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With the summer here – in the Northern Hemisphere at least – and school holidays in full swing, thoughts are turning towards how to keep the kids entertained over the long summer months. Perhaps a family vacation is the answer, and where better to take your brood than the Galapagos Islands?

With so many people of all ages seemingly glued to smart phones and screens for hours on end, the Galapagos offers a welcome respite – the stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife, combined with engaging guides, excursions galore and hours of outdoor fun spent exploring the islands and waters of the archipelago, is sure to keep anyone from glancing at a screen for some time.

From the comfort of our Relais & Chateaux luxury expedition yachts Origin & Theory – soon to be joined by a third sister ship Evolve – children and teenagers can discover the wonders of the Galapagos almost any way they choose.

Whether it’s kayaking and paddle boarding trips across the bays and mangroves to look for sea turtles and rays, snorkelling with tropical fish and sea lions, or zodiac and glass-bottom boat rides for our younger visitors or those not looking to take to the sea, there are lots of ways to explore the warm waters of the islands.

Our land based excursions are a great way for curious minds to learn a bit about the history and ecology of the region too – it’s always great to add an educational element to a family trip. Formed from volcanic activity that is still going in some parts of the archipelago, the islands offer a host of treks and trails that consistently capture the imagination of young and old alike, with inland lagoons, beaches formed from volcanic rocks, and fissures and formations that look as prehistoric as the iguanas that call them home.

Our expert naturalist guides, hugely knowledgeable and passionate about the islands, can keep younger generations engaged for hours on end, telling stories of graffiti-artist pirates, marooned sailors, and island murder mysteries, leaving messages in post-box barrels dating back hundreds of years. They serve as conservation tutors, and teach curious minds about the world’s largest fish, 100-year old tortoises, and algae-eating iguanas that can hold their breath for an hour. With creatures as incredible as the ones found in the Galapagos, a trip is bound to enchant and excite like few other destinations on Earth can.

Back on board, the fun doesn’t stop for our younger passengers – and with a free bar, a Relais & Chateaux culinary experience and a host of luxury amenities, it doesn’t for our adult passengers either.

Our chefs can offer pizza and ceviche-making classes, leaving the grown-ups to enjoy some downtime. With games, books and movies on board, a party evening for those that want to join, and visits to the bridge to learn about the vessel, peruse charts and tie nautical knots with the captain, the onboard team love to keep the youngsters entertained. “Our crew struck the perfect tone between high-level service and a more casual, friendly attitude, to match the young people on the boat” writes a guest who sailed with us back in January.

Our vessel layout is perfect for family travel; the 10 designer staterooms are all located on the main deck, so no going up and down a flight of stairs to check on the kids. Rooms feature two twin beds – that convert to a king-size bed if needed – and two sets of cabins have inter-connecting doors. We can also offer a pull-down berth to accommodate triples – perfect for families of 3, 4 or 5. Throw in a spacious sundeck, with a Jacuzzi and sun-loungers for relaxation, a library, boutique, fitness center and a main salon, there’s something for all ages and every mood when on board.

What’s more, we supply all guests – young and old – with gear, including wet suits, masks and snorkels, fins, binoculars, and water bottles, whilst Wi-Fi is also included.

And of course there are a host of reasons why travelling by boat is a no-brainer for families. No lugging around luggage, bickering over restaurant choices or traipsing around towns to get from one place to another – everything is on hand and catered for, leaving you and the family free to make the most of this wonderful location.

We offer two adventurous itineraries, or combine them for the ultimate family holiday. Our team are at the ready and all too happy to help plan your next family vacation, so please feel free to contact us and we look forward to welcoming you all aboard soon!