Tropical, remote, and protected from human interference, the Galapagos is far from your average family vacation destination. Its beauty is so extraordinary and nature so rich that it will create a lasting impression on your family. On a cruise around this otherworldly archipelago you will discover surreal landscapes, learn about endangered and endemic species, play together in the gin-clear sea, and get some much-needed relaxation time on your luxury yacht. Best of all, you and your children will form precious memories together amongst one of the most exquisite ecosystems on Earth that will be treasured and reminisced over for a lifetime. Since our children grow up all too quickly, it’s important to take this opportunity to spend quality time with them before they fly the nest. In this article, we shine light on why the Galapagos is one of the very best destinations for families with children 10 years and older to do just that.

Why is a Galapagos Cruise Perfect for Families?

Imagine cruising with your family around the Galapagos on one of the most luxurious yachts in the archipelago spotting turtles as they swim beside you and rare birds as they fly into the island canopies. Along the way, expect to cross paths with giant turtles and marine iguanas on Tortuga Bay, learn about animal conservation at Charles Darwin Station, and stand over the mouth of the Sierra Negro Volcano. These moments of excitement and amazement will be complemented by moments of solace in the comfort top deck jacuzzi as the yacht sails your family to the next incredible Galapagos island. Volcano. This balance of fun and adventure with rest and relaxation is ideal for a family dynamic.

Not to mention, family experiences like these are so powerful and unique that they will undoubtedly become core childhood memories for your children to fondly remember when they are older. What’s more, the Galapagos will nourish their all important connection to nature and themselves and, in turn, cultivate a greater love and appreciation for the wonders of the world around them. 

little girl taking photo of IguanaWhat to Expect Onboard our Galapagos Cruises

Totally Latin America offers access to one of the region’s most exclusive and luxurious fleets to give your family an epic cruise experience. Between our six designer yachts, we’ll take you from the archipelago’s most famous bays to its remotest corners where many boats can’t reach from Darwin Bay to Mosquera Islet.

It is our promise to provide unparalleled adventure, matched with a guarantee of exceptionally-appointed suites, spacious decks, and moreish cuisine. Each yacht is modern with a classic nautical elegance and accommodates a maximum of 16 guests for an exclusive and intimate experience. The Infinity Galapagos yacht was made with families in mind boasting interconnected cabins, private balconies, and ample social spaces to relax and play onboard. In short, it’s a home away from home for you and your family. Meanwhile, as a catamaran, the stable and smooth Cormorant II is ideal for families who may struggle to find their sea legs.

Cabin aboard the infinity Yacht Galapagos, Double Bed, with white and blue sheeting and wooden flooringPrivate Family Excursions with your Cruise Guide

With each yacht comes two naturist guides that can engage adults, children, and even those most difficult to impress — teenagers. Their acute knowledge and experience with the Galapagos’ rare and endemic animals and the region’s geology captures everyone’s attention and imagination with ease. Meanwhile, their expertise on the Galapagos’ ecosystem and habitats allow them to ensure you get up-close encounters with the region’s wildlife. Seal lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and even Galapagos sharks are just some of the species you can find yourself within touching distance of!

Our yachts provide four, five, and eight-day itineraries,each of which are completely unique. Therefore, you can choose your cruise based on your family’s interests. Perhaps you are avid adventurers who love to explore different landscapes, or perhaps you prefer to explore reefs and spot wildlife that resides along the coast. Or maybe each family member has different interests and you want a cruise that keeps everybody happy. Well, our cruise itineraries allow you to do just that. From hiking, bird-watching, and exploring research centres to diving, snorkelling, and swimming with sharks, the itineraries are packed with stimulating excursions for both children and adults. 

Mother and two children in Galapagos taking a nature walkEducation and Conservation of Nature

The up-close encounters with nature and insights gained into the region’s exemplary ecosystem of endemic species are not just exciting for your children, they are also highly educational. To discover such unique plants, animals, and habitats first-hand is an invaluable learning experience. 

The Galapagos islands formed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean as a result of volcanic activity which, combined with its proximity to the equator and position between three meeting currents, created an inimitable ecosystem of endemic animals and incomparable landscapes. As a result, this natural phenomenon has so much to teach us about the Earth, the sea, and the connections between humans and nature. Therefore, not only does it attract curious families like yours, it attracts scientists, geologists, and naturalists who are all continuously learning from what the Galapagos has to teach. The archipelago’s most famous student was Charles Darwin who developed his theory of evolution on its very shores.

Most recently, the Galapagos has attracted conservationists to its shores with a goal of protecting and conserving the region’s irreplaceable ecosystem. While tourism and human interference on the islands are regulated by law, climate change and other factors continue to threaten the ecosystem. Conservation organisations, research facilities, and rehabilitation programs are therefore established throughout the islands. On your Galapagos tour, you and your children will have the privilege of visiting these organisations and facilities to learn first-hand about the importance of living in harmony with nature and the ways in which we can do that. 

2 children snorkeling with sea turtle in turquois waterFun and Relaxation Onboard your Yacht

While your cruise guides will make learning about the Galapagos’ natural environment really engaging, they also ensure you have time to unwind together and bond over other fun activities. In between excursions, you can make use of your yachts social spaces and watersports facilities. Whip on your flippers and squeeze on your snorkels to jump from your yacht’s aft into the sparkling turquoise sea to spot weird and wonderful marine life in the colourful reefs with your children. Alternatively, slide into some kayaks to go on a family trip along the Galapagos coastlines or through its thick mangroves. Onboard, there’s plenty of space indoor and on deck for the whole family to hang out and play cards or board games while your cruise chefs prepare delicious dinners or simply reminisce over the day’s memories in the sun.

Galapagos sealions sat huddled on a white sandy beachBringing the Family Together

The curiosity, adventure, and wonder the Galapagos cultivates is exactly why it’s the ideal destination to take your older children and teenagers. At this stage in their life, the world is still new to them and they love to learn and discover more about their planet. Being free from fear of the unknown unlike us adults can be, they will be eager to climb volcanos, dive into the ocean, and get up close to strange animals. Since they are from a generation that is heavily threatened by climate change, it will also be eye-opening for them to see why environmentalism and conservation is important. Perhaps the trip will even inspire a love of wildlife, geography, conservation, photography, or even sailing which you children can carry into their future careers or hobbies.

The adventures and unique experiences a Galapagos cruise offers will be life-changing for you and your children, whether they are 10 or even 21 years old. However, the best take-away you’ll get from a family Galapagos cruise will be the fire it ignites for your love and appreciation for one another as you spend quality time together in such an incredible part of the world.

Plan Your Galapagos Family Trip Today

Totally Latin America are experts in travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Discuss your travel plans with us today and discover all of our Galapagos cruises for families with children.

Explore all of our luxury Galapagos tours. 

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.” (Charles Darwin)
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