couples the freedom to curate their honeymoon in even more detail. Stay out extra late for a walk along the beach while stargazing, explore the different restaurants across the islands, and book private tours that aren’t always included on cruise! Land tours also allow you to embrace the slow travel lifestyle a bit more, since you won’t be following anyone else’s timeline but your own. If you want to spend time exploring Ecuador’s mainland before venturing to the islands, you can do so with ease!

Things To Do In The Galapagos Islands

Enjoy dinner for two at Isla Grill, a locally sourced gourmet restaurant with impres

Whether you’re cruising or exploring on land, you’ll want to think about which activities to do together during your trip. From the big bucket-list experiences to the lesser-known activities, there are plenty of wonderful things to do all around the archipelago. Here are just a few to help inspire your travel planning and help you curate the ideal getaway.

1. Hike Through Bartolomé Island

One of the most postcard-worthy destinations in the Galapagos is located on Bartolomé, one of the younger islands in the archipelago. Travelers come to see the sharp volcanic spike “Pinnacle Rock”, and a morning spent hiking to the summit of the island will give you an incredible viewpoint. The hike is a short but steep ascent. You’ll need to traverse over 300 steps through a rocky lunar landscape, decorated in various volcanic formations including spatter cones and lava bombs. And when you summit, prepare for a breathtaking sight of Pinnacle Rock! It’s one of the most iconic sites in the Galapagos.

If you’re not an especially athletic couple, or you’d rather enjoy a less intense way to see this natural landmark, you can head to the north beach and spend your time swimming and snorkeling around this picturesque site! You may even encounter some wildlife including colorful fish, sea lions, and Galapagos Penguins.

2. Indulge In Unique Fine Dining

One of the amazing things about honeymooning in the Galapagos Islands is the fine dining scene that spans across the islands. Thanks to the optimal location, the seafood and tropical cuisine here are unparalleled. From fun places to grab a drink to intimate dining rooms for special dinners,  this destination is full of options to choose from.

While exploring Santa Cruz, be sure to book a spot at La Isla Grill at the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients and recipes that highlight the flavors of the Galapagos excellently. Or, if you just want to stop by for a little happy hour, the restaurant boasts an impressive drink menu, with unique signature cocktails perfect for a sunset date.

Another impressive option in Santa Cruz is the Finch Bay Restaurant, a fine dining locale that many celebrate as the best in the entire Galapagos. Their menu celebrates all types of Ecuadorian cuisine, with a focus on seafood as well as some delicious vegetarian options. Pair your dining experience with a craft cocktail or a wine from their extensive list of Argentinian and Chilean-sourced bottles. Chef Andrés Orlando has developed an amazing dining experience – one that is always evolving to bring guests the best flavors of the region!

If you want to relax for a night and enjoy something a bit more casual while exploring San Cristobal, head to El Descanso Marinero, a restaurant that balances comfortable dining with exceptional seafood dishes.

3. Relax on the secluded beaches of the Galapagos

After months of planning a wedding and organizing hundreds of details, you deserve to take a real break. Escape to one of the secluded beaches in the Galapagos and spend a day (or several) soaking up the sun, enjoying one another’s company, and shutting off the outside world.

One of the best reasons to honeymoon in the Galapagos Islands is because of the remote location. It makes for an extremely relaxing, romantic vacation surrounded by the peace and quiet of nature. There are very few permanent inhabitants of the archipelago, so you’ll have plenty of beaches to explore and unwind in peace. Some of the most remarkable crystal waters can be found on the shores of Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal. Or, for something completely different, venture over to Floreana Island to see some black sand beaches worthy of a few photos together!

Plan your honeymoon in the Galapagos Islands with Kuoda

The best way to ensure your honeymoon is organized flawlessly is by planning with a Kuoda expert. After discussing your travel wishes and needs as a couple, we’ll curate a completely personalized itinerary that will exceed every expectation.

Let us worry about the logistics! Instead, you and your partner can focus on living to the fullest during your honeymoon, making memories that will last a lifetime.