How to Plan a Stress-Free Galapagos Family Tour

March 29, 2023 | by: Kuoda Authors

If you want a relaxing getaway for all ages, how about enjoying a stress-free Galapagos family tour, exploring one of the world’s most magical destinations? Hidden off the coast of Ecuador is one of the world’s most remote archipelagos that has drawn intrigue amongst world travelers, biologists, and nature lovers for centuries. The Galapagos Islands serve as an example of the wonders of evolution, with plenty of exotic animal and plant species that do not exist anywhere else on Earth.

An excursion to this majestic destination is an opportunity to learn, explore, play, and enjoy nature in its purest form! From the littlest explorer to the seasoned travel professional, people of every age find this to be one of the most incredible places in the world. But to plan a stress-free Galapagos family tour, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. As travel experts, we’re here to help you plan the most exciting trip ever with zero worries!

Book Your Adventure In Advance

June to September is peak season in the Galapagos for wildlife viewing

Getting to the Galapagos Islands is not a straightforward trip. Due to the remote location of these islands, travelers will have to make a few stops along the way on the mainland of Ecuador. Most people choose to take a connecting flight from Quito or Guayaquil to the islands. Be sure to avoid any last-minute mishaps or stressful travel mistakes by planning your trip well in advance, and with the help of experts like Kuoda.

There are plenty of ways to experience the magic of this archipelago, whether you’re looking for a luxury escape to the Galapagos, or you want something more focused on outdoor adventures. Whatever your preference is, booking sooner rather than later is key.

From mid-June through early September, and from mid-December through mid-January, the Galapagos Islands experience its peak travel season. Climate conditions make these two time periods excellent for various activities like birding, snorkeling, and island exploration. However, in order to protect all of these natural wonders, access to the Galapagos is very regulated. If you wait to book your trip, your family may miss out on experiences like seeing sea turtles hatch on the beach or watching penguins dash in and out of the Pacific.

To make the planning process as easy as possible, browse through one of Kuoda’s signature Galapagos itineraries to start getting some inspiration for your trip! Every trip is curated to your specific interests and travel goals, so you can customize the perfect family vacation with the help of our travel experts, and while you focus on what fun adventures you’ll have, we’ll focus on organizing all the logistics for a stress-free Galapagos family tour.

Pack Properly With The Island Essentials

Pack your best camera to capture the immense variety of species of the Galapagos

Once you’ve organized your trip to the Galapagos Islands, it’s time to consider what you’ll be bringing on the adventure. This destination offers many active experiences, so it’s important to pack comfortable shoes and good clothing you’ll be able to move around in. Whether you’re strolling the beaches, heading out on a boating trip, hiking through the islands, or exploring one of the nature reserves, it’s always better to be extra comfortable.

Since you’ll be traveling to a fairly tropical destination, you will also want a few extra essentials in your suitcase:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Reef-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin from UV Rays and protect the environment from harmful chemicals.
• Non-spray bug repellent. For environmental reasons, sprays are not permitted on the Galapagos Islands. Make sure you pack some eco-friendly repellant for yourself and the kids!

Include An Activity For Everyone In The Family

Snorkeling in the Galapagos is one of the best underwater activities to do as a family. You will see sharks, crabs and sea turtles.

While most people think of traveling to the Galapagos as a never-ending outdoor adventure, there are so many other types of activities available throughout the islands. Make your family vacation as relaxing as possible by including something special on the itinerary for every individual.

If you have a marine-life expert in the making in your family, add a day at sea to the plans! Snorkeling is one of the best experiences available on the islands. Diving into the lagoons just off the beaches of Santa Cruz Island will give you a chance to see green sea tur­tles, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and small non-aggressive sharks in the waters. It’s a must-do for sporty families, especially if there’s an ocean lover in your group.

For those who prefer an activity on dry land that’s still focused on studying the unique nature and wildlife of the Galapagos, head to the Charles Darwin Research Center. This facility takes you on an educational tour of the islands, looking at the fascinating geology, climate, natural history, and conservation of the Galapagos.

Travelers who enjoy luxurious experiences thrown into their adventure will enjoy a day spent yachting around the archipelago. Many private boat services allow you to weave in and out of the most popular destinations, spending a few hours exploring the iconic landscapes on foot while resting on a five-star cruise between each experience.

As you plan your trip with the Kuoda team, make sure to let us know what each traveler in your family enjoys! From cultural experiences to immersive outdoor escapes to foodie adventures, we’ll make sure there’s at least one fun activity tailored to each person on the trip.

Pick Family-Friendly Accommodations

Galapagos Camp: 55 hectares of land roamed by wild giant tortoises and bordering the Galapagos National Park

The key to a stress-free Galapagos family tour is finding a comfortable place to rest after every day of adventure. There’s nothing worse on a vacation than feeling too exhausted to do everything on your bucket list, so finding the perfect place to stay is key if you want to enjoy a relaxing trip.

One excellent option for families is the Galapagos Safari Camp, a boutique hotel that makes your stay feel just as exciting as exploring the islands. This hotel offers a variety of child-friendly room options to help accommodate families with kids of all ages. If you’re traveling with little ones, the Safari Tents are an excellent glamping option that provides every person with a relaxing place to rest. For families who have older kids that want the fun of having their own room, a Family Suite is an excellent option. With separate living spaces and three bathrooms, it’s the ideal choice for multigenerational families traveling to the islands.

The mission of Galapagos Safari Camp is to inspire kids to explore with a curious mind. At breakfast, the staff presents a fun fact or interesting question about the island for kids to ponder. This hotel goes above and beyond to make sure your little ones are entertained even when they’re not running around the islands.

Finding family-friendly accommodations is one of the best ways to ensure your vacation is full of nothing but joy, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. We’ll be sure to find a place that suits your family’s needs so you can indulge each night with a peaceful evening.

As you start to plan your Galapagos family tour, make sure you talk to a Kuoda expert and let us know what your travel goals are. We’ll happily take your ideas and turn them into the perfect custom itinerary for a vacation that is memorable and fun.