I have traveled to the Galapagos with my wife and two daughters when one was 3 years old and the youngest 6 months old, and on another of my trips, I had the opportunity to go with my cousin and her 6-year-old son, we toured some islands and had to deal with some barriers that a child is going to put up if you travel to the Galapagos.

My 3 year old daughter snorkeling in Cabo Rosa

My 3 year old daughter snorkeling in Cabo Rosa Tunnels

If you are going to travel with children to the Galapagos Islands, I recommend going to San Cristóbal Island, it has tours that can be enjoyed with minors, its beaches are close and easy to get to.

Playa de los Alemáns, another option to go with your children

Playa de los Alemáns, another option to go with your children but at low tide

9 Tips for traveling with children to the Galapagos Islands:

1. Children between the ages of 2-11 pay half price flight tickets on any airline to the Galapagos.
2. Children must carry a passport or national ID card to enter the islands.
3. Children pay full price for the transit control card (‘TCT’) and the bus from the Baltra airport to Santa Cruz Island.
4. Children pay half price for tours to different islands and trips between islands. Precaution for seasickness should be taken.
5. Before traveling with children to the Galapagos, (if possible) go to a beach and get them used to swimming in the sea and/or have them take swimming classes.

 



North Seymour Tour is one recommended to go with children



North Seymour Island is a highly recommended tour for children

 

»TRAVELERS READ 7-Day Itinerary and budget

 
 

6. Buy your own snorkel and lifejacket (although lifejackets for children are provided on the tours) and practise in a pool to get used to them.
7. In the months of June to October, if you can, buy or rent a neoprene suit on the Islands because the water is cold.

 



Experience with Galapagos tortoises in their habitat



Live the experience with the Galapagos tortoises in their habitat

8. Most of the tours require you to walk/hike for up to an hour, except the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island, which takes 4 hours and is not recommended for children. The rest, however, are shorter walks so be sure to bring good, appropriate shoes for the kids and enough water to stay hydrated.
9. Whether you’re arriving into Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal, make the most of the first day by going to a quiet, relaxing beach like Tortuga Bay in Santa Cruz.

Playa Mansa in Tortuga Bay is perfect for your children

Tortuga Bay Beach is perfect for children

 
 
Remember that most of the time in the Galapagos Islands is spent at sea. The tours I recommend taking with children are: North Seymour, Santa Fe Island, 360 Tour and Cabo Rosa Tunnels.

Concha Perla on Isabela Island ideal for snorkeling with children

Concha Perla natural pool on Isabela Island ideal for snorkeling