The Galapagos Islands is an excellent destination for everyone, including families with children. The amazing scenery, fun activities and tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities all capture the interest of families looking for a different kind of holiday. Children, teenagers and parents alike can learn about conservation, take fabulous photographs and enjoy the various activities that the archipelago has to offer. Galapagos Islands cruises are a great option for families with children as they offer a fun mix of nature trails on islands spotting unusual wildlife, snorkeling, kayaking and even a bit of beach time and swimming on some cruises.
Yet choosing a Galapagos cruise for a family visit to the Galapagos Islands is not always straightforward. There are a lot of different choices, and it can be hard to know which boats might be best. We are regularly asked which are the best Galapagos cruises for families. There is no obvious answer to this question as what works well for one family’s preferences may not be quite so good for another. Generally speaking, most cruises are excellent for people of all ages. To help families with this tricky decision we have identified some cruises that are often highly rated by families with children and teenagers:
Infinity – this Galapagos yacht is well equipped with interconnected cabins of a decent size, making it a convenient choice for families visiting the archipelago. While there are 20 people on board when the ship is full, the passengers are broken down into groups of 10 for taking part in activities. This means that children have a better chance of getting more attention by the guides, given this excellent guide to passenger ratio. They also have kayaks on board, which some families will appreciate. Families have reported good experiences on cruises on the Infinity.
Natural Paradise – this vessel is a relatively small yacht offering four-, five- and eight-day adventures in the Galapagos Islands. One of the great things about a Galapagos Islands cruise on this boat is that the ratio of staff to guests is high. There are 10 crew for 16 passengers. This means that the friendly crew has time for children in a way that might not be possible on other cruises with more passengers to each staff member and there are good amenities for older children or teenagers, such as kayaks. The feedback we have received from families on this cruise is that the guides are great with children and teenagers, so this could be a great choice.
Horizon – for families that are concerned about possible sea sickness risks, the Galapagos Horizon may be a good choice. It is a trimaran which gives it more stability than other Galapagos cruises such as catamarans or yachts, which may be more comfortable if sea sickness is a worry. This vessel also has amenities such as kayaks and snorkeling gear that older children and teenagers may benefit from. Reports from families on this boat are good. It has 16 passengers at any one time.
Hermes – while Hermes serves 20 passengers, the crew to passenger ratio is unusually, almost one to one. This means that the service is excellent and customers visiting in family groups have always given us good feedback about this option. The boat offers interconnecting cabins which are beneficial for family use as well, and as with the other cruises mentioned here, the amenities are good too.
Alya – with capacity for 16 passengers we also get great reports from families who have traveled around the Galapagos Islands on this boat. Activities offered include kayaking and snorkeling, which some children will love. The service is really very good and families booking with the Alya are not disappointed in our experience.
Elite – this cruise is good for families in a number of different ways. One is that the food can be suited to children, providing portions that are appropriate for them, along with taste options that they will enjoy. Families report finding this thoughtful and helpful, ensuring that everyone enjoys the cruise experience, not just the adults. Like a number of the other cruise options mentioned here, the Elite also has interconnecting cabins and amenities that will add to the enjoyment of a cruise for families, such as kayaks on board.
Ocean Spray – this large catamaran offers space for 16 passengers, and its panoramic windows offer jaw-dropping views of the islands for families. Cabins are quite spacious meaning that families can spread out a little, for a more comfortable experience in the Galapagos Islands. Similarly to other Galapagos cruise options listed here, there are good amenities on board such as kayaks, to help keep older children and teenagers interested. Again, families often say that they have had a great trip on Ocean Spray.
Ecogalaxy – for families seeking a sustainable cruise option, Ecogalaxy might be the right choice. This yacht has a strong focus on being as ecologically friendly as possible, with the lowest fuel consumption of any similar type of vessel. It has excellent reviews from families including for the space and size of rooms, as well as for the crew. The amenities and service are also very good, which will be at least in part why the reports we have had from families about cruises on the Ecogalaxy have always been very positive.
Galapagos Angel – yet another excellent choice, Galapagos Angel offers spacious suites and cabins. It provides a comfortable space for families and good amenities too such as on-board kayaks and snorkeling gear. The crew offer good service and the families that we have had traveling with Galapagos Angel have always said great things about their trip on this vessel. For German-speaking families, this yacht is a good choice as it offers German departures too.
Calipso – this motor yacht is also well-liked by families who have given good feedback after taking cruises with them. It is very spacious, and children enjoy the BBQ area as well as the types of excellent amenities that all of the other cruises suggested here also have, such as kayaks and snorkeling kit on board for use.
We recommend any of these cruise options for families looking for a Galapagos Islands cruise, but in reality, many cruises offer a good trip for those with children and teenagers. The enchanted isles are so fabulous that it is difficult not to an enjoy a cruise to this area. Even the sullenest teenager is likely to be delighted by the chance to snorkel with sea lions that play with them in the water. The wide variety of wildlife and its proximity will keep the attention of most children and teenagers, meaning that the trip is also enjoyable for parents too.
