You have the chance to get up-close to animals that show no fear for a unique and spectacular opportunity to prise your children from their gadgets and get them to interact with the natural world.
The very best way to see the diversity of species and landscapes on the islands is to board a small yacht or catamaran on a wildlife cruise. You then sail from island to island, exploring both morning and afternoon on land by small inflatable craft or even underwater with snorkelling gear.
The land and marine life cannot fail to impress people of any age from the imposing dinosaur-like land iguanas to the comical blue-footed boobies, multi-coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs, ponderous but stately giant tortoises and spectacular frigate birds with their puffed out red pouches.
Under the sea, a snorkelling tour can see sea lions blowing bubbles at you, turtles swimming serenely by or harmless sharks swimming the seabed far below. This is a feast for the senses for wildlife lovers of any age.
On many of our favourite small yachts and catamarans for private Galapagos yacht holidays (as well as larger ships, if you prefer more facilities), there are now specially dedicated family departures, which means there will be other children of the same or similar ages on board.
As a family, enjoy the company of naturalist guides who have been specially chosen for their ability to engage adults and children alike. There are all sorts of activities on a private Galapagos holiday, from games, art sessions, movie nights, and separate snorkelling and shore excursions with your dedicated guide.
Children can enjoy earlier meal times, toys in their cabin and their own logbook to fill in. This is a fascinating journey of a lifetime for all generations – perhaps charter your own private yacht for a truly memorable family get-together.
If you decide your offspring are too young for an expedition cruise (most Galápagos yacht charters have a lower age limit of around seven years on non-family departures), head instead to one of the main islands such as Santa Cruz or Isabela, where you can have a wildlife experience yet not be on a boat, on an island-based experience.
Stay on one of the three inhabited islands and use simple but comfortable small hotels, or a luxury private oceanfront villa, as a base from which to explore nearby islands and bays by small boat for the day.
Equally if you think you would rather not sleep on a boat for a longer period or simply like some time to relax on a beautiful beach at the end of your holiday, these also make a great base for unwinding and relaxing by the ocean before you fly home.
Find out more about our unique Galapagos holidays >
Find out more about our other Latin America luxury family holidays >
Images courtesy of Ecoventura / Mark Downey
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By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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