Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Galapagos Islands. We have 238 adventures that vary from 1 days to 24 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, 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-Day Unforgettable Galapagos Island Hopping
- 6-Day Galapagos Islands plus Bike, Kayak, Hike, Snorkel
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
- Galapagos Affordable: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal 8 Days
- 5-Day Galápagos Wildlife & Island Discovery
- 7 Day Budget Galapagos Islands Tour: San Cristóbal Adventure
- Galápagos Island Hopping
- Best of Galapagos
- Galapagos Adventure (6 days)
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
7-Day Unforgettable Galapagos Island Hopping
“Galapagos portion was in general very good. Hence, overall, an excellent experience.”
Chien, traveled in January
Holiday magic fills the Galapagos with visits to Santa Cruz's giant tortoises and North Seymour's booby colonies. Seasonal highlights include snorkeling Los Túneles, kayaking Las Tintoreras, and observing wildlife at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Seymour Norte, South Plaza Island, Bartolomé Island, Santa Fé Island, Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras IsletSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Authentic Ecuador From $2,839
10% off- US$2,555
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
10% off- US$1,618
Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
“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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Cami Adventures From
10% off- US$1,588
Galapagos Affordable: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal 8 Days
“Love the model. I would do it again.”
Mark, traveled in September
Penguins welcome snorkelers at Tintoreras Islet for Christmas, while Bartolomé Island's marine iguanas create New Year memories. Puerto Ayora's local restaurants serve festive meals throughout the season.
Duration 8 days Destinations Guayaquil, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Bartolomé Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
10% off- US$2,549
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
10% off- US$1,550
7 Day Budget Galapagos Islands Tour: San Cristóbal Adventure
“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
10% off- US$1,695
Galápagos Island Hopping
“The tour company was excellent. The itinerary was perfect.”
David, 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, Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $3,799
25% off- US$2,849
Best of Galapagos
“The group came together and became one happy family. If you're interested in the Galapagos, this is the tour you should take!”
Russell, traveled in July
Tortuga Bay and Charles Darwin Research Station showcase holiday spirit. Kicker Rock and Las Tintoreras provide seasonal wildlife viewing, with special celebrations spanning multiple islands.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Puerto Villamil, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% off- US$4,355+$220 local payments
Galapagos Adventure (6 days)
“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
25% off- US$2,099
5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
“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
25% off- US$1,510
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Galapagos Islands
- 7-Day Unforgettable Galapagos Island Hopping
We had wonderful time in Galapagos, enjoyed seeing the sea lions, giant turtles, blue feet boobies, iguanas and all the different birds! We saw tons of sharks while snorkeled in Isabela island.
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
The tour was overall a good experience to see a lot of Galapagos in a short amount of time. The hotel was at a good location and clean but the amount of food they served you was very little and limited options. Some disorganization with some of the day activities. Overall a good way to enjoy Galapagos in a short time.
- Galapagos Affordable: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal 8 Days
GUIDEcuador did a wonderful job of curating our Galapagos adventure. It connected us with outstanding guides, and most of the trips turned-out to be private tours. One exception was the tour of Isabela Island, for which we joined a larger group. The guide for that tour was knowledgable but had a sort of nervous energy that made it difficult to relax and enjoy sights. The logistics for handing-off between guides was mostly seamless; however, on the final day our "chaperone" arrived late, was a little young, and was very disinterested. He made sure that we arrived at the airport on time, but he sat apart from us and seemed to be trying to avoid any interaction. Overall though, both the scenery and the wildlife were unforgettable. 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."