Best Things to Do During a Family Vacation in the Galapagos Islands

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is considered a dream family vacation for many. If you have been considering making this trip with your family, you might want to be aware of what you can do once you get there. Today, I am sharing the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands with family. You don’t need to do everything on this list. However, you should consider the activities that will allow you to make memories with your family.

Best Things to Do During a Family Vacation in the Galapagos Islands

Go Snorkeling

The sparkling water surrounding the Galapagos Islands will be beckoning to you from the moment you arrive. Some of the best memories you have of a family vacation in the Galapagos Islands will be of your family snorkeling in the water. During this family adventure, you can spot different fish and green sea turtles. If you are extremely lucky, you may even spot the world’s smallest penguin.

There are quite a few amazing spots for snorkeling amongst these islands. Over near San Cristobal, I recommend checking out Kicker Rock. It is all about Pinnacle Rock on San Bartolome. And off the coast of Floreana, consider Devil’s Crown. I promise it is not as intimidating as the name sounds!

Head out to Sea on a Kayak

If you don’t want to spend your days immersed in the water, you may want to consider climbing into a kayak instead. Paddling along the shoreline is a fabulous experience. Especially when you take the time to explore the secret coves, beaches, and mangrove estuaries.

Taking a glass-bottom boat ride is another option if you don’t want to navigate the water on your own. Plus, you can see all the marine life, including sharks, swimming underneath the boat.

Head Out on a Hike

One of the best places to hike is within Galapagos National Park. It is important to understand that visitors like yourself are not allowed in every area throughout the park. So, keep an eye out for signage and follow the directions of the locals if you do venture out.

Thankfully, there are marked trails around the Galapagos Islands. Checking out the sea lions is easy when you take one of the lava rock trails. There is even a trail that leads to Sierra Negra, which is the second-largest volcano caldera in the world.

Hiking the trails on these islands is one of the best ways to see the sights. It is also an excellent way to make memories with your family.

Catch a Wave Surfing

A couple of the beaches on the islands allow surfing. It is best to check the beach regulations before heading out on the water, though. Galapagos Beach is one of the best beaches for surfing, according to the locals. Keep that in mind if you want me to add it to your itinerary.

Take a Panga Ride

A panga ride is also known as a dinghy ride. Taking one of these rides is one of the best ways to check out the wildlife in shores, coves, and caves. Make sure you take your camera with you. There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures of your family.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station is the best place to learn about conservation on the Galapagos Islands. During your visit, you can meet baby giant tortoises and learn about the island’s tortoise breeding program.

Go Island Hopping on a Galapagos Cruise

Day cruises are available on the Galapagos Islands. These cruises are an excellent way to go island hopping and check out the different islands. You can even see the remote islands many people don’t know about.

Visit the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal

One of the easiest ways to learn about the history, geology, and biology of the Galapagos Islands is to visit the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal. This educational attraction will allow your family to learn about the islands in a short period of time.

Visit the Wall of Tears

The Wall of Tears, or El Muro de las Lagrimas, can be found on Isabela Island. This historical site is where prisoners were sent to collect and stack volcanic rocks. Those rocks were stacked to create this 65-foot-high wall that seems to continue on forever.

Check Out the Scalesia Trees at Los Gemelos and Scalesia Forest

Scalesia trees have grown over what was once an area filled with lava tunnels. These trees are endangered and can only be found on the islands. This is one family adventure that will be unique if you choose to take the time to do it.

Deliver a Letter from the Post Office

In the Galapagos Islands, it has long been a tradition for people to take a letter from Post Office Bay on Floreana Island and deliver it to the recipient on another island. This is another unique thing to do in the Galapagos Islands that your family won’t want to pass up!

Grab Some Fish from the Santa Cruz Fish Market

Okay, so you will only want to grab your own fish from the Santa Cruz Fish Market if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen. If not, you won’t have a place to cook it. However, you can still visit this fish market to watch the chefs of restaurants, locals, and even sea lions fight over the best catch of the day.

Go Cliff Diving at Las Grietas

Cliff diving takes nerves of steel, so I will understand if you want to skip this family adventure in the Galapagos Islands. However, if the kids love adrenaline rushes, head over to Las Grietas on Santa Cruz Island. This area offers a unique ecosystem since it is where both freshwater and saltwater meet.

If you don’t want to dive from the cliffs, you can stick to swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water.

Relax on a Sandy Beach

You can’t travel all the way to the Galapagos Islands for a family vacation and not spend a little time relaxing on a sandy beach! Tortuga Bay, over on Santa Cruz Island, is a favorite of many. I recommend visiting during the months of April and May. This is when the turtle hatchlings emerge and head toward the sea. It is quite a sight to watch!

If you miss that time of year, don’t worry. You will still find this isolated beach is the perfect place to unwind and have a few laughs with the kids.

These are some of the best things to do during a family vacation in the Galapagos Islands. There are many others, and I can share them with you when we chat about your next family vacation.

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