Santiago Island for Families
Parents planning a Galapagos trip often ask whether Santiago Island is worth the effort with children. It can be, for school-age children who like animals and can manage a boat, a wet landing and a walk on rough ground. For toddlers and very young children it is a demanding outing, and it is worth weighing carefully before you book.
What makes Santiago different
Santiago is an uninhabited island with no town, no shops and no playgrounds, so everything is outdoors and guided. A family joins a group led by a licensed naturalist, and the group stays together on every landing. The reward is wildlife at arm’s length, within the park’s limit of 2 m.
Highlights children tend to enjoy
- Fur seals and sea lion pups. The shore at Puerto Egas is shared by Galapagos fur seals and young sea lions. Children can watch from a safe distance as the animals rest, play and squabble on the rocks.
- Lava that looks like rope. At Sullivan Bay the surface of the flow twists into ropey shapes. Hunting for tree molds, which start about 150 m along the path, turns the walk into a game.
- A turtle nesting beach. Espumilla has reddish-gold sand where green turtles lay their eggs.
- Snorkeling. Several stops include a guided swim. Children should be confident in the water, and a wetsuit takes the edge off the cool sea from June to November.
Cautions
The lava has no shade and heats up quickly, so closed shoes, sun hats and plenty of water are not optional. Big male sea lions can be aggressive, and children must be kept beside an adult at all times. The sites are unimproved, so ask the operator about toilets and food on the boat, since none exist on shore.
A day trip from Puerto Ayora is long: collection near 6:00, about 40 minutes by road, then about 2 hours at sea each way. A cruise breaks the same sights into shorter outings over several days.
What it costs for a family
Park entry for a foreign child under 12 is $100, and children under 2 are exempt. A foreign adult pays $200. Residents of Ecuador pay far less, at $30 for adults and $15 for under 12s. Each traveller also buys a $20 Transit Control Card. The official fee table lists each category.
Browse family-suitable trips on Viator .
Read more: activities , day trips and the Galapagos Islands guide .