Where the Wild Things Are

Explore The Galapagos Islands With Kids

by Bianca Bujan

Standing barefoot on the secluded white sand beach of Mosquera Islet, one of the smallest of the Galapagos Islands, I smile as two friendly sea lion pups pause their play and waddle my way.

They’re not afraid of me - a wildlife trait that is unique to the Galapagos Islands because there are no natural predators for the animals to fear. They’re young, their whiskers writhing with curiosity as they smell the air to gauge what kind of species I might be. They stop only two feet from me, and then turn left, disinterested in my presence - likely due to my unwillingness to play.

Though I’m significantly outnumbered by the piles of sea lions that are sunning themselves along the shore, I too am not afraid. Here, humans respect that the animals are in charge, and if we give them space, they will leave us alone too.

“My kids would love it here” I say to one of my friends in my tour group, and I make a mental note to return one day with my whole family in tow.

There are many reasons why the Galapagos Islands appeal to most travellers - the unique species of wildlife that can only be found in the archipelago topping the list, but what many don’t realize is that a visit to this bucket-list destination doesn’t mean that you have to leave the kids at home. Save up, bring your kids, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure like no other.

Where to Stay

While cruising is the most common way to explore the islands, guests who are hesitant to spend a week on the water, or who are looking to balance unparalleled outdoor adventures with laid-back luxury now have another option - one that not only provides the creature comforts of home, but that provides a fully-immersive experience for visitors, who can walk in fields with wild horses and crawling tortoises, and then plant a tree to help the surrounding species grow and thrive.

Set in the centre of a private giant tortoise reserve, nestled between two inactive volcanic craters, and surrounded by stunning Scalesia trees (endemic to the area), Pikaia Lodge is an eco-lodge like no other.

For kids, the lodge offers an infinity pool, a 3-D movie room, and spacious suites where they can spread out and play, or enjoy a little downtime after a day of outdoor adventures. At Pikaia, guests receive personal attention - from creating custom itineraries, to meeting dietary needs in the all-inclusive dining room. This is the ultimate luxury family vacation destination, and while the price may be high, the experience you will have there will be priceless.

Photo Credit: Pikaia Lodge

What To Do

Whether you tour the islands by water or by land, an experienced, local tour guide is mandatory. If you’re staying at a land-based hotel, sea excursions will likely be included in your package. When staying at Pikaia Lodge, day outings on their private, 105-foot luxury yacht are included (this is the only hotel on the Galapagos Islands that has their own private yacht, others are shared). The Pikaia yacht is perfect for kids, as each guest has access to their own private cabin, where they can nap, change, or shower as they are transported from island-to-island, and the onboard chef keeps you fuelled up with delicious cuisine too.

Besides the island-hopping tours, there are some great spots to explore inland as well. On Santa Cruz Island, you’ll want to visit El Chato Tortoise Reserve, where you can roam alongside the giant tortoises of the Galapagos, creep through lava tube caves, and learn all about the species that are found in the area.

Tortuga Bay is another must-see site, accessed by a short stroll along a cobblestone walkway (or by water taxi). There, you can get an up-close look at the marine iguanas that swim, stroll, and sun on the sandy beaches. Head past the unswimmable Playa Brava beach (the currents are too dangerous for swimmers), and enjoy waterplay at the neighbouring Playa Mansa beach, where you can rent a kayak and observe the sea life in the area through the crystal blue waters.

Photo Credit: Pikaia Lodge

Getting There

It’s a long trek from Vancouver to the Galapagos Islands, and there are no direct flights, so an overnight stopover on Ecuador’s mainland is a must. There are two cities to choose from when passing through - Quito, and Guayaquil. While Quito may be the more popular choice for travellers, a stay in Guayaquil is a great option, as the destination is closer, and the trip into town to and from the airport is shorter - only a 10-minute bus ride will have you at the front door of Hotel del Parque.

Hotel del Parque is a luxury boutique hotel nestled in a tropical oasis and featuring 19th century architecture. There, you’ll not only enjoy luxury accommodations and upscale dining, but the expansive property also boasts an abundance of wildlife, including a group of on-site spider monkeys, and a resident crocodile. Stretch your legs with a stroll through the forested trails, or take in the views from the wooden beachfront boardwalk before settling in for a sleepover and continuing on your way.

From Guayaquil, you’ll fly into Baltra Island, where you’ll take a bus and then a water taxi to Santa Cruz Island - the most popular tourist hub and home to Pikaia Lodge if you’re looking for a land-based stay. The trek may be long, but it’ll be well worth it once you arrive.

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