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
- Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
- Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary D)
- Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary A)
- Galapagos Express - Central, South & East Islands aboard the Archipel I
- Galapagos - Central, North, South and East Islands aboard the Archipel I
- Galapagos Island Hopping
- Galapagos Experience
- Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)
- 10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The highlights for me were the Galapagos Islands and Amazon jungle. What a contrast and what a treat.”
David, traveled in July
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$2,310
Wildlife thrives during holiday season Galápagos cruises. Breeding colonies at North Seymour and dragons at South Plaza highlight December's special departures. Festive meals aboard Archipel I punctuate island visits.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Seymour Norte, Genovesa Island, Bartolomé Island, Santiago IslandSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$12,320
Archipel I hosts festive dining and seasonal wildlife encounters during holiday cruises. Christmas brings marine iguana sightings at Fernandina, while New Year reveals Black Turtle Cove's shark nurseries.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Fé Island, Floreana Island, Santa Cruz Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Baltra IslandSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$12,320
December in Galapagos offers peak wildlife viewing aboard Archipel I catamaran. Meet Fausto Llerena's giant tortoises, dive into Devil's Crown's vibrant reefs, and spot rare waved albatross at Española Island.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island, Española Island, Punta Suarez, San Cristóbal IslandSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
- NZ$8,360
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Guayaquil, Baltra Island, Genovesa Island, Bartolomé Island, Santiago Island, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Española IslandSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
- NZ$12,150
Galapagos Island Hopping
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Intrepid provided us with an amazing trip through the Galapagos. Excursions were meaningful, informative and full of beautiful sights and wildlife.”
Ann, 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 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,755
30% Off- NZ$2,629+$382 local paymentsYou save $1,126
Galapagos Experience
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was amazing, and the views were breathtaking. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area.”
Myrna, traveled in January
Unique Galapagos species greet visitors at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Marine life displays festive colors at Tijeretas, while three distinct islands host holiday activities. December brings prime wildlife viewing at Charles Darwin Station.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,130
25% Off- NZ$1,598+$382 local paymentsYou save $532
Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The boat lacks nothing. The rooms are enough, with the bottom bunks being able to fit 2 people.”
brooks, traveled in February
Le Grande Daphne offers front-row seats to Galapagos wonders this holiday season. Seasonal wildlife viewing peaks at Punta Suarez and Gardner Beach, with festive meals punctuating December's adventures.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Española Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% Off- NZ$6,135+$366 local payments
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 up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
25% Off- NZ$4,633
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 5 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
25% Off- NZ$2,378
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos Island Hopping
This was a great trip and the timing felt just right in 8 days, not too rushed. Jose was an awesome national park guide, very thorough. Accommodations were very good, hotel breakfasts were delicious, snacks were provided on boat trips. Be prepared to be mind blown!
- Galapagos Experience
What a great trip! So close to the animals, seeing them do what they do, and feeling a new connection to our planet was a great take-away. Competent aware guide with laid back attitude. Accommodations good and it was nice to have the ferry tickets and transfers handled. Recommend and take your reuseable water bottle.
- Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
Great destinations and friendly crew, very good food especially vegetables. Almost no questions our guide couldn't answer. The equipment could use some maintenance, and the air conditioning was insufficient for the lower bunks.
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."