Sailing through the Galapagos Islands with our 4-year-old son made us better parents.
When the term “kid-friendly vacation” is floated around, most envision gigantic amusement parks brimming with roller coasters and vibrant character parades. We think about lively resorts splashed with waterslides and children’s entertainment, where the little ones can exhaust their energy in a world designed just for them. These are the default settings, the safe choices ingrained in our minds when planning a holiday with our young kids. But as parents, we also want to expose our children to something beyond the confines of man-made attractions.
With this urge, my husband and I planned an untraditional spring break for our 4-year-old son, Wilder. Much like the autumn before when we ventured on an African safari, we sought another journey to immerse our child in the wonders of the natural world. After much consideration, we landed on an exciting, albeit unexpected destination: the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos, an archipelago of volcanic islands straddling the equator in the Pacific Ocean, is often considered a remote and unorthodox choice for a family vacation. Admittedly, it doesn’t bring to mind the usual amenities of kid-friendly places. Often associated with Charles Darwin and his seminal work on evolution, it’s more likely to spark thoughts of unique wildlife and scientific discovery than toddler-friendly activities. Even more so, taking a preschooler to these remote islands generally differs from the conventional advice you’d hear.
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But here’s the surprising revelation: despite its remote location and rugged natural surroundings, the Galapagos proved to be an extraordinary family-friendly destination. Its diverse wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes offered an enriching experience far surpassing a conventional vacation’s everyday thrills. But, of course, awe-inspiring moments still come with the typical challenges of parenting a toddler—unpredictable moods, erratic meal times, and, in this case, an inconvenient bathroom break— just as any holiday would. So, to any parents considering this bold move, here’s what you should know about bringing a toddler to the Galapagos.
The Galapagos Islands Are Closer Than You Think
If you were considering a vacation to Europe or a theme park for a family getaway, you might be surprised that the Galapagos might be a closer option. Ecuador is only six hours from New York City and even closer to other destinations. So, the flight time is comparable to or less than those typical destinations. Plus, it’s only a two-hour time difference from New York City and less from other spots in the country. Parents don’t have to worry about the dreaded jet lag with little ones.
Taking a Cruise Ship Means No Planning
We opted for Lindblad’s National Geographic Islander II, which means parents don’t have to plan a thing. The cruise arranged everything from our flights, transfers, daily itineraries, and accommodations. All we had to do was choose the dates..
When embarking on a cruise ship adventure, families can leave the stress of organizing travel details behind. With a cruise, parents can book their tickets, board the ship, and let the experienced cruise staff take care of the rest. From the moment you step onboard, you’ll find a well-structured itinerary filled with exciting activities and destinations to explore. The ship’s crew meticulously plans each day, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Accommodations are already arranged, offering comfortable and convenient living spaces for the duration of the journey. This eliminates the hassle of searching for hotels or worrying about transportation logistics, allowing us to focus on creating lasting memories with our son. Plus, taking a cruise is the best way to see the Galapagos since you can explore more by water, and traveling between islands takes place during meals or at night, unlike a land-based trip.
Cruises Are Geared to All Ability Levels
Galapagos cruises are also geared to all ability levels, making them an ideal choice for families with children of various ages. Even a four-year-old can enjoy the activities onboard and at the destinations. For instance, our little one could easily handle short hikes and snorkeling. We simply put Wilder in swimmies, and he floated alongside us, exploring the underwater wonders. And he got a kick out of clearing the rocks out of the way for everyone on the hike.
Moreover, cruise itineraries are designed to cater to different preferences and capabilities. As a result, plenty of alternatives were available if something other than snorkeling wasn’t what we wanted to do. For example, we could have opted for a glass-bottom boat tour, which would have allowed us to observe the marine life without getting into the water. This flexibility in activity options ensured that everyone in the family could have an enjoyable experience, regardless of their abilities or preferences.
Opt for a Kid-Focused Cruise
Understandably, many Galapagos cruises are not kid friendly. So, we chose one that not only allows kids but welcomes them. Thankfully, Lindblad has the National Geographic Global Explorers Program. Developed in collaboration with National Geographic Education, this hands-on, interactive program inspires children to embrace their inner explorers.
Our little one had a blast participating in various activities tailored to children. From coloring in hats to learning how to drive a Zodiac, the cruise provided different engaging and age-appropriate experiences. There was even a Science Hub filled with games and toys for kids to play with. The attention to detail in creating a kid-focused environment made our child feel incredibly welcome and included throughout the journey. The Field Notebook, a favorite of ours, allows kids to draw pictures and write facts about the wildlife and geological formations they encounter, creating a permanent memory of the trip.
Our son’s accomplishments were celebrated on the final night as he received his “captain’s license” for mastering the art of driving the zodiac, presented in front of everyone.
A Cruise With Built-in Babysitters
One of the best and most delightful aspects of our cruise experience was everyone on the boat’s genuine enjoyment when interacting with our son. Since most passengers were retired couples or groups with grown children, they were thrilled to have a 4-year-old around. It felt like we sometimes had built-in babysitters, as our son found companionship and care from fellow passengers. I was astonished to see how involved and hands-on everyone became. Whether holding our son on their backs while snorkeling or sitting with him on the bus, fellow travelers went out of their way to ensure his safety and happiness. The guides themselves even carried him at certain points. It was heartwarming to witness the genuine connections formed on the cruise, where different generations bonded and created memorable experiences.
The Galapagos Is Great for Active Kids
The Galapagos Islands proved to be an ideal destination for kids with boundless energy, just like mine. With many constant activities, our trip to the Galapagos became an adventure-filled experience that catered perfectly to our active lifestyle. Each day brought forth a new set of thrilling activities, from swimming in crystal-clear waters to kayaking through picturesque coastlines and embarking on exhilarating hikes. There was never a dull moment, and we always had an exhausted child at night.
Mealtimes Were a Challenge
Of course, there were tough moments. Meals, in particular, were challenging. Since it was a smaller ship, breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served at specific times. Those scheduled meal times didn’t align well with my son’s usual routine, making it difficult for him to adapt. However, we quickly realized the importance of finding a solution. Working closely with the staff, we arranged separate meals for our son at different times, ensuring he had food when needed. This arrangement often meant that my husband and I had to take turns eating and accommodating our son’s napping or sleeping schedule. Despite the initial hurdles, we found a balance that allowed us all to enjoy our meals, even if it meant some unconventional mealtime arrangements or solo dining.
It Made Us Better Parents
Embarking on an adventurous trip with our 4-year-old was a transformative experience that made us better parents. Like many moms, I often feel anxious about deviating from our routine or trying activities I wasn’t sure my child could do. It was tempting to stick to the familiar, but that often meant engaging in kid-friendly yet monotonous activities. However, this trip shattered those boundaries and pushed us all out of our comfort zones. We took the plunge, swam with a shark, and embarked on longer hikes that challenged our physical endurance (and my son’s bladder control). Through these experiences, we discovered newfound bravery and patience within ourselves and our son. It taught us the value of stepping outside our familiar bubble and embracing the unknown.
We Made Bucket List Worthy Memories
Just because we had a child didn’t mean we wanted to put our bucket list trips on hold. In fact, we were determined to create extraordinary experiences together as a family, even if it meant some adjustments along the way. Swimming with sea lions who joyfully played with us in the water, encountering unique Galapagos animals, and witnessing the breathtaking sunset over a lava field—these moments had always been on our bucket list. And now, even though it may not be as easy as doing it without our son, we still have those incredible experiences. Moreover, the knowledge that we were sharing these moments with our son made them even more unique, creating memories that would shape his world perspective. It was a testament to the fact that our dreams and aspirations didn’t end when we became parents; instead, they were enhanced by the joy of including our child in our adventures.
We did a Galapagos Tour which had one extended family including an infant. That family brought along a nanny. There were also other kids and a kid program so it all worked out well.
We lived in Galapagos for 4 years and our 1st child was born in Ecuador and was with us until he was three. He learned to walk on lava gravel. He took his first (of several cruises) at 9 months. We now run a Galapagos travel company - CNH Tours. We help about 500 people a year find an expedition cruise most suited to their needs. While the author reports a good experience with her 4 year old, I would suggest waiting until your child is at least 7 (and older unless the child is a well-behaved, self-disciplined 7), for a few reasons:1) Any younger than that and you child is likely not to remember much, if anything at all of this potentiall eye-opening / life-influencing experience. It will have been a wasted trip for the child.2) Your child should be very comfortable in the water, swimming and snorkeling, to get the most out of a trip to Galapagos.3) You're paying that much more to bring a child who will not benefit, and who will invariably impose a limit on what you'll be able to do while there.
So, just be patient, and when it's time - go. The whole family will enjoy a much richer and more memorable experience. Also, there are 65 ships plying Galapagos waters - most carrying 20 or fewer guests - providing for a much more intimate experience that the maximum allowable sized ships of 100 guests.
Some of us have worked hard and saved up a lifetime for this trip. Please consider that too because having a small child on a challenging trip like this could ruin it for everyone. I personally don't think it's a good idea for that and other reasons, but most parents nowadays don't care about others. (A bad thing to teach your children....).
I totally agree with you. This is not a kid friendly vacation no matter what the author claims and most likely inconvenienced everyone else on the trip.