Taking Kids to Santiago Island, Galapagos
A trip to Santiago Island works best for children who can follow instructions, walk on rough ground and tolerate a small boat. The island in the Galapagos is uninhabited, with no playground, cafe or shop. Children meet it as animals, lava and water, always with a naturalist guide beside them.
Is your child ready?
Ask yourself these questions before booking.
- Can they step off a small boat into shallow water? Whether a landing is wet or dry depends on conditions.
- Can they stay at least 2 m from sea lions and fur seals, even when an animal comes close?
- Can they walk a rough lava trail in strong sun, wearing closed shoes?
- Will they enjoy snorkeling with a guide, in water that is cool from June to November?
If the answer is yes to most, Santiago suits them. Fit older children are the best match.
What children remember
- Pups on the rocks. At Puerto Egas, young sea lions and Galapagos fur seals rest on a lava shelf beside a black-sand beach.
- Twisted lava. Sullivan Bay has a flow from the late 19th century with a ropey surface. A guide can point out the tree molds, about 150 m from the start of the path.
- Turtle beach. Espumilla has reddish-gold sand and nesting green turtles, and a lagoon behind the beach with white-cheeked pintails.
- Snorkeling. Some tours stop to swim and snorkel with a guide.
What to bring
Sturdy closed shoes, sun hats, sunscreen, water and swimwear. A wetsuit makes cool water easier. The sites are unimproved, so expect little shade and no shops, and check with the operator about food, drink and toilets on the boat. Big male sea lions can be aggressive, so keep children close and do not let them touch animals. No flash on wildlife.
Park fees by age
| Visitor | Park fee |
|---|---|
| Foreign, 12 and over | $200 |
| Foreign, under 12 | $100 |
| Under 2 | Exempt |
| Resident of Ecuador, under 12 | $15 |
Rangers collect the fee at Baltra and San Cristobal airports, so carry US dollar cash as a backup. The Transit Control Card costs $20 per person. The government fee page lists other groups, such as Ecuadorian nationals and students.
How the outing runs
A full-day trip from Puerto Ayora starts with a hotel pickup at about 6:00, about 40 minutes by road and then roughly 2 hours by boat. It is a long day. Cruises spread the same sites across several days.
Browse family tours on Viator and read the park rules .
Read more: activities , day trips and group activities .