Russell Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
TORTOISE LAND
Your family’s private naturalist guide will be waiting to greet you upon arrival at Baltra Airport. Once at Galapagos Safari Camp, your guide will entertain the children with an overview of the animal species they are soon to encounter, working through a locally-produced coloring guidebook, while the parents get settled in and have some time to unwind.
After lunch you will explore the 135-acre farm, picking local tropical fruit, harvesting cacao and spotting local birds.
Before sundown you can visit the deep lava tunnels by flashlight and seek out giant tortoises roaming the National Tortoise Reserve adjacent to your camp.
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp
Day 2
Activity Day
After breakfast, make a short drive to an organic coffee plantation to learn about responsible small scale farming in the Galapagos. See coffee plants being grown and pick some beans. Next, you’re off to the most amazing viewpoint on Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Mesa, for a short wildlife walk around the massive crater and to a secluded wetland area full of exotic bird species and the occasional bathing tortoise. Lunch at the local restaurant will be enjoyed before jumping on bikes for a downhill pedal to the beach.
The afternoon will be spent having fun at the picturesque Garrapatero Beach. Explore the bay by sea kayak, and spot marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies crashing into the depths along with numerous shore birds. Visit the extensive mangrove system where you can see pink flamingos in the freshwater lagoon or observe Bahama ducks.
This evening, you’ll enjoy some time to relax while the children are engaged in a private art class with a local artist.
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp
Day 3
EXPLORE AN UNINHABITED ISLAND
Today will be a classic day of wildlife spotting and snorkeling with sea lions on one of the uninhabited islands easily accessed by a shared day yacht from Santa Cruz, accompanied by your naturalist guide. The exact island location will depend on travel dates, but some options include:
North Seymour Island: a very short yacht ride and famous as a breeding area for blue-footed boobies. We will cap off this visit with a snorkel at Bachas Beach.
South Plazas Island: famous for its number of marine and land iguanas, soaring seabirds, and raucous bachelor sea lion colony. We will cap off this visit with a snorkel session at Punta Carrion, often inhabited by playful sea lions.
Santa Fe Island: a gorgeous bay providing outstanding snorkeling. The island is famous for endemic plant species and a rare land iguana.
Bartolome Island: one of the most scenic islands in the Galapagos, providing an amazing hike, seasonal sea turtle nesting site, and one of the best snorkeling sites in the entire Galapagos around Pinnacle Rock.
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp
Day 4
CATCH A FISH
Galapagos Safari Camp is part of pilot program with the National Park Service that aims to engage local fisherman in tourism activities as an alternative means of income, with the added benefit of protecting local fisheries from depletion. This opportunity to head out on excursions with local fishermen has been a favorite among kids. The fishermen have very safe and modern speedboats, which we will privately charter for the day. You are accompanied by your private naturalist guide to serve as translator between you and the fisherman. The fisherman will teach you children some local fishing tricks via net and line and are phenomenal educators with their anecdotes and stories gleaned from a lifetime at sea. After some time fishing, land on a deserted beach of Santa Cruz, full of wildlife, and snorkel some secret spots not visited by cruise ships. This excursion is both a wildlife experience and a true cultural exchange opportunity cherished by all who participate!
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp
Day 5
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
This morning, visit the famed Charles Darwin Research Station to learn of the scientific research taking place. The children will get a chance to meet the tortoises in the breeding center – one of the rarest creatures on earth. Parents will enjoy some time to wander the town of Puerto Ayora while the naturalist guide takes the children to play at the neighborhood playground with local kids or explore the fisherman’s open air market along the bustling waterfront. After lunch, embark on a chartered private yacht to tour and snorkel amongst the serene waters of Tortuga Bay, where white sand beaches dotted with lounging marine iguanas and shallow waters full of harmless white-tipped reef sharks await.
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp
Day 6
HOMEWARD
After a leisurely morning at Galapagos Safari Camp, you will be accompanied by your naturalist guide to the Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.
