Visiting Galapagos with kids
 

We are a couple with 2 kids (11 year old and 5 year old), and we are planning to visit Ecuador and Galapagos in December.

We were wondering if Galapagos is suitable given the age of our kids. Are there boats that have room for 4 in their cabins? Are there other ways to see Galapagos than take a cruise?

We were considering 7 days in Galapagos and 7 days in Ecuador.

Any suggestions on the boats we should consider, and places to visit in Galapagos and Ecuador would be appreciated.

We're thinking of doing this too, with grandchildren. We'd like to find something that does cater to kids a little.
So far, all we've seen is Celebrity's Xpedition(?) and it's pretty pricy.
Mush, what have you decided for your trip?
Anyone else have any ideas?

If you are over 55 Elderhostel has a lot of Galapagos programs for grandparents and grandchildren. It probably would suit your needs well. I have not been to the Galapagos on such a program (no grandchildren), but Elderhostel generally does a nice job with such programs. The web address is elderhostel.org.

Lindblad Expeditions has designated "family" sailing dates, but they're also on the expensive side.

When we went to the Galapagos there were children on our boat (50 passengers) but none as young as 5. I don't think a 5 year old could have done the excursions...difficult landing from the motorized inflated raft. I would suggest checking if there are restrictions on young children. The swimming both from the boat or from the beaches was sometimes very rough. Also there were no activites for children on our boat. But the larger boats may have a whole different agenda. The Galapagos is very interesting and special. Remember also that much is Ecuador is quite high in altitude.

We just got back from our vacation in Galapagos, Amazon and Machu Picchu. Our 5 year old thoroughly enjoyed Galapagos. It was just perfect. We did go for a larger boat (about 90 people) since that allowed more room for the kids to wander about and we had lot of fun. We also opted for the 5 days in Galapagos, instead of 7. The kids would not have minded another 7 days in Galapagos, but I thought 5 days was perfect to visit and see the islands.

Dear Mush:

Glad to hear you had a great trip. Please do a trip report. It would be great to hear about doing this type of trip with kids.

Happy New Year,

MY

Glad it worked so well. A report with an emphasis on what the kids especially enjoyed and strategies used to keep them happy would be helpful to others contemplating the Galapagos with children.

The place is meant for kids: the amazing diversity in landscapes and animals keep them entertained. Also, the boats do such a good job at keeping everyone occupied, that there is not much effort required. Between the land activities during the day, and the activities/food onboard, our kids did not want it to end.
However, make sure that your kids dont mind walking. We had atleast 2 hikes daily, each one a couple of miles, and this may be difficult for some.
Most boats have a 7-year minimum age requirement, so the choices will be limited if kids are below 7.
Just to be safe, we carried wet suits, life vests and snorkeling equipment, in case we dont find their sizes. The wet suit was not required, since there was a warm current at that time. And while kids sizes were limited, there were enough for the kids on the boat, and we ended up not using our stuff.
Also, our practicing snorkeling in a local pool before we left helped a bit.

Mush-
Thanks for your report. Sounds like you had a terrific time.
Did you use a particular tour group, agency, boat?
How did the kids do in Peru?
Did the altitude affect any of you? Did you take any meds to avoid problems?

We were on the ship called Santa Cruz. It is an older boat, and from outside it was disappointing compared to the Galapagos Legend (where 5 year olds were not allowed) which was docked close by. But inside the ship and the general organization was pretty good.

The kids did pretty well in Peru, though they were a little tired of the Inca ruins by the time we were done!

The altitude did affect us, but very little, in both Ecuador and Peru. I guess we got lucky. Quito is 9200 feet above sea level, and cusco is 11300 feet. Our doctor gave us meds to carry, but we had no meds for the kids. However we did not use any meds since we did not find the need for them. We were told to relax for a few hours in quito and cusco, and that worked wonders. It was only when we were running up the steps or doing some activity that we felt the affects of the altitude.

Thank you for the report Mush!!

MY

If you are interested in a detailed trip report see http://www.hegde.com/Rishab.htm

I took a cruise in the Galapagos on a larger boat (through Lindblad Expeditions). There were plenty of kids on the boat and there were no problems. You always have to be with a guide in the Galapagos and the kids seemed to have a great time.

Here is my review of the Galapagos:
http://www.epinions.com/content_214393130628
At the bottom are links to my other reviews. I highly recommend Lindblad Expeditions, although it is expensive. I think the only larger ship than Lindblad's two boats would be the Celebrity Xpedition boat.

If you're interested in photos, e-mail me. [email protected]

My family and I went on a Galapagos cruise on the Letty, one of the Ecoventura boats and a sister ship to the Flamingo and the Eric.

3 out of 4 members of my family and 7 out of 22 people on the boat contracted a stomach virus with symptoms including fever, diarrhea and vomiting.

I would stay away from those boats.

Still thinking of doing this trip!

gap adventures. has a "galapagos family adventure" tour they take kids aged 6-17 on this tour. 12 and older on the non family tours.

www.gapadventures.com

Took my 9 year old grandson to the Galapagos and I say Go for It. There were 10 or 12 kids on the boat (the Isabella). He had a grand time and handled the hikes probably better than I did.

I am sorry. The ship was the Santa Cruz and not the Isabella.

Hi,
I plan to take my 9 yr old daughter & wife to Galapagos this Summer.
Which size cruise is better: Smaller ones (14 or 16 passengers) or big ones (50+).
I am not sure which one to choose from (a slight price difference is OK).

Any suggestions on adding another destination with Galapagos (we can spend 2 weeks - out of which 8 days for galapagos. We can spare another 5 days for one other place).

Thanks,
-ven