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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11 days
10 nights
27 meals
10B 8L 9D
3
Baltra Island, Board Boat, Mosquera Islet
Galápagos Islands
4
Sullivan Bay, Rabida
Galápagos Islands
5
Punta Espinoza, Elizabeth Bay
Galápagos Islands
6
Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove
Galápagos Islands
7
Puerto Egas, Bartolome
Galápagos Islands
8
Sombrero Chino, Dragon Hill
Galápagos Islands
9
Santa Cruz Highlands, Wild Tortoises, Charles Darwin Station
Galápagos Islands
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
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- 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.
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
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.
Nature’s Laboratory: Wild Finds in the Galápagos With Your Family
Program Number: 20873
Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
With chapters on visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats, this compact photographic guide introduces birds, reptiles, marine and other life of the archipelago.
Galapagos: The Enchanted Islands, Through Writer's Eyes
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.
Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands
This strikingly compact, comprehensive field guide features 500 color photo-graphs, distribution maps and information on status, habitat and behavior.
Galapagos, A Natural History
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.
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin
Sis illuminates Darwin's grand life: his travels, ideas and impact, using watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations. The richly embellished pages feature a gorgeous gatefold spread as well as diary pages, maps and charts.
Galapagos Wildlife
This fold-up, laminated card includes color drawings and short descriptions.
The Boy on the Back of the Turtle
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.
Galapagos, The Islands That Changed the World
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.
Evolution's Workshop
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.
Boobies, Iguanas and Other Critters
This beautifully illustrated book provides an overview of the Galapagos for ages 10 to 14. Clear, detailed and accurate, it explains the volcanic formation of the islands, ecology, wildlife and scientific research.
Insight Guide Ecuador and Galapagos
Presenting the natural history, politics, culture, wildlife and attractions of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with style and authority.
Voyage of the Beagle
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.
The History of Ecuador
this compact book includes chapters on Ecuador today, Ecuador's indigenous and colonial past, the oil boom and other events.
The Galapagos, A Natural History
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, World's End
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.
Charles Darwin
A new addition to DK's acclaimed Biography series, this is a detailed and accessible chronicle of Darwin's life, sure to grab the interest of younger readers. With more than 100 full-color photographs and illustrations.
Galapagos, Islands Born of Fire
A stunning celebration of the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the Galapagos by a photographer who was raised in the archipelago. Tenth anniversary edition.
Galapagos Islands Explorer Map
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.
Understanding Galapagos: What You'll See and What it Means
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.
Darwin and Evolution for Kids, His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities
An interactive, illustrated biography of Darwin for kids ten and up (and their families). The book, which includes hands-on activities, covers Darwin's career from his youth to his mind-expanding voyage aboard the Beagle to the development of the theory of evolution through natural selection.
Inside the Beagle with Charles Darwin
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.
Meals
27 Meals
10 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
9 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
- Jun 19, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024
- Jun 26, 2024 - Jul 06, 2024
- Jul 03, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024
- Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
- Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024
- Jul 24, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024
- Jul 31, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024
- Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024
- Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
- Dec 18, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
- Dec 18, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
- Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024
- Dec 25, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
- Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
- Jun 23, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025
- Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
- Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
- Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
- Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
- Jul 23, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
- Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025
- Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
- Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
- Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
- Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
- Dec 24, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
- Dec 24, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
3 nights
Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Is
The Tip Top II is a First Class Catamaran which carries up to 16 passengers in 10 comfortable, outside cabins with private baths.
4 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Scalesia Galapagos Lodge is located in the beautiful highlands of Isabela Island, just 20 minutes by car from downtown Puerto Villamil. This luxury tented camp provides all the comforts of a modern hotel in a romantic and peaceful location, among a forested area overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
4 nights
Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Is
The Tip Top II is a First Class Catamaran which carries up to 16 passengers in 10 comfortable, outside cabins with private baths.
3 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Scalesia Galapagos Lodge is located in the beautiful highlands of Isabela Island, just 20 minutes by car from downtown Puerto Villamil. This luxury tented camp provides all the comforts of a modern hotel in a romantic and peaceful location, among a forested area overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Quito
The Galaxy Diver II is a comfortable first-class yacht that sails among the coasts and bays of the Galápagos Islands. Built in 2007, this intimate yacht can accommodate 16 guests in 9 comfortable cabins, each with a wardrobe, window/porthole, en suite bathroom and individual climate control. Enjoy personalized service from the yacht’s excellent staff, relax on the turf-lined sundeck, grab a drink at the bar and dine on a mix of local and international cuisine in the restaurant. ***Please note that the yacht will undergo a name change--from Galaxy I to Galaxy Diver II-- sometime in May/June 2024. The updated name reflects the yacht's addition of scuba diving itineraries and services to its existing lineup of natural history itineraries.***
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Quito
The Galaxy Diver II is a comfortable first-class yacht that sails among the coasts and bays of the Galápagos Islands. Built in 2007, this intimate yacht can accommodate 16 guests in 9 comfortable cabins, each with a wardrobe, window/porthole, en suite bathroom and individual climate control. Enjoy personalized service from the yacht’s excellent staff, relax on the turf-lined sundeck, grab a drink at the bar and dine on a mix of local and international cuisine in the restaurant. ***Please note that the yacht will undergo a name change--from Galaxy I to Galaxy Diver II-- sometime in May/June 2024. The updated name reflects the yacht's addition of scuba diving itineraries and services to its existing lineup of natural history itineraries.***
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top IV is a First Class Steel-hulled Motor Yacht, built in Guayaquil/Ecuador in 2006. The yacht can accommodate up to 16 guests in 10 comfortable outside cabins.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Is
The Tip Top II is a First Class Catamaran which carries up to 16 passengers in 10 comfortable, outside cabins with private baths.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Galapagos Islands
The Tip Top V is a First Class Catamaran designed & built in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2019. The boat has a cruising speed of 12 knots with twin marine diesel engines, twin marine diesel generators, twin radars, Eco-sounders and GPS. The boat also has reverse osmosis desalination system for water, all safety equipment in compliance with International Coast Guard regulations.
3 nights
Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
7 nights
Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Is
The Tip Top II is a First Class Catamaran which carries up to 16 passengers in 10 comfortable, outside cabins with private baths.
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