8 Days | Experience nature on this Galapagos Islands expedition
The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the rarest animals on the planet and this trip gives the whole family a unique opportunity to learn about the biology and diversity of this paradise. Everyone will enjoy spotting the myriad animals in their natural environment as they graze, sleep and play on the beaches, mountains and rocks of the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Snorkel beside sea lions, marvel at the plodding majesty of giant tortoises, spot frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos crabs, and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, whales, dolphins and sharks as you explore this natural paradise. You’ll experience (animal) life like never before together on this beautiful family-focused expedition to the Galapagos.
Trip overview
- Start
- Quito, Ecuador
- Finish
- Quito, Ecuador
- Theme
- Family, Wildlife
- Destinations
- Ecuador
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 5
- Group size
- Min 2 - Max 16
- Trip code
- GLFB
- Swimming beside sea lions is an incredible and surreal experience, and there are few better places to do so than Isla Lobos: home of the world's second largest sea lion colony.
- You'll get to know the locals by staying in small hotels on the Galapagos islands, as well as exploring the islands and coves by boat.
- Be surrounded by birds like blue-footed boobies and frigates, who land so close, and often have not even the slightest interest you're there!
- Incredible photo opportunities await around every corner – not least of Kicker Rock, the marvellous twin volcanic peaks seen sitting in the ocean from the top of Cerro Tijeratas.
- With spare time in Quito and Isla Santa Cruz, you can spend quality time with the family – perhaps with further hiking or visiting the colourful local markets.
- This is a well-rounded family adventure, and there are many reasons to fall in love with the Galapagos Islands. That said, wildlife is the major focus of this trip, so it's especially suited to animal-lovers and birdwatchers.
- This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
- This trip involves a lot of travel by speedboat between the various Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.
- From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual. Consequently, travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.
- Proximity to the equator means the sun in the Galapagos is incredibly strong. Ensure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend a rash guard.
- This trip includes snorkelling on multiple days. Confident swimming skills are required to take part. Alternative activities will not be available.
- The Galapagos is a great place to switch off and take a break from your phone, as internet access can be patchy and wi-fi is not always available or reliable.
- Hot water can be sporadic in some parts of the Galapagos, so there may be a few cold showers on the trip.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Boat, Speed boat
Hotels (7 nights)
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Quito - Leader led city tour + the Equator line
- Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
- Isla Santa Cruz - Purto Ayora Walking Tour
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
- Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Las Loberias
- Isla Lobos - Swimming and Snorkelling
- Quito - Compania de Jesus - USD4
- Quito - La Ronda Walk - Free
- Quito - Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40
- Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
- Quito - Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest - USD160
- Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
- Quito -The Otavalo Indigenous market and Condor Park - USD90
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. This trip is for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.
3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
5. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
6. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
7. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. We will use your passport details to complete the application process on your behalf. At the Welcome Meeting in Quito, you will be required to pay your leader US$20 per person in cash to cover the fee.
8. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$100) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment and are all per person.
From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from US$100 to US$200 per person.
9. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Intrepid supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
For more information: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/
10. Snorkelling equipment is included in this tour (mask & flippers). If you wish to hire a wetsuit this can be arranged locally for an additional cost.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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