Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Galapagos Islands. We have 232 adventures that vary from 1 days to 24 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best christmas & new year Galapagos Islands tours
Compiled by
MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Galapagos Essentials
- 6-Day Galapagos Islands plus Bike, Kayak, Hike, Snorkel
- Jewels of Ecuador: Galapagos and Amazon
- Galapagos Insight
- 7 Day Budget Galapagos Islands Tour: San Cristóbal Adventure
- 7 Day Galapagos Express Adventure: Santa Cruz Island Escape
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
- 9 Days Galapagos Active Escape
- 8-Day Highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands + Air Ticket (Private Tour Group)
- Galapagos Harmony (7 Days)
Galapagos Essentials
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We absolutely enjoyed our time on Galapagos. It was good to experience her passion for the islands past present and future.”
Janine, traveled in June
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
- US$1,570
Holiday adventures await with kayaking at Tintoreras Islet and hiking at Sierra Negra Volcano. Christmas activities showcase wildlife at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and special visits to the Charles Darwin Station.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras Islet Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Nature Galapagos & Ecuador From
- US$1,618
Jewels of Ecuador: Galapagos and Amazon
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful Holidays UK tour of Ecuador including the Galapagos. Looked perfect. Everything was high quality: the guides, the equipment, the transportation, the rooms.”
Stephen, traveled in July
Duration 11 days Destinations Quito, Tena, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island, Guayaquil Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,821
8% Off- US$3,515You save $306
Galapagos Insight
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It is a Wonderful trip in Galapagos.”
Siu, traveled in January
Perfect December weather sets the stage for Galapagos holidays. The adventure includes Sierra Negra volcano, snorkeling at Los Túneles, and Charles Darwin Station visits. Five unique islands offer comfortable temperatures during festive season.
Duration 10 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Bartolomé Island, Isla Plaza Sur, Seymour Norte, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras Islet, San Cristóbal IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator True Ecuador Travel From
8% Off- US$2,522
7 Day Budget Galapagos Islands Tour: San Cristóbal Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I had a great time in San Cristobal! I saw sea turtles, pelicans, reef sharks, rays, and hammerheads.”
Kyleigh, traveled in January
Watch wildlife thrive at Playa Mann and Kicker Rock during the holidays. Clear summer skies create perfect conditions at Tijeretas Hill and snorkeling spots. Note: Española Island visits exclude albatross sightings from late December through early April.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
8% Off- US$1,695
7 Day Galapagos Express Adventure: Santa Cruz Island Escape
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The boat ride to the uninhabitable island was A++. Great crew, food, above & beyond treatment for the vacationers.”
Joyce, traveled in February
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, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
8% Off- US$1,405
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
Swim through Los Tuneles' lava formations with white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and Galapagos penguins in clear turquoise waters. Hike Sierra Negra Volcano's 10-kilometer crater rim for views across Fernandina and northern Isabela. Meet giant tortoises at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and snorkel Las Tintoreras where marine iguanas and Humboldt penguins gather.
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
8% Off- US$1,431
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
8% Off- US$5,620
8-Day Highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands + Air Ticket (Private Tour Group)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The places we visited were beautiful, and every day was perfectly organized.”
Jose, traveled in November
Immerse yourself in Galapagos wildlife during the holidays at Charles Darwin Station and El Chato Reserve. Relax during festive evenings at Puerto Villamil's beach after snorkeling with sea lions at Las Tintoreras and conquering Sierra Negra Volcano.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras Islet, Santa Fé Island Age Range Ages 25-50 Operated in English, Spanish Operator Cami Adventures From
8% Off- US$2,839
Galapagos Harmony (7 Days)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It's simply a staggering place! The Itinerary was very good, covering a solid amount different activities.”
Ian, traveled in April
The magical Galapagos transforms during Christmas and New Year. Sea lions greet visitors at Las Tintoreras, while Giant Tortoises welcome holiday guests. Puerto Ayora comes alive with seasonal festivities as volcanic landscapes provide stunning sunset backdrops.
Duration 7 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Santa Fé Island, Isabela Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cami Adventures From
8% Off- US$1,575
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos Essentials
We had a number of different guides but it was very well organized and everyone was on time. It seemed like the schedule changed several times and there was at times a number of activities in one day. We walked uphill in the morning and then snorkeling and more walking in the afternoon. Would have liked to have had things stretched out a bit more. You can of course opt out of activities. Navigating to the hotels is no problem from anywhere in town. The first hotel was a very nice facility but the street light was at the height of the room and could keep you awake. The staff all spoke English and were very helpful. The second hotel was a bit worn. The staff did not speak English,
- Galapagos Insight
Jonathan and team were amazing in organising a smooth and seamless trip. Nothing was too much trouble and they took great pride in ensuring we were safe and happy - without being intrusive. The guides were excellent - we had an amazing trip that we will never forget
- 7 Days on a Budget Galapagos Islands Tour in San Cristobal
I had a great time in San Cristobal! I had airport transfers from Quito Airport and San Cristobal Airport to my hotels included based on my flight information that included 3 extra nights in Quito. Day 1 included a private snorkeling activity at Playa Punta Carola followed by the Interpretation Center with information about the island. Day 2 included an awesome group boat tour of Kicker Rock with snorkeling. I saw sea turtles, pelicans, reef sharks, rays, and hammerheads. Day 3 included another cool group boat tour to Española Island with snorkeling included. I saw starfish, reef sharks, loads of fish while snorkeling, and blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas while hiking. Day 4 was a free day so I decided to take a private tour of the island to see giant tortoises, a gorgeous lake, and a stunning white sand beach. Day 5 was a flight day so I went to the beach prior to the plane. Overall, I enjoyed my time and wish I had spent more time seeing the other islands. I cannot wait to return. The communication with my tour agent was really good too. I received a free 1GB eSIM which was enough for about 2 days so I bought a top up. Both hotels (in Quito and San Cristobal) were comfortable with great breakfast options. I am very happy I booked this tour.
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."