Family Adventure in the Galápagos: Snorkeling, Kayaking & Hiking - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Explore 

Welcome to the capital of Ecuador, Quito! Your driver will meet you and the kids at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Tababela before taking you on a 45-minute drive to your hotel in the city center. Relax and take some time to acclimatize to the 9,350-foot (2,850 m) altitude before exploring the city.

Take the little ones for a runaround after the long flight in Carolina Park—a huge urban park in the center of the city. For something truly adventurous, zip up to the slopes of the Pichincha volcano in the TelefériQo cable car. At the top, give the kids something to tell their friends about by taking pictures of them on the world's highest swing! After a gentle wander around (remember, the altitude may make you may feel slightly breathless), head back down the volcano to La Floresta neighborhood. Here, the many street food outlets and restaurants will be sure to cater to all tastes, the fussiest of eaters included.

Day 2: Fly to Isla Santa Cruz, Visit Giant Tortoises

Now it's time for the journey of a lifetime! A private driver will transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight to the Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago located around 621 miles (1,000 km) off Ecuador's coast. On arrival at Isla Baltra's airport, you'll hop across the narrow Itabaca Channel to Isla Santa Cruz. Here your guide will be waiting to take you to your first stop: a local farm in the highlands that's home to giant tortoises. Kids may think they've gone to Jurassic Park as they watch these dinosaur-like creatures roam their natural habitat. Enjoy some local cuisine for lunch before continuing to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the afternoon.

There's no better way to kick off a trip to the Galápagos than with a visit to this fascinating research center. Learn all about the islands, their delicate ecosystems, and how scientists are protecting them through captivating, kid-friendly exhibitions and interactive activities. Before you head to your accommodation for the night, you'll make one last stop at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center for giant Galápagos tortoises. Walk the short trail through the park past tortoise pens, and keep your eyes peeled for iguanas, too! Later on, head to your hotel in the island's town of Puerto Ayora for an early night.

Day 3: Kayak in Tortuga Bay, Boat Tour of Isla Santa Cruz

Get your swimsuits and sunscreen ready for today's kayaking adventure. Meet your guide to begin your 45-minute, family-friendly hike to Tortuga Bay—famed for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Take your kayaks out onto the water to see marine life up close, and keep on the lookout for colonies of marine iguanas and interesting birdlife, as well as mangroves and cacti forests. Pelicans and finches are local to the area, and keen-eyed youngsters may even spot flamingoes. Park your kayaks on the beach for a sunbathing session while the kids play about in the sand.

In the afternoon, get your fill of the Galápagos' incredible range of wildlife on a small boat tour along the bay of Santa Cruz. First, stop at the small islet of La Lobería, where the kids will be thrilled to snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish. Afterward, head to the Shark Channel, where you may spot harmless whitetip sharks and blue-footed boobies. You'll also come upon the Canal del Amor, where little ones can keep an eye out for sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties in the turquoise water. After a day out in the sun and sea, everyone in the family will be ready to relax back at the hotel for the evening.

Day 4: Speedboat to Isla Isabela, Snorkel in Los Túneles

Day 5: Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, Return to Isla Santa Cruz

Get your hiking gear at the ready today—a family-friendly hike up the Sierra Negra volcano is on the agenda. Join your tour guide as you make your way through spectacular lava landscapes with views of the northern volcanoes of Isabela and neighboring Isla Fernandina. The kids will barely notice the effort as they explore the exotic vegetation and marvel at views of the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. Stop for a packed lunch before making your way back down again. In the afternoon, take the speed boat back to Isla Santa Cruz and put your feet up back at the hotel.

Day 7: Fly to Mainland Ecuador, Depart

Enjoy your last morning in the Galápagos, grabbing some last-minute beach time or fitting in some final souvenir shopping and family photo ops. When the time comes, your guide will take you back to the Itabaca Channel, where you'll cross to the airport on Isla Baltra by ferry and catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos? Check out these other Galápagos itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in the Galápagos with your family, or discover the best time to visit the Galápagos.