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
- 12-Day Galapagos Expedition
- Luxury Galapagos 8 Days Tour
- Natural Galapagos
- 10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
- 7 Days Galapagos Multisport Adventure Tour
- 7 Days Galapagos Express Adventure
- Galápagos Island Hopping (6 destinations)
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
- 7 Days Galapagos Expedition: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz Island
- Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
12-Day Galapagos Expedition
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Galapagos Islands is paradise, thanks to rebecca adventure travel to have this amazing options!!”
NelsondelaBastida, traveled in February
Holiday magic unfolds at Kicker Rock's marine sanctuary and Tintoreras Islet's penguin colonies. Giant tortoises roam El Chato while Tourist Class accommodations at Hotel Galapagos Eco Friendly ensure comfortable nights.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Santa Fé Island, Baltra Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Rebecca Adventure Travel From
- NZ$7,136
Luxury Galapagos 8 Days Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Weather was awesome, the hotels were nice, thank you for everything!”
Amida, traveled in February
The Galapagos islands showcase Bartolome Island's iconic Pinnacle Rock and Los Tuneles' volcanic formations during the holidays. Frigate birds soar at Tijeretas Hill. Luxury awaits at Casa Marita and Blue Galapagos hotels, approx. $990 per day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Isabela Island, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$13,906
Giant tortoises at highland reserves and marine life at Kicker Rock make Christmas magical in the Galapagos. The Charles Darwin Research Station and Los Túneles showcase peak wildlife season. Eight nights accommodation across three islands costs around $2,200.
Duration 9 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras Islet, San Cristóbal Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator True Ecuador Travel From
- NZ$3,422
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
- NZ$4,908
7 Days Galapagos Multisport Adventure Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Ecaudor has so much to offer and we feel that this tour showed us so much of it. The logistics of the itinerary were thoughtfully put together and made for such an easy time.”
Sarah, traveled in August
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
- NZ$4,577
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
- NZ$2,280
Galápagos Island Hopping (6 destinations)
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was amazing.”
Zhaohui, traveled in May
The Galápagos beckons with island-hopping adventures. The Charles Darwin Station, snorkeling at Las Grietas, and hiking Sierra Negra Volcano await. Local community restaurants serve festive meals while unique wildlife reveals itself across three islands.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $5,399
25% Off- NZ$4,049You save $1,350
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
25% Off- NZ$2,519
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
25% Off- NZ$3,221
Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An unrivalled experience for wildlife lovers.”
Adam, traveled in August
Duration 7 days Destinations Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,539
25% Off- NZ$1,904You save $635
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Galapagos Islands
- 5-Day Luxury Galapagos
Altough I travel single, there was always a nice group of people. The guides were really excellent, they knew a lot about the wildlife on the Galapagos Islands. I could find good restaurants on Isabella Island and on St Cruz. Everything was arranged well, from the pickup at the airport, tours, hotels and transport. Nice was also that a member of Rebecca's team from Quito called me the second day to aks if everything was ok, very nice.
- Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions
This was an absolutely amazing tour! I loved everyday of it, from start to finish. To be able to see so many amazing animals in such a beautiful and pristine environment was truly a dream. My guide Fernando was also amazing! His knowledge and passion for the islands really came through and he gave us so much great information while being friendly, positive and engaging. I would do this tour again if I could. The camping element was also great. It was actually better than I imagined as the tents were large and tall enough to stand up in and more than enough space for 2 people. The only thing I would offer is an even longer tour visiting Espaniola, Rabida and possibly other islands as well (aimed at 18-35's bracket), as now I am even more fascinated with the other islands and want to see more! I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Rebecca Adventure Travel provides the best tours in Ecuador for biking and hiking. The activities are really great and according to your interests. I highly recommend it.
4-Day Galapagos Island Hopping
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."