Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
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10 best christmas & new year Galapagos Islands tours
Compiled by
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MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
- Upgraded Land Galapagos
- Galapagos Express - Central, South & East Islands aboard the Archipel I
- Galápagos Island Hopping Land-Only (4 destinations)
- Complete Galápagos - Yolita
- Galápagos — North & Central Islands aboard the Eden
- Galápagos — South & East Islands aboard the Yolita
- Galápagos – West and Central Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager
- 10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The location, rooms, atmosphere and tour guides were of such high quality!!”
Suzanne, traveled in October
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 5 to 66 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Cami Adventures From
- US$1,044
Upgraded Land Galapagos
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I've never seen wildlife like this and our guide Danilo was so helpful and knowledgeable!”
Jess, traveled in March
Marine life at Kicker Rock and wildlife at Las Tintoreras showcase nature's holiday spirit. The journey features sea lion colonies at La Lobería, Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visits, festive meals in Floreana's local restaurants, and relaxation at Papallacta's hot springs.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Papallacta Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $4,599
30% Off- US$3,219You save $1,379
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
30% Off- US$5,260
Galápagos Island Hopping Land-Only (4 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“we had a really good experience with an awesome guide.”
Anthony, traveled in September
Unique Galápagos wildlife awaits at Charles Darwin Station and Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Floreana's community dinners and Loberia's seasonal snorkeling lead up to New Year's hiking at Sierra Negra Volcano.
Duration 7 days Destinations Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island, Isabela Island Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,879
25% Off- US$2,159You save $719
Complete Galápagos - Yolita
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Usually very well organised and well looked after travel.”
Diane, traveled in July
The Yolita yacht provides an ideal setting for Galapagos Christmas and New Year celebrations. Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez host special activities, while Punta Espinoza showcases marine iguanas and Charles Darwin Station houses giant tortoises.
Duration 17 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Genovesa Island, Bartolomé Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Rabida Island, Daphne Island, Seymour Norte, Lobos IslandSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $12,299
20% Off- US$9,839You save $2,459
Galápagos — North & Central Islands aboard the Eden
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Galapagos did not disappoint.”
Steven, traveled in December
The Eden yacht provides an intimate holiday setting in the Galápagos. December brings special celebrations while visiting Darwin Bay, Sullivan Bay, and Charles Darwin Research Station during peak wildlife season.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Genovesa Island, Bartolomé Island, Santiago Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Española Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $4,179
25% Off- US$3,134You save $1,044
Galápagos — South & East Islands aboard the Yolita
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I have a wonderful vacation with gadventure.. The Yolita crews are so professional.”
Fung, traveled in August
Yolita's decks offer prime viewing between Española and Santa Fe islands during the holidays. Gardner Bay's shores welcome Christmas celebrations, while Charles Darwin Station hosts New Year festivities. Snorkeling at Corona del Diablo adds adventure.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal Island, Española Island, Santa Fé Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $4,549
20% Off- US$3,639You save $909
Galápagos – West and Central Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellence in every respect. We will use this company again and will recommend it to friends.”
Bradley, traveled in January
Ring in the holidays watching sea lions at North Seymour and rare birds at Punta Espinoza. The Reina Silvia Voyager hosts New Year celebrations after snorkeling Champion Islet, with expert naturalists enhancing each moment.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santiago Island, Seymour Norte Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator G Adventures From
20% Off- US$7,599
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 Ecuador Galapagos Travels From
20% Off- US$2,788
5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accommodation in Postale de Mar an La Jungla was excellent with nothing too much trouble for the great hosts.”
RICHARD, traveled in June
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island Age Range 5 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Ecuador Galapagos Travels From
20% Off- US$1,431
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Galapagos Islands
- 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.
- Galápagos — North & Central Islands aboard the Eden
Overall the tour was good. Some days were excellent and some days were just ok, one afternoon bad and the last morning was amiss. We understood we would be touring the Darwin museum, but we were out of the boat so early nothing was open. If only we were told……we did get to see the Galapagos giant tortoises which was the only plus. Another downside was the dumping us off at the island of the lava. What we did should have taken us 30 minutes, but we spent over an hour walking over hot cracking lava and loose chunks. One of our group slipped on a loose lava chunk and was close to falling backwards down a cliff We all felt as if we were dumped Eden needs work on the sewer and air conditioning in the dining room, bar area and briefing area. We all were sweating through every meal and every briefing. The snorkeling trip to pinnacle rock was outstanding. The captain joined us and pointed out life we would have surely missed The crew on the yacht were friendly happy and hardworking
- Galápagos – West and Central Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager
Booked as single but was then told I was to share the hotel room on the first and last nights. Had to get that straightened out and did but it never should have happened. Ship safety was very bad! No handrails on outdoor stairways at all, no bar in the shower to hold onto, making it unsafe to take a shower or walk around in rough water or during navigation. Itinerary was good, saw a lot of great wildlife. Fast paced though so if you’re looking for a relaxed time don’t book this one.
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."