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.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

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.

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.
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.
Year
2024
  • 2024
Date
Aug 14 - Aug 24
  • Jun 19 - Jun 29
  • Jun 26 - Jul 06
  • Jul 03 - Jul 13
  • Jul 10 - Jul 20
  • Jul 17 - Jul 27
  • Jul 24 - Aug 03
  • Jul 31 - Aug 10
  • Aug 07 - Aug 17
  • Aug 14 - Aug 24
  • Dec 18 - Dec 28
  • Dec 18 - Dec 28
  • Dec 21 - Dec 31
  • Dec 25 - Jan 04
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Aug 14 - Aug 24, 2024 Itinerary Differences: 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.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Aug 14 - Aug 24
  • Jun 19 - Jun 29
  • Jun 26 - Jul 06
  • Jul 03 - Jul 13
  • Jul 10 - Jul 20
  • Jul 17 - Jul 27
  • Jul 24 - Aug 03
  • Jul 31 - Aug 10
  • Aug 07 - Aug 17
  • Aug 14 - Aug 24
  • Dec 18 - Dec 28
  • Dec 18 - Dec 28
  • Dec 21 - Dec 31
  • Dec 25 - Jan 04
Aug 14 - Aug 24, 2024 Itinerary Differences: 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.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
11 days
10 nights
27 meals
10 B 8 L 9 D
DAY
1
Arrive to Quito, Transfer to Hotel
Quito
Hosteria Rincon de Puembo

Activity note: From the airport to Puembo/Quito is about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Elevations in Quito range from 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft. To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness while in Quito, try to get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, consume high carbohydrate foods, and avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations. Hotel check in by 3:00 p.m.

Evening: At leisure. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Equator, Orientation to Quito, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Quito
B,L,D
Hosteria Rincon de Puembo

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 40 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles; mostly flat terrain, some steps. This leisurely-paced day in Quito is very important as it will give the group time to acclimate to highland elevations.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: 8:00 a.m. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free Time” and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After boarding our bus, we will ride to the famous Middle of the World complex for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of being in two hemispheres at the same time! During this field trip we'll not only learn important facts, myths and legends surrounding our planet and the equator, but we will also become acquainted with the history of the first group of scientists who in 1743 had the hard mission of trying to determine Earth’s shape. Before returning to the bus and driving to downtown Quito, we'll pay a visit to the on-site Ethnographic Museum for an overview of Ecuador's demographics, geography and economy.

Lunch: At a local restaurant including an introduction to typical Ecuadorian food products and cuisine.

Afternoon: We will ride to the old center of the city for an orientation to Ecuador’s capital. Once there, we will accompany our Group Leader on a walking exploration of old Quito--a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture found in Quito’s historical center is a great example of the Baroque style which is a fusion of Spanish, Moorish, Flemish and Indigenous art. Our field trip will include visits to La Basilica Church and La Plaza Grande--Quito's main square. Then, we'll ride to a local atelier for a presentation by a chocolatier about the history of cacao and the process of making chocolate. And the best part-- we will get to create our own chocolate truffle! Late in the afternoon we will ride back to the hotel to drop off our gear in our rooms and freshen up. Then we'll join a local expert for a pre-dinner presentation on the Conservation, Sustainability, and Ecology of the Galapagos Islands.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare luggage for early check out and flights to the Galápagos. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat Family program. Adults are responsible for their minor children. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss sites because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice.

DAY
3
Baltra Flight, Board Yacht, Bachas Beach
Galápagos Islands
B,L,D
Tip Top V

Activity note: The flight to/from the Galapagos makes a stop in Guayaquil; passengers remain on board. This flight allows each person to bring a 50 lb checked bag/suitcase, plus a carry on. Excess luggage can be stored at the hotel in Quito until our return. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are determined by the Galápagos National Park. The park reserves the right to change cruise itineraries without prior notice.

Breakfast: Early, at the hotel.

Morning: Hotel check out. After boarding the bus we will transfer to the airport in preparation for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Our Quito Group Leader will assist us with check-in procedures and bid us farewell as we proceed through security and get ready to embark on our flight. Upon arrival to the Galápagos Islands we'll deplane and walk across the tarmac to the airport building and follow the arrival signs to Immigration. With passport in hand we will stop at the Immigration counter for an inspection of our travel documents before we can proceed to the baggage claim area. After collecting our luggage, we will meet our naturalist Galápagos Group Leader and take a bus to the pier and embark on the yacht. Once on board, we'll take part in a welcome orientation and a safety drill.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: Wet landing at Playa las Bachas for a field trip to a flamingo lagoon. Apart from being an important nesting site for sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Playa las Bachas is also a great location for viewing migratory and aquatic birds. The name of this location dates back to WWII, when the U.S. army abandoned two barges on the beach. Locals found it hard to pronounce the word "barges" in English; over time, the common mispronunciation of the word became the norm, resulting in the name Playa las Bachas. Opportunity for snorkeling and/or swimming before returning to our vessel.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht, after a welcome cocktail with the crew.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

DAY
4
Bartolome Island, Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island
Galápagos Islands
B,L,D
Tip Top V

Activity note: Bartolome: dry/wet landings; 375 steps to a lookout point. Sullivan: Wet landing; high difficulty, volcanic terrain. NOTE: The Galapagos National Park issued temporary island/site closures and restrictions due to localized outbreaks of avian influenza in the archipelago. To minimize the spread of the virus, the park announced that activities at Genovesa will be replaced with either Bartolome and Sullivan Bay or with Marchena Is. Your Galapagos naturalist will provide updates during your cruise.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: Dry landing at Bartolomé Island. After disembarkation we will accompany our naturalist leader on a hike up Escalera Hill. On Bartolomé Island we will be able to view volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. From the summit it is possible to see surrounding islands as well as Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, watch for colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti. Bartolomé is one of the best places to find Galápagos penguins. Time permitting, we'll swim and snorkel off a nearby beach before boarding the pangas and returning to the yacht.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: Following a wet landing on Santiago, we'll begin our walk on hardened volcanic flows, inspecting the sculptural formations left behind over a century ago. A volcanic eruption that took place in the early 1900’s formed huge lava flows in the area that is now Sullivan Bay. As the lava cooled off, it solidified into a black sheet of interesting shapes and textures that made their way to the sea. The rope-like lava seen on this island is called pahoehoe lava. Other interesting formations include lava bubbles and tree shapes; ghosts of Santiago’s past. Few plant species have been able to root in this harsh environment. At the end of our walk we'll board pangas and ride back to the yacht.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Enjoy an expert presentation by our naturalist Group Leader, followed by an orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change).

DAY
5
South Plaza, Santa Fe
Galápagos Islands
B,L,D
Tip Top V

Activity note: South Plaza: dry landing and moderate difficulty due to slippery rocks and uneven trail conditions. Santa Fe: wet landing and moderate difficulty due to rocky, uneven trail conditions.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: Following our dry landing on Plaza Sur (South Plaza) Island we will embark on a walking field trip on rocky trails in search of local flora and fauna. As we follow the trail to a cactus forest, we hope to get a closer look at land iguanas and their habitat before moving on in search of local sea lion colonies. Sea lions usually give birth from August - November and females begin mating within weeks of having their young. South Plaza is also a great place for viewing seabirds in flight including Red-billed Tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and other pelagic species.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: Wet landing on a small beach on Santa Fe Island; a favorite sea lion hangout. We'll walk along a short looping trail that runs close to the beach. On the trail we will have the opportunity to get close-up views of the large Santa Fe Opuntia cactus while we look for Santa Fe land iguanas and Galapagos hawks. Opportunity for swimming, snorkeling and/or kayaking before returning to the yacht.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.

DAY
6
Santa Cruz Highlands, Wild Tortoises, Charles Darwin Station
Galápagos Islands
B,L,D
Tip Top V

Activity note: Santa Cruz Highlands: dry landing at Puerto Ayora and moderate to difficult trail conditions due to rocky, uneven (and possibly muddy) trails. Driving approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: We will tender ashore to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, then we'll board a bus and ride to the highlands. Our naturalist will lead us on a walking field trip on local trails and lightly wooded areas to view native forests and the Twin Craters. Then we'll drive to a nearby farm and walk on grassy trails in search of giant tortoises living in the wild. We'll learn more about their diet, breeding habits and overall biology as we observe them in their natural habitat. In addition to giant tortoises, Santa Cruz is home to several species of Darwin's finches as well as Yellow Warblers, Galápagos Rails and Paint-billed Crakes. A dramatic change in vegetation zones can be seen as one travels into the highland region of the island.

Lunch: At a local ranch in the highlands.

Afternoon: Our bus will deliver us back to Puerto Ayora in preparation for our field trip to the Fausto Llerena Center inside the Charles Darwin Research Station. Our naturalist will lead us on foot through the facility and introduce us to the station's mission and its tortoise breeding projects. The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a biological research station based on Santa Cruz Island and operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The organization plays an important role in scientific research, environmental education, and conservation efforts in the islands. The station conducts its projects with the help of a large team of scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. Late afternoon return to the yacht.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.

DAY
7
Floreana, Baroness Point & Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant
Galápagos Islands
B,L,D
Tip Top V

Activity note: Post Office Bay: easy trail conditions. Mirador la Baronesa: walking on trails, including uphill sections. Punta Cormorant: wet landing and easy trail conditions.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: After a wet landing at Post Office Bay, we’ll walk along a sandy path to a historic spot once used by whalers to "mail" their correspondence. Sailors ingeniously used a barrel as a makeshift postbox, and held letters from sailors across the globe. If a passing ship happened to be heading where the mail was addressed to, the captain would collect and deliver it. Although the barrel is no longer the original one, the system still works since visitors continue to collect and drop off their letters and postcards. Then we'll hike on an uphill trail to the lookout point known as Mirador de la Baronesa. The location was named after one of Floreana's early residents, the Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner. We'll stop at the mirador for a chance to enjoy the stunning views of the bay before continuing on to the ruins of her home and learn about the island's early settlers. Return to the yacht.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: We'll navigate to Champion Islet and then make a wet landing on the green beach at Punta Cormorant, Floreana. During our walking explorations we hope to observe shorebirds and flamingos at the local lagoon and spot endemic plants such as Scalesia vellosa and Lecocarpus pinaffitidus. We will most likely have the chance to spot sea lions lounging lazily on the beach. The beach's unusual color is a result of the olivine crystals present in the sand. From here, a trail leads us to a lagoon where flamingos can be found wading with other birds such as oystercatchers, and Black-necked Stilt. A white sandy beach near the lagoon is good for swimming and is a known nesting site for green sea turtles. Around January, pregnant females come ashore at night to dig nests and lay eggs (between 75-100 eggs per nest) before returning to sea. The eggs begin hatching in April and May. Opportunity to swim and snorkel before returning to the yacht.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Enjoy an expert presentation by our naturalist Group Leader, followed by an orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change).

DAY
8
Española, Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay, Osborn & Gardner Islets
Galápagos Islands
B,L,D
Tip Top V

Activity note: Punta Suarez: no landing; panga ride and snorkeling.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: We'll enjoy a scenic panga ride around Punta Suarez while searching for Blue-footed Boobies and marine iguanas that inhabit the craggy, guano-streaked coastline. Next, we'll don our snorkeling gear and take to the ocean in search of the area's abundant marine life. Punta Suarez, on the western side of Espanola Island, is home to the Galápagos Hawk and the red form of the marine iguana. In January, the iguanas change color, adopting bright hues that are attractive to potential mates. Visitors have a good chance of seeing Blue-footed Booby chicks around October. Espanola is also the breeding site of most of the archipelago's Waved Albatrosses, so be on the lookout for these large and graceful flyers! Albatrosses display courtship behavior in April, nest and lay eggs in May, and by December the young fledge and leave for a few months before returning in March. Return to the yacht.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: Following a panga ride to Española we will make a wet landing at the white sand beach in Gardner Bay. A short walk and swimming/snorkeling activities off the beach will give us the opportunity to relax in one of the islands' most beautiful locations. Gardner Bay's white beach is usually dotted with large quantities of sunbathing sea lions, especially during breeding season which takes place from May through January. This is also an important nesting site for sea turtles! In January, green sea turtles steal ashore under cover of night to dig pits and lay eggs before making their way back to sea. Eggs hatch from April to May. After our visit to Gardner Bay we will enjoy a panga ride around Osborn and Gardner Islets before returning to the yacht.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.

DAY
9
Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock, Isla Lobos
Galápagos Islands
B,L,D
Tip Top V

Activity note: Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock): no landing. Cerro Brujo: wet landing and easy walking on sandy trails. Isla Lobos: panga ride and snorkeling.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: We'll navigate around Leon Dormido (a.k.a. Kicker Rock) to get a closer look at the iconic stone formation and search for nesting sea birds. The tuff-rock, which rises almost 500 feet from the ocean, has eroded to give it the shape seen as a shoe or sleeping lion. We will be on the lookout for Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and frigatebirds dotting its cliffs. Then we will make a wet landing at Cerro Brujo and begin walking on a white sand beach that is often frequented by lively sea lions. Return to the yacht.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: We'll board pangas and navigate around Isla Lobos in search of sea birds and sea lions often seen along the rocky coastline. There will be an opportunity to snorkel before heading back to the yacht. Be on the lookout for sea turtles, rays, and frolicking sea lions. Next, we'll sail to nearby San Cristobal and make a dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Then we will accompany our naturalist on a walking exploration of the town. At the end of our activities, we'll board pangas and make our way back to the yacht.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation of next day's activities. Prepare luggage for final disembarkation.

DAY
10
Black Turtle Cove, Flight to Quito
Quito
B,D
Hosteria Rincon de Puembo

Activity note: Black Turtle Cove: no landing, dinghy ride.There is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to and from the islands. Participants with international flights departing very late this evening/before dawn next morning will check out of the hotel after dinner and transfer to the airport for airline check in. Please see “Program Notes” section for more options.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: Early this morning we will navigate by panga to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island to observe its rich marine life. As we maneuver around the inlet and into the cove we'll shut down the engines and quietly glide along the mangroves, looking for birds and marine life. The experience will be enhanced by our naturalist's expert commentary and spotting skills. If lucky, we might get to see white-tipped sharks, sea turtles and a variety of rays. Upon our return to the yacht, we will set sail to Baltra Island in preparation for our flight to Quito. From the pier we will board a bus to the airport and then we'll bid farewell to our Galápagos Group Leader and the Islas Encantadas. The flight to Quito makes a stop in Guayaquil; passengers remain on board.

Lunch: On your own, at the airport. Sandwiches, empanadas and snacks are available for purchase after going through security

Afternoon: Late afternoon arrival in Quito. We'll board a bus to our hotel and check in, followed by free time to finish packing or relax before joining the rest of the group for dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel. During a farewell dinner, share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and flights to North America. Participants with international flights departing very late this evening/before dawn next morning will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in preparation for airline check in.

DAY
11
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s "Getting There" information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel (dependent on flight times). This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






Recommended For You

loading spinner