Where better for a family adventure than the idyllic and wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos Islands are a living paradise, where your whole family can snorkel alongside playful sea lions, watch blue-footed boobies perform their quirky courtship dance, and walk among giant tortoises.
It's like stepping into a nature documentary.
More than just a usual trip to relax on a sun bed, a Galapagos cruise is an adventure the whole family will remember for a lifetime.
And the best part? You can experience all of this in comfort on a well-equipped family-friendly cruise -- complete with deckchairs on the terrace and top deck to relax in the tropical sun between activities.
Offering you and your family the best family experience of the Galapagos, we recommend the top small-group luxury catamarans.
We will introduce you to them below.
On the following handpicked cruises, expert naturalist guides bring the wonders of the islands to life, ensuring kids and adults alike have an unforgettable experience.
From stunning beaches to incredible wildlife encounters, these journeys combine adventure, education, and luxurious relaxation in perfect balance -- all while offering attentive high-level service.
Choosing your Family Galapagos Cruise
Choosing the right cruise for your family isn't just about wildlife and scenery—it's about making sure every member of your family, from young explorers to parents and grandparents, has an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
To help you decide, we've outlined key things to consider when selecting a family-friendly Galapagos cruise, along with our top picks for luxury cruises that cater to families with children.
Spacious Cabins and Family-Friendly Layouts
Comfort matters, especially when traveling with kids or seniors. You might want to look for ships that offer interconnecting cabins, spacious suites that allow families to stay together or single cabins so family members can have their own space. Some family-oriented vessels also have triple or quad accommodations, perfect for parents with younger children.
Catamarans, with their wide decks and extra stability, are a great option for minimizing motion sickness while providing plenty of room to roam.
Summary of the suites of some recommended luxury cruise cabins:
28mt2 (301 ft2 approx)
Single Cabin:
15mt2/ 161ft2 approx
460 ft2 (43 m2)
32 mt2 (344 ft2)
Single Cabin:
14 mt2/ 151 ft2
35 mt2 to 37 mt2
(377 ft2 to 398 ft2)
Interconnected Suites:
2 Golden Suites are interconnected
1 Golden Suite connects with Single cabin
Engaging Activities for All Ages
The Galapagos is an outdoor playground, but not all cruises are equally suited for families. Choose a cruise that offers:
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Kid-friendly excursions with shorter hikes and plenty of wildlife viewing
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Snorkeling gear in all sizes, including child-friendly masks and flotation devices
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Guides trained to work with families, keeping kids engaged with storytelling and hands-on learning
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Flexible activity options so parents can opt for more relaxed experiences while kids explore
Some cruises even offer special children's programs, where young explorers can take part in activities designed just for them while parents enjoy some downtime.
Dining and Onboard Services
Family-friendly cruises understand that meal times need to be flexible and enjoyable for everyone. Look for cruises that offer:
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Kid-friendly menus and meal times
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Flexible dining arrangements for picky eaters
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Plenty of common spaces where families can relax and enjoy time together
Smaller Groups and Personalized Attention
A smaller cruise with fewer passengers creates a more intimate experience, allowing your family to get to know the crew, guides, and other travelers. This makes it easier to accommodate individual needs, from dietary preferences to customized excursions.
Choosing your Family Galapagos Cruise Itinerary
Each of the islands offers some main attractions and points of interest.
Different animals can be more easily seen in different areas and different islands. There are also some amazing hidden beaches to visit on your cruise, so selecting the best itinerary can be an important part of your cruise planning.
Most Galapagos itineraries have been selected to give you an in depth experience of the best of the islands. But they each offer something different. We recommend choosing an itinerary option to make the most of your family interests.
We recommend sending the cruise a range of dates, such as a month of travel and mentioning which islands or interests suit your family best.
To make it a little easier for you, here's an interactive map of the different Galapagos Islands. The yellow markers indicate key points of interest and attractions.
You can click these to learn a little about the islands and compare with the itineraries you have received from the tour operator.
Our Recommended Family Cruises
To help you get the most from your Galapagos adventure, we've selected the best family-friendly luxury Galapagos cruises known for their spacious accommodations, engaging activities, and expert guides who make the experience unforgettable for kids and parents alike.
With these in mind, get ready for an adventure that will inspire curiosity, create lasting memories, and bring your family closer together in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Top Family Galapagos Cruises
The following luxury cruises have high ratings for their comfort, personalized service, and ability to cater to different activity levels offering your family an incredible experience on the Galapagos.
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The Elite
With its elegant design, large interconnecting suites featuring private balconies, and small-group excursions, the Elite is an exclusive cruising experience. The Elite offers you a first-class luxury catamaran designed for comfort, space, and personalized service. Complementing the impressive vessel, you will enjoy immersive excursions guided by expert naturalists, all while being cared for by a professional and attentive crew, ensuring an unforgettable and relaxing family adventure.
The Elite offers you:
- Golden Suites
- Cozy exterior and interior bars
- Al fresco dining area
- Super-structure of 38 meters (124 feet) by 14 meters (46 feet) wide
- All suites have private outdoor balconies and panoramic sliding glass doors
- All convertible suites: king size bed or two double beds
- Adjoining accommodations available on both decks
- Suites' restroom with frosted glass wall for plenty of natural light
- Two panoramic doors to access the catamaran's main areas
- 180-degree panoramic view from the interior lounge
- Integrated social areas blend indoor and outdoor designs and experiences
- Social areas feature extended outdoor balconies
- The sky deck is generously proportioned, featuring a whirlpool bath and exterior bar
- Partially covered sky deck
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Elite Cruise using the button below.
4, 5, 8 daysThe Elite Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Elite Cruise invites you on an extraordinary exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With modern luxury, the Elite had its maiden voyage in 2019 and...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,990
/ person -
The Endemic
You and your family will experience the Galapagos Islands in luxury and comfort aboard the Endemic equaled only by its sister vessel, the Elite (above).
This is a luxury catamaran, which was designed for relaxation and discovery. The vessel offers you spacious suites featuring private balconies, panoramic views, and easy-access amenities. Friendly expert guides will lead your family on engaging excursions, while attentive staff ensure every need is met.
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Comfortable Luxury: The Endemic's spacious suites offer private balconies, panoramic windows, and easy-access features for a stress-free experience.
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Relaxed Exploration: Enjoy expertly guided excursions tailored to different activity levels, making it easy to explore the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos.
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Personalized Service: With attentive staff and gourmet dining, every detail is designed to provide you and your family with an incredibly memorable Galapagos experience.
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Endemic using the button below.
4, 5, 6, 8+ daysThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise is a luxurious modern catamaran designed to offer you a fantastic experience of the Galapagos Islands. The luxury yacht ...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,990
/ person -
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The Ocean Spray
The Ocean Spray is a celebrated Galapagos cruise. It's a fantastic choice for a family adventure. The cruise provides a stable and luxurious catamaran designed for adventure and relaxation.
And with spacious cabins, private balconies, and a sun deck with a Jacuzzi, your family will enjoy an incredible experience aboard the Ocean Spray. From the comfortable vessel, you will then head out on expertly guided wildlife excursions. Enjoy personalized service and breathtaking views at every turn making this an unforgettable family adventure. The Ocean Spray is a favorite cruise with many returning guests.-
Spacious Comfort: Enjoy large cabins with private balconies, which offer stunning views and a peaceful retreat after daily excursions.
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Relaxed Adventure: You will explore the iconic wildlife of the Galapagos with professional-guided tours. These are tailored to different activity levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Exceptional Service: Enjoy world-class dining, attentive staff, and personalized care throughout your journey for a seamless, worry-free adventure.
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Ocean Spray using the button below.
4, 5, 6 & 8 daysThe Ocean Spray Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorAboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury catamaran of...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person -
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The Petrel
The Petrel is a luxury catamaran offering you and your family a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The Petrel is ideal if you're seeking comfort while exploring nature's wonders. The caramarin offers spacious suites, private balconies, and a peaceful onboard atmosphere. You will enjoy personalized service, gourmet cuisine, and guided excursions by experienced naturalists for a very memorable family trip.
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Luxury & Comfort: You will stay in elegant suites with private balconies. These offer stunning views of the Galapagos and a tranquil retreat after each day's adventures.
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Guided Exploration: With expert naturalists, you will head out on engaging excursions, ensuring safe and informative wildlife encounters tailored to all activity levels.
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First-Class Service: Experience exceptional hospitality, including gourmet dining, personalized assistance, and a welcoming onboard atmosphere designed for relaxation.
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Petrel using the button below.
4, 5, 6 & 8 daysThe Petrel Luxury Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe luxurious Petrel Galapagos Cruise offers you an extraordinary journey of the Galapagos Islands. Over 3, 4, 5 or 7-night itineraries, you will cru...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person -
Ash Card
Tour Advisor @TourTheTropicsAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.
