Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Galapagos Islands. We have 242 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
- 7 days - Galapagos Essential
- 6-Day Galapagos Islands plus Bike, Kayak, Hike, Snorkel
- Galapagos Experience
- 5-Day Galápagos Wildlife & Island Discovery
- 9 Days Galapagos Active Escape
- Galapagos Adventure (6 days)
- 8-Day Highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands + Air Ticket (Private Tour Group)
- 7 Day Galapagos Express Adventure: Santa Cruz Island Escape
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
- 6 Days Galapagos Highlights
7 days - Galapagos Essential
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
Galapagos Experience
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“So much snorkelling!!”
Sasha, traveled in December
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 Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$1,625+$230 local payments
The holidays come alive in the Galapagos with December trips to Las Tijeretas Hill for whale watching and Isla Lobos for sea lion encounters. Seasonal wildlife viewing awaits at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Ayora, Baltra Island Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$1,550
9 Days Galapagos Active Escape
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We felt well taken care of during this trip and it was well organized.”
Peter, traveled in April
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
- US$3,380
Galapagos Adventure (6 days)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotel was great for the price you paid - the team there are helpful & there are lots of other travellers so it's quite sociable.”
Rebecca, traveled in January
Seymour Norte hosts Christmas celebrations while Sierra Negra Volcano welcomes the New Year. Las Tintoreras offers festive snorkeling, and Tortuga Bay showcases seasonal wildlife. Galapagos Dreams Hotel provides holiday festivities.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Seymour Norte Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cami Adventures From
- US$2,099
8-Day Highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands + Air Ticket (Private Tour Group)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Galapagos was incredible, so much to see and do. Loved all the wild life. Puerta Ayora and Puerta Villamil were wonderful to explore.”
Lucia, 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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Cami Adventures From
- US$2,839
7 Day Galapagos Express Adventure: Santa Cruz Island Escape
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Scenery and wildlife more than met all expectations. The water is incredible … picture postcard perfect vacation!”
Mellodie, traveled in March
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
- 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
- US$1,510
Holiday magic fills Tintoreras Islet and Santa Cruz highlands. Giant tortoises roam freely while visitors snorkel with marine life and trek Sierra Negra Volcano, enjoying festive island meals.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$1,920
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos Experience
Fernando Gil was an exceptional guide. If you get to experience a trip with him you are very lucky traveler.
- 7 days - Galapagos Essential
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,
- 9 Days Galapagos Active Escape
We had a great time! We felt well taken care of during this trip and it was well organized. The experiences and activities were well selected and memorable. We had a different tour guide for each island and all were friendly and knowledgeable. As we did not have other members in our tour, it felt like we had private guides! A couple of unexpected and unique experiences included the wood carving demonstration and the ranch on San Cristobal. The arranged food and hotels were all very good. The only wrinkle was an unexpected difference in baggage allowance for the flight to Isabela Island that we didn't know about, so we had to pay excess baggage charges. Highly recommended!
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."