Galapagos Cruise With a Toddler
Galapagos cruise with a 2-year-old
We finally took the plunge and did a 3-night cruise with our toddler. It was one of the most rewarding – and at times demanding – adventures we’ve had as parents.
Galapagos cruises are active trips and taking a toddler with you makes it more challenging, so this is definitely something I’d only recommend for experienced travelers. But seeing our little one react to marine iguanas (they are basically miniature dinosaurs!), ask questions to the guide and learn about conservation was absolutely magical and made every bit of effort (and money spent) worth it.
So, expect thrilling wildlife encounters, heartwarming family moments and, yes, a fair bit of exhaustion.
Below, we share key insights and practical tips from what we’ve learned along the way as parents and Galapagos travel experts, to help you plan your own unforgettable family vacation in the Galapagos Islands.
But first, let’s address the big question many parents have.
Should I Visit the Galapagos with Small Children?
Quick Take: Yes, you should take your kids to the Galapagos! The islands offer one of the world’s best family-friendly wildlife experiences – safe, educational, well-organized, and unforgettable for kids of all ages.
There’s always debate about traveling with toddlers, especially to bucket-list destinations, because “they won’t remember.” But children remember more than we think: moments, sensations, people, and the feelings tied to an experience. Our son still talks about places and encounters from earlier trips.
And let’s be honest, I don’t remember every detail of the trips I’ve taken either (that’s why I take notes). It’s perfectly fine if your kid (or you) doesn’t recall everything. We’re not encyclopaedias and that’s not why we travel. What truly matters are the emotions and standout moments, and those stay with us forever.
Exploring one of the last great wildlife sanctuaries on Earth together, watching the islands through your child’s eyes, and learning about conservation as a family creates the kind of memories that genuinely endure. A Galapagos trip is a big investment but sharing it with your little ones is simply priceless.
So yes, bringing your children to the Galapagos not only makes sense but may be one of the most meaningful travel experiences you’ll ever have together.
Why we chose a cruise over an island hopping tour
Cruise ships are much more stable than inter-island speedboats and day-tour yachts. I wouldn’t take my kid on a choppy 2-hour boat ride.
Cruises have well-structured programs and all transportation, meals and visits are included, so I didn’t have to worry about any of these.
Non-kid related reasons: Cruises generally offer better itineraries and service, and you see more wildlife.
Choose your cruise wisely
Not every Galapagos cruise is a good fit for a family vacation. Ask the following key questions and make an informed decision that fits your needs.
- Are there any age restrictions or special requirements?
Every ship and tour operator has its own child policy. Some cruises don’t accept minors, many have a minimum age requirement, and others welcome children of all ages.
Children are always the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility, and they must be supervised at all times. There are no nanny services on board. Some cruises might ask parents to sign a liability waiver.
- Are there family cabins on board?
Most cabins aboard Galapagos cruises are double cabins, and most budget and mid-range class ships only offer double accommodation, which can be a problem for families. So, make sure to ask for the cabin options for families. Some cruises have large family suites or interconnected cabins.
- Does the cruise offer special facilities and/or activities for children?
Most cruises that accept children aboard offer special activities for families. However, you must consider that the average Galapagos boat is a 16-passenger yacht, so there is no space for big playgrounds or such. There is usually a lounge with some games and a TV with DVDs. Many first and deluxe class ships feature a jacuzzi hot tub on board, which is nice for kids (if the water is not too hot).
We chose a large 100-passenger ship which has the capacity to provide more family-friendly spaces. They have a playroom for kids with lots of books and games for children of all ages. There is a small pool and two jacuzzi tubs. They also offer alternative activities for families, like glass-bottom boat rides instead of deep-water snorkeling. One evening, the captain invited all the children to a movie night with pizzas, which was fun for the kids and a nice opportunity for us parents to enjoy a quiet dinner.
- Will there be other families on board?
I felt like it took some pressure away that we weren’t the only family on board, and the kids obviously enjoyed each other’s company. Don’t hesitate to ask if there are already other families booked on board or if the ship is usually preferred by families.
- What child discount is offered?
As the average passenger capacity on Galapagos cruises is 16 guests and there is no difference between infants, children or adult passengers in terms of guest count, the Galapagos child discounts are often smaller than on cruises in other destinations. The discounts for children under 12 years can vary from 10-50% of the Galapagos cruise rate. Few cruises offer child discounts for minors up to 17 years. For last minute deals or other special offers, sometimes there are no child discounts.
- How active is the cruise? What are the main activities?
All Galapagos cruises are active tours with strictly timed, full programs. However, some will have more excursions with little time in-between them and others offer more free time and on-board experiences. Try as you might, you will probably miss some activities because of your kid. I missed a few lectures and couldn’t keep myself awake for some fun evening activities like trivia night and stargazing.
Some activities are not suitable for small children (e.g. deep-water snorkeling) and only few Galapagos ships offer kid-friendly alternatives like glass-bottom boat rides. If you travel with a toddler, you might consider taking a cruise with more land visits.
Thanks to our professional and personal experience, we already know the answers to these questions. So instead of contacting 20+ Galapagos cruise operators, let our travel experts help you find the ideal family-friendly cruise for your Galapagos vacation!
Recommended gadgets
- Life jacket – If the ship doesn’t provide life jackets in your kid’s size, make sure to bring one.
- Child carrier – Hikes are usually not demanding but sometimes long with many stops for explanations. Don’t even think about bringing a stroller.
- Toddler harness with leash – I’d recommend to always use this when above deck. You will feel much more confident and relaxed, when you know that your little one is safely attached to you.
- Tupperware – We always stored some extra food during mealtimes, so we had something on hand when our toddler got hungry. But don’t bring food on excursions! Dinner time is often only at 7 pm and after a day full of adventure, your kid might fall asleep before that. Cruises usually have a coffee station with some snacks, but they’re mainly crackers and cookies.
- Explorer hat – This is something I recommend for everyone, not just kids. It’s essential to protect yourself from the strong equatorial sun, so get your family some cool explorer hats with wide brims, neck cover, and straps. And make sure you tighten those straps properly, otherwise you’ll be asking a friendly Galapagueño to help fish your hat out of the water after the first breeze (speaking from experience…).
Ecuador: An Unexpectedly Family-Friendly Destination
The logistics and facilities in Ecuador may not always be as child-oriented as in some other countries but what truly makes a difference here is the people. Ecuadorians genuinely adore children. From naturalist guides to restaurant staff and even strangers in the street, everyone goes out of their way to make families feel welcome. In fact, even compared to many other Latin American destinations, the warmth and patience Ecuadorians show toward young travelers is extraordinary and it makes all the difference when you’re exploring with little ones.
Take the plunge
Traveling the Galapagos Islands with a toddler isn’t always easy but it’s a journey that opens your child’s eyes to the wonders of the natural world and reminds us why we started traveling in the first place. Watching them marvel at a giant tortoise or giggle as a sea lion splashes nearby is pure magic.
And with Ecuadorians’ genuine warmth and spirit for hospitality that embraces families, you’ll find kindness, support and smiles at every step.
So, get ready to take the plunge like we did! With our experience, we’ll guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right ship to answering all your big and small questions. Every family adventure is unique, let us help you plan your Galapagos family cruise and create magical memories that will last a lifetime.
