Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
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10 best christmas & new year Galapagos Islands tours
Compiled by
MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Ecuador & Galápagos: 8 Days of Nature’s Magic
- Galapagos Essentials
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
- 8 Days Island Hopping in Galapagos Islands for Gay Travelers
- 7 Days Galapagos Express Adventure
- 10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
- 7 Days Galapagos Multisport Adventure Tour
- 7 Days Galapagos Expedition: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz Island
- Galapagos Island Hopping
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $7,257
5% Off- NZ$6,894You save $363
Galapagos Essentials
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organized tour, well-balanced itinerary with lots of free time to explore.”
Oddbjoern, traveled in April
Nature's paradise reveals giant tortoises in Santa Cruz highlands and vibrant marine life at Academy Bay. This Galapagos escape features special seasonal experiences across 4 iconic island locations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Adventure Journeys From
5% Off- NZ$1,919
Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“super super super super”
Gudrun, traveled in January
Santa Cruz's Giant Tortoise reserve and Las Grietas' snorkeling sites dazzle visitors. Isabela Island's pink flamingos and Tintoreras Islet's marine life create perfect family adventures for children 5+, with comfortable 3-star Puerto Ayora hotels.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Santa Fé Island Age Range Operated in English, Spanish Operator Cami Adventures From
5% Off- NZ$1,762
Experience the Galapagos' untamed beauty on this LGBT-welcoming adventure. Observe giant tortoises at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, snorkel crystal waters at Las Grietas, and explore pristine Tortuga Bay. Stay in comfort accommodations while discovering Santa Fé, South Plaza, or North Seymour islands, complemented by exclusive experiences like craft beer tasting at Santa Cruz's Unica Cerveceria.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Puerto Ayora Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
5% Off- NZ$4,608
Puerto Ayora buzzes with holiday spirit while wildlife thrives at Las Grietas and Tortuga Bay. Christmas brings special encounters with sea lions at La Lobería and blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
5% Off- NZ$2,186
10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The canoe rides and sightseeing were unforgettable. The food and restaurant service was great.”
Andrew, traveled in August
Giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz highlands while San Cristóbal's interpretation center reveals island secrets this holiday season. Crystal-clear waters at Las Grietas canyon invite snorkeling, with peaceful walks along Tortuga Bay and magical moments at Garrapatero Beach.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
5% Off- NZ$4,706
5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Galapagos is just magical. Isabela was our favorite island due to its smaller town size, beautiful beaches and friendly vibe.”
Jill, traveled in December
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
5% Off- NZ$2,416
7 Days Galapagos Multisport Adventure Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The stellar reward we dedicated guides who delivered fun and adventure hands on in a sharing and caring fashion.”
Neil, traveled in April
Marine sanctuaries showcase holiday magic in the Galapagos. Hammerhead sharks circle Kicker Rock, giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz highlands, and volcanic tunnels at Los Tuneles reveal underwater wonders. Penguins join kayaking excursions at Tintoreras for New Year.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Baltra Island Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
5% Off- NZ$4,389
Sea lions frolic at La Lobería while giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz highlands during the festive season. Kicker Rock's marine life adds underwater magic to Puerto Ayora's holiday atmosphere.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
5% Off- NZ$3,089
Galapagos Island Hopping
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My dream holiday. Wonderful experience that I will treasure always.”
Angela, traveled in June
Natural wonders unfold at Leon Dormido's snorkeling sites, Sierra Negra Volcano's trails, and Charles Darwin Station. Cooking classes and conservation visits enhance festive experiences, while comfortable hotels across four islands host seasonal celebrations.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,690
5% Off- NZ$3,506+$388 local paymentsYou save $184
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos Essentials
Very well organized tour, well-balanced itinerary with lots of free time to explore. It is definitely an express tour of Galapagos, if time allows a few more days are recommended
- Galapagos Multisport
I wish they had asked us beforehand what wildlife we wanted to see. I had chosen this time of year specifically to see the boobies and frigates mating and chicks hatching. We realized at the end of the tour that we could have seen them on the islands that we were visiting as others we met had pictures and videos from few days prior but no one had told us. We also could have booked an excursion to Seymor Norte on our free day from Santa Cruz to guarantee sightings of all of those but by the time we got to the island and asked around all the bookings were full. We should have been offered to book it back in January when the itinerary had already been set and we were told we had a free day. I was very disappointed that the one thing I wanted to see specifically, I could not.
- 10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
Really enjoyed it. Our guide was Pedro, and he really knew his stuff. The canoe rides and sightseeing were unforgettable. The food and restaurant service was great. The only suggestion I have is to give warning when the power and water are to go off, so we could plan around it.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour to the Galapagos?
Book Galapagos festive season tours 8-12 months ahead to secure preferred accommodations and activities. Places like the Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel and Isamar Hotel fill up early as do tours to Sierra Negra Volcano and Kicker Rock. Recent travelers who waited until 6 months before departure found limited options. A TourRadar traveler shared "We booked our Christmas tour 10 months ahead and were glad we did as many other travelers we met had trouble finding availability just 6 months before."
What makes Christmas & New Year in the Galapagos Islands special?
The Galapagos combines holiday festivities with natural wonders during the festive season. Hotel Solymar guests enjoy Christmas dinner while sea lions and marine iguanas roam nearby shores. December's 79°F temperatures create ideal conditions for snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Tortuga Bay where tropical fish sea turtles and rayseler noted "The Christmas dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean while watching the sunset was absolutely magical and the wildlife encounters made it an unforgettable holiday experience."
What wildlife can I expect to see during a Christmas & New Year tour?
The festive season presents prime wildlife viewing. Giant tortoise hatchlings emerge at the Charles Darwin Research Station while green sea turtles begin nesting at Tortuga Bay. Waved Albatross colonies remain active on Española Island before their seasonal departure. One traveler reported "We saw everything from baby sea lions playing on Christmas Day at La Loberia to blue-footed boobies performing their mating dance on New Year's Eve - it was like nature's own holiday celebration."
What are the accommodation options during Christmas & New Year?
Hotels across the islands offer special holiday programs. Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel provides festive packages with seasonal decorations while Isamar Hotel hosts beachfront celebrations. Most properties arrange Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners. According to a guest "We stayed at the Red Mangrove Hotel in Puerto Ayora which was beautifully decorated for Christmas and offered amazing holiday feasts with local specialties."
Are there any local Christmas & New Year traditions in the Galapagos?
Puerto Ayora's main square comes alive with Ecuadorian holiday customs blended with island traditions. Local music and dance fill the streets while venues like Red Mangrove serve Christmas Eve dinners featuring fresh seafood and traditional dishes. A recent visitor observed "Spending New Year's Eve in Puerto Ayora was incredible - the whole town comes alive with music dancing and local traditions we'd never experienced before."
What's the best way to travel between islands during Christmas & New Year?
Speedboats connect major islands like Santa Cruz Isabela and San Cristóbal. Morning departures offer calmer conditions compared to afternoon crossings. The Santa Cruz to Isabela route takes about 2.5 hours. A traveler suggests "We took early morning boat transfers during our Christmas tour which were smoother and offered beautiful sunrise views of the islands."