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Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Nature’s Laboratory: Wild Finds in the Galápagos With Your Family

Program No. 20873RJ
Alongside your family, explore volcanic landscapes, snorkel bright blue waters and learn about exotic animals (and maybe meet a few!) as you discover the Galápagos Islands together.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Ship Outside
Filling Fast!
Dec 20 - Dec 30, 2023
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Dec 23 - Jan 2, 2024
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top II for 4 nights and stays at a lodge on Isabela Island for 3 nights. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Dec 27 - Jan 6, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Jun 19 - Jun 29, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jun 26 - Jul 6, 2024
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jul 10 - Jul 20, 2024
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jul 17 - Jul 27, 2024
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jul 24 - Aug 3, 2024
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jul 31 - Aug 10, 2024
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Aug 7 - Aug 17, 2024
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Aug 14 - Aug 24, 2024
Ship Outside 6,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Dec 18 - Dec 28, 2024
Ship Outside 6,399
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top II for 3 nights and stays at a lodge on Isabela Island for 4 nights. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Dec 18 - Dec 28, 2024
Ship Outside 6,399
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Dec 21 - Dec 31, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 6,399
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top II for 4 nights and stays at a lodge on Isabela Island for 3 nights. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Dec 25 - Jan 4, 2025
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 6,399
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

GROUP - Koshnick Family - This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

DATES & PRICES

Ship Outside
Jun 19 - Jun 29, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 8,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jun 26 - Jul 6, 2024
Ship Outside 8,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jul 10 - Jul 20, 2024
Ship Outside 8,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jul 17 - Jul 27, 2024
Ship Outside 8,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jul 24 - Aug 3, 2024
Ship Outside 8,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Jul 31 - Aug 10, 2024
Ship Outside 8,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Aug 7 - Aug 17, 2024
Ship Outside 8,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Aug 14 - Aug 24, 2024
Ship Outside 8,199
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top V with East itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Filling Fast!
Dec 18 - Dec 28, 2024
Ship Outside 8,399
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

This program date sails on the Tip Top II for 3 nights and stays at a lodge on Isabela Island for 4 nights. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Dec 25 - Jan 4, 2025
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 8,399
Special Offer

Children under age 12 receive a savings of up to $500 off the price shown when you enroll (savings varies by category). Contact our Advisors to enroll today, and they will apply this discount for you!

Itinerary Note

GROUP - Koshnick Family - This program date sails on the Tip Top V with West itinerary. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

At a Glance

Spread your wings to South America as you explore one of the best places for exotic wildlife spotting in the world – the Galápagos! These tiny islands off the coast of Ecuador are home to friendly flamingos, the only reptiles that can swim (marine iguanas!), giant tortoises, cute penguins and cheeky Blue-footed Boobies all just waiting for you to find them. As you explore the awesome volcanic landscapes with your family and our expert naturalists, swim in a deep caldera and search for sea lion hangouts on nature walks as you all uncover the wild secrets of the Galápagos together.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
The program begins with flying into Quito, a city at 9,600 feet elevation in the Andes Mountains. Some participants find it helpful to fly into the city a day early to acclimate to the elevation. Daily activities in the remote Galapagos Islands require wet and dry landings, walking on volcanic terrain, and optional swimming and snorkeling in strong currents.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Get up close to the exotic animals that make the islands famous, such as marine and land iguanas, Darwin finches, flamingos and giant tortoises.
  • Grab your goggles! Swim and snorkel with colorful fish, rays and playful sea lions.
  • Venture on fun hikes with an expert on the local terrain to learn first-hand about the incredible volcanic formations on the island, including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones.

General Notes

This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 8 and up. Because the ship has double-sized cabins, when two adults travel with one child, they will be accommodated in two cabins (child and one adult share a cabin and other adult has single cabin). Every effort will be made to room them in adjoining cabins, but can't be guaranteed. During land portion of program in Quito, all three participants will be in one room. Itinerary and islands visited are assigned by Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice. Please refer to the website for the vessel and visitor sites included in your program. The expedition-style Galápagos vessels on this program hold 16 passengers in air-conditioned cabins with en suite facilities.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Galapagos Islands Explorer Map
by Ocean Explorer Maps
A detailed map of the Galapagos archipelago for the traveler at a scale of 1:400,000, including illustrated biographies of famous visitors, a brief wildlife guide with color photographs, a map of Darwin's route.
Galapagos Bedtime Stories
by Paula Tagle Saad
These delightful children's stories, organized by island, were inspired by Saad's many trips as an expedition leader. Each illustrated tale revolves around an animal or incident in the islands, including a newly hatched Waved Albatross, a sea lion pup and a nesting Flightless Cormorant.
Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands
by Andy Swash, Robert Stills
This strikingly compact, comprehensive field guide features 500 color photo-graphs, distribution maps and information on status, habitat and behavior.
Insight Guide Ecuador and Galapagos
by Insight Guides
Presenting the natural history, politics, culture, wildlife and attractions of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with style and authority.
The True Adventures of Charley Darwin
by Carolyn Meyer
Meyer turns the facts of Darwin's early life in Shrewsbury and his transforma-tion aboard the Beagle into a novel for young adults.
The Boy on the Back of the Turtle
by Paul Quarrington
Humorist, novelist and family man on a quest, Quarrington offers an entertain-ing account of a Galapagos voyage in the company of his seven-year-old daugh-ter and seventy-year-old father.
The Galapagos, A Natural History
by Henry Nicholls
Editor of the Galapagos Conservation Trust magazine and author of Lonesome George, Henry Nicholls charts the human and natural history of the archipelago from its fiery origins through famous visitors and current conservation challenges.
Galapagos, The Islands That Changed the World
by Paul D. Stewart
This stunning three-part BBC documentary captures the rugged beauty, allure, wildlife and history of the archipelago like never before
Understanding Galapagos: What You'll See and What it Means
by Sehoya Cotner, Randy Moore
An excellent introduction to the flora and fauna of the Galapagos and a stellar overview of evolutionary biography on the islands. Accessible for readers from all backgrounds.
Galapagos, A Novel
by Kurt Vonnegut
In this madcap novel, a classic, Vonnegut looks back from the future (alas, the human race has been wiped out except for a small group stranded in the Ga-lapagos) on the Nature Cruise of the Century.
Satan Came to Eden
by Dore Strauch
The original memoir of Dore Strauch, early settler to the Galapagos and participant in the fascinating unsolved mystery known as The Galapagos Affair, the subject of a new documentary. First published in 1936, it's back in print after 80 years.
Galapagos, World's End
by William Beebe
A wry, wonderfully evocative account of a 1924 scientific expedition, including an excellent chapter on the human history of the Galapagos by Ruth Rose. A contemporary reviewer wrote, "Galapagos is a glorious book. It is high romance, exact science and wild adventure." Originally published in 1924, it includes several color plates and maps.
Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
by David Horwell, Pete Oxford
With chapters on visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats, this compact photographic guide introduces birds, reptiles, marine and other life of the archipelago.
The History of Ecuador
by George Lauderbaugh
this compact book includes chapters on Ecuador today, Ecuador's indigenous and colonial past, the oil boom and other events.
Inside the Beagle with Charles Darwin
by Fiona MacDonald
MacDonald gives detailed accounts of daily life aboard the Beagle, animals and places encountered, as well as excellent illustrations and a balanced discussion of Darwin's ground-breaking scientific theories. Ages 8 and up.
Evolution's Workshop
by Edward J. Larson
A vivid history of the Galapagos and the role of the islands as a crucible of evolutionary ideas, written by a Pulitzer Prize winner. Larson covers Darwin and the discovery of the islands, the visits of Hancock and Beebe, the influence of the United States during WWII and the establishment of the national park.
Voyage of the Beagle
by Charles Darwin
The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, this book is still essential reading. Darwin's South American chapters are an excellent introduction to the Galapagos, Beagle Channel, Chile, Tierra del Fuego, the Chilean fjords and the Brazilian coast. With maps and appendices.
Galapagos, Islands Born of Fire
by Tui De Roy
A stunning celebration of the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the Galapagos by a photographer who was raised in the archipelago. Tenth anniversary edition.
Wildlife of the Galapagos
by Julian Fitter, Daniel Fitter, David Hosking (Photographer)
A compact identification guide to Galapagos nature and wildlife, featuring 400 color photographs, an overview of the history, climate, evolution and geology of the islands, and helpful full-color visitor site maps.
Galapagos, The Islands That Changed the World
by Paul D. Stewart (Director)
Also available on Blu-Ray, this stunning three-part BBC documentary captures the rugged beauty, allure, wildlife and history of the archipelago like never before.
Galapagos: The Enchanted Islands, Through Writer's Eyes
by John Hickman (Editor)
Hickman weaves original accounts by Galapagos whalers, gentleman pirates, fitful castaways, settlers and scientists, including Ambrose Crowley, Herman Melville, Charles Darwin and William Beebe, in these tales of the colorful human history of the archipelago.
Ecuador Adventure Map
by National Geographic Society
This double-sided, waterproof map covers Ecuador in splendid detail (1:750:00) and also includes a Galapagos map (1:1 million).
Galapagos Wildlife
by Pocket Naturalist
This fold-up, laminated card includes color drawings and short descriptions.
Galapagos, A Natural History
by Michael Jackson
This comprehensive guide to the natural history of the Galapagos is practically mandatory reading -- the single best introduction to the geology and climate, habitats, plants, birds, animals, ecology and evolution.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.