CLIA Certified (Cruise Lines International Association)
Vincent Vacations luxury travel advisor Johnnie Herring and her family at the volcanic summit of Bartolome Island overlooking Pinnacle Rock during their Christmas expedition to the Galapagos Islands with Adventures by Disney.
By Johnnie Herring
Certified Disney Destinations & Luxury Expedition Specialist“I have always been a firm believer in giving my family experiences rather than material things. For Christmas (December 18–26, 2024), the Herrings traded wrapping paper for wetsuits and embarked on the 9-day, 8-night Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise! Stepping onto the Enchanted Isles marked Continent #6 and Country #30 for me personally. From deep-water snorkeling alongside sharks, sea turtles, and giant rays off Rabida Island to locking eyes with ancient Giant Galapagos Tortoises in the misty highlands and watching endangered Galapagos penguins dart through equatorial waters, this journey exceeded every expectation. Here is my complete, first-hand family review and island-by-island guide to experiencing the Galapagos with Adventures by Disney.”
Why Choose Adventures by Disney for a Galapagos Islands Family Expedition?
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most strictly protected UNESCO World Heritage ecosystems on Earth. Located 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador directly astride the Equator, this volcanic archipelago inspired Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection. Because wildlife here evolved for millions of years without natural land predators, animals display a complete lack of fear toward humans—a biological phenomenon scientists call “ecological naivete.”
However, navigating the logistics of an Ecuador and Galapagos vacation with a family can feel daunting if you try to piece it together on your own. Between mainland hotel stays, domestic flights from Quito to Baltra or San Cristobal, strict Galapagos National Park entry permits, INGALA transit control cards, wetsuit rentals, and daily panga (Zodiac) landings, the details matter enormously. That is where Adventures by Disney (ABD) shines in a league of its own.
Two Disney-Trained Adventure Guides + Park Naturalists
In addition to certified Ecuadorian Galapagos National Park Naturalists who lead small-group shore landings and interpret the wildlife, two dedicated Disney Adventure Guides travel with your family from start to finish—handling every bag, flight check-in, dining request, and youth activity seamlessly.
Pre-Trip Adventure Box & Exclusive Collector Pins
Before you even leave home, Disney builds the excitement by shipping an official Pre-Trip Adventure Box right to your door! Plus, at the conclusion of each day on expedition, every guest receives an exclusive Adventures by Disney Collector’s Pin commemorating that specific day’s adventure.
Intimate Boutique Expedition Ship: MV Galapagos Legend
Rather than a massive ocean liner, ABD charters the intimate, 100-passenger boutique expedition vessel MV Galapagos Legend. Recently refurbished with panoramic observation decks, an open-air aft swimming pool, glass-bottom boat excursions, and all snorkel gear and wetsuits included, it is the ultimate floating basecamp.
Junior Adventurer Programming & All-Inclusive Ease
From kid-friendly Ecuadorean cooking classes and karaoke nights to stargazing on the Equator and Junior Naturalist challenges, children and teens stay thoroughly engaged while parents enjoy stress-free, white-glove service where all internal flights, excursions, meals, and gratuities are taken care of.
The Disney Magic Starts Early: Pre-Trip Adventure Boxes, Collector Pins & Unbeatable Value
A couple of special touches truly set an Adventures by Disney vacation apart from any other tour operator in the world. First, weeks before departure, our family received our official Adventures by Disney Pre-Trip Adventure Box in the mail. Inside the box, Disney packs practical, high-quality gear tailored specifically to the itinerary you booked. For our Galapagos expedition, we received a really nice, durable daypack backpack (which was indispensable for carrying cameras, sunscreen, and water bottles on dry and wet panga landings) as well as custom luggage straps that made spotting our bags effortless.
Second, one of our favorite daily traditions onboard was the Adventures by Disney Collector’s Pin presentation. Each evening during our recap briefing, our Adventure Guides presented every guest with a custom-designed Disney pin featuring artwork specific to the wildlife and islands we explored that exact day. You cannot buy these pins in any theme park or store—you can only earn them by experiencing the trip firsthand! By the end of the nine days, our lanyard was a visual storybook of every volcano, tortoise, penguin, and sea lion we encountered.
Rocking our matching Lion King “Hakuna Matata” shirts overlooking the MV Galapagos Legend anchored in the bay below.
Celebrating Christmas in the Galapagos—giving our family the lifelong gift of world travel and shared experiences.
Insider Note on Value & Why Working in the Travel Industry Is Incredible
For families looking for the ultimate holiday gift, I always say: invest in experiences. Long after toys and electronics are forgotten, your children will remember swimming nose-to-nose with sea turtles and sea lions on Christmas Day. Starting retail rates for this 9-day / 8-night Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands expedition begin around $8,999.00 per person—and given that it includes internal roundtrip airfare between Quito and the Galapagos, luxury hotel stays in Quito, all cruise accommodations, all meals, wetsuits, twice-daily guided excursions, park fees, and tips, the value is phenomenal.
For My Fellow & Aspiring Travel Advisors: If you hold your CLIA or IATA card and have passed your College of Disney Knowledge with Vincent Vacations, Disney occasionally opens exclusive Travel Agent Appreciation rates on select departures—allowing qualified advisors to experience this exact 9-day / 8-night expedition starting at just $3,999.00 per person! Trust me on this: it is an unbelievable perk of being a professional travel advisor with Vincent Vacations, and experiencing the product firsthand makes you ten times more equipped to plan it for your clients.
Days 1 & 2: Touchdown in Quito, Views of Nevado Cayambe Volcano & Flight to the Enchanted Isles
Our holiday adventure began on December 18th as we flew into Quito, Ecuador, nestled high in the Andean foothills at 9,350 feet above sea level. Right from the start, Adventures by Disney handled the arrival with effortless grace. A representative met us at the airport, assisted with our luggage, and whisked us to our hotel where we could rest, hydrate, and acclimate.
Waking up in Ecuador to clear mountain air, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Nevado Cayambe Volcano—the third-highest peak in Ecuador and the only major snow-covered point on Earth crossed directly by the Equator! Having that peaceful window to relax in Quito before flying out to the islands made a world of difference for our energy levels.
We made it to the Galapagos! Celebrating Continent #6 and Country #30 for me with my favorite travel crew.
Stepping aboard our floating home for the week: the aft pool deck of the boutique MV Galapagos Legend.
When we touched down on the islands, it was a major personal milestone: Continent #6 (South America) and Country #30 checked off my travel list! Our Adventure Guides seamlessly managed the biosecurity inspection and park entry process, and within minutes we were boarding pangas to step aboard the MV Galapagos Legend. After getting fitted for our personal snorkeling masks, fins, and shorty wetsuits (which stay assigned to you for the entire voyage), we attended our first safety drill and wildlife briefing as the ship weighed anchor.
Santa Cruz Island: The Charles Darwin Research Station & Lush Tortoise Highlands
One of the most meaningful educational stops on our itinerary was exploring Santa Cruz Island, home to the bustling port town of Puerto Ayora and the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation, this scientific complex sits at the forefront of conservation, tortoise breeding, and habitat restoration across the archipelago.
Visiting the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to learn about conservation efforts.
Outfitted in mud boots in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, surrounded by wild Giant Galapagos Tortoises.
Walking through the station with our naturalist guide, we learned how scientists incubate tortoise eggs and rear hatchlings until their shells are large enough to protect them from introduced predators. Afterward, we drove up into the misty, emerald-green Highlands of Santa Cruz. Here, we swapped our sneakers for rubber mud boots and walked through open pastures and volcanic lava tubes where dozens of wild Giant Galapagos Tortoises roamed freely, grazing on lush grass and wallowing in cool freshwater ponds.
Dozen of wild Giant Galapagos Tortoises soaking in a highland pond—a prehistoric scene straight out of another era.
Bartolome Island: Conquering the Summit Steps to Iconic Pinnacle Rock
If you have ever seen a postcard or National Geographic cover of the Galapagos Islands, chances are you were looking at Bartolome Island. This barren, lunar-like volcanic islet off the east coast of Santiago Island offers the single most dramatic geological panorama in the entire archipelago.
The breathtaking view of Pinnacle Rock separating twin turquoise bays on Bartolome Island.
Celebrating at the top of the 372-step wooden boardwalk by the Bartolome Island lighthouse.
To protect the fragile volcanic ash and spatter cones, visitors climb a winding wooden boardwalk of 372 steps up to the summit lighthouse. As we ascended, our naturalist pointed out pioneer plants like the endemic Galapagos lava cactus (Brachycereus nesioticus), which colonizes barren black basalt where nothing else can survive. Reaching the summit together as a family and looking down at the jagged obelisk of Pinnacle Rock, with the MV Galapagos Legend gleaming in the sapphire channel below, was an absolute pinch-me moment.
Rabida Island: Crimson Volcanic Beaches, Pink Flamingos & An Epic Deep-Water Snorkel
Next, our expedition took us to Rabida Island (historically known as Jervis Island), located just south of Santiago. Stepping off the panga onto Rabida’s shore feels like landing on Mars: the high iron content in the volcanic lava has oxidized over millennia, creating a striking, deep crimson-red sand beach that contrasts brilliantly against the turquoise Pacific Ocean and bright green saltbush.
The striking iron-rich crimson red sand beach of Rabida Island.
Wild American flamingos filtering brine shrimp in the brackish coastal lagoon on Rabida Island.
Just steps behind the red beach lies a calm brackish lagoon where we watched vivid pink American flamingos wading gracefully and taking flight across the water. Pelicans nested in the coastal mangroves, while sea lions lounged right on the crimson sand.
After our island walk, we boarded our pangas for a thrilling deep-water snorkel along Rabida’s rocky volcanic drop-off—and the underwater world put on a show we will never forget! In a single snorkel session, we swam alongside a Galapagos shark, glided past three peaceful Pacific green sea turtles, watched two massive rays soar effortlessly across the sea floor below us, and marveled at hundreds of neon reef fish (including King Angelfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, and Parrotfish) alongside vibrant chocolate-chip and blue sea stars clinging to the volcanic boulders.
Heading out by panga with our Adventures by Disney group for our deep-water snorkel excursion.
Post-snorkel smiles after spotting a shark, three sea turtles, two large rays, and dazzling tropical fish!
Puerto Egas (Santiago Island): Black Sand Beaches, Galapagos Hawks & Lava Grottos
On the western coast of Santiago Island, we made a wet landing at Puerto Egas (Port Egas), famous for its dramatic shoreline of black basalt lava and sculpted volcanic tuff layers. Walking along the dark volcanic sand beach and out across the intertidal lava flats felt like stepping into a living natural history documentary.
Family portrait on the black volcanic sands of Puerto Egas on Santiago Island.
An apex predator up close: the endemic Galapagos Hawk perched on a volcanic tuff ledge at Puerto Egas.
Everywhere we turned at Puerto Egas, wildlife was thriving. We spotted an endemic Galapagos Hawk—the islands’ apex diurnal predator—perched regally on a weathered rock formation just yards away from the trail. Along the collapsed lava tunnels and surging turquoise tide pools (known as Darwin’s Toilet and the Fur Seal Grottos), we encountered playful Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, both land and marine iguanas basking side-by-side with neon-red Sally Lightfoot crabs, and adorable sea lion pups resting on the sand.
Natural basalt lava bridges and crystal-clear turquoise grottos carved by the Pacific surf at Puerto Egas.
One of the curious, heart-melting Galapagos sea lion pups we met along the shore.
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island): Beach Snorkeling, Vibrant Land Iguanas & My Favorite Giant Tortoises
Sailing west to Isabela Island—the largest island in the Galapagos, shaped like a seahorse and formed by the fusion of six massive shield volcanoes—we landed at Urbina Bay at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. Urbina Bay is a geological marvel: in 1954, tectonic uplift suddenly raised over three miles of the ocean floor by 15 feet, stranding massive coral heads and marine fossils high and dry inland!
My absolute favorite wildlife encounter: walking alongside wild Giant Galapagos Tortoises at Urbina Bay!
A massive, brightly colored Galapagos land iguana soaking up the sun along the Urbina Bay trail.
After a refreshing beach snorkel in the calm bay waters, we set off on the inland trail through arid palo santo forests and coastal scrub. Here we encountered some of the largest, most vibrant yellow-and-orange Galapagos land iguanas in the archipelago. And best of all, right along the sandy path, we came face-to-face with my personal favorite: wild Giant Galapagos Tortoises slowly munching on vegetation! Seeing their ancient, expressive faces up close in their completely natural coastal habitat was pure magic.
Looking into the wise, century-old eyes of a wild Giant Galapagos Tortoise at Urbina Bay.
Punta Vicente Roca: Equatorial Penguins, Flightless Cormorants & Dramatic Volcanic Cliffs
At the northwestern tip of Isabela Island lies Punta Vicente Roca, where the remnants of the half-submerged Ecuador Volcano plunge straight into the deep ocean. Because the icy, nutrient-rich Cromwell Current upwells directly against these sheer volcanic walls, Punta Vicente Roca is one of the richest marine hotspots on the planet.
The endangered Galapagos penguin—the smallest South American penguin and the only one living north of the Equator!
Watching playful Galapagos penguins dart and swim through the cool upwelling waters.
It was so much fun to see the Galapagos penguins here! Standing only about 19 inches tall, they are the smallest of the South American penguins and the only penguin species in the world that lives naturally north of the Equator. Watching them hop across the black lava ledges and torpedo through the clear water right beside our panga was unforgettable.
The rare, endemic Flightless Cormorant—found only in the western Galapagos Islands.
Dozens of Pacific green sea turtles floating in the neon-turquoise coves beneath the caldera cliffs.
Cruising into a massive, echoing volcanic sea cave and along the towering tuff cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca, our final excursion of the day rewarded us with an unbelievable wildlife grand slam: we spotted the rare flightless cormorant (whose wings have evolved into stubby fins for deep-water diving), blue-footed boobies showing off their bright turquoise feet, masked (Nazca) boobies, magnificent frigatebirds with their scarlet throat pouches inflated, marine iguanas, dozens of sea turtles bobbing in the turquoise coves, and even a bizarre, prehistoric ocean sunfish (Mola mola) near the surface!
The iconic Blue-Footed Booby showing off its vibrant turquoise feet along the rocky ledges.
A male Magnificent Frigatebird displaying its inflated crimson gular sac.
Why Book Your Adventures by Disney & Galapagos Expedition with Johnnie Herring
A family expedition to the Galapagos Islands or an Adventures by Disney guided tour is a once-in-a-lifetime investment in your family’s memories. Having personally experienced this exact itinerary with my husband and son—from the Quito hotels and charter flights to the wetsuits, panga landings, and shipboard cabins—I help my clients plan with genuine firsthand insight at zero extra cost to you.
Firsthand Galapagos & ABD Expertise
I know which stateroom categories on the MV Galapagos Legend offer the smoothest ride, how to prepare for wet vs. dry panga landings, and exactly what gear to pack beyond your Disney Adventure Box.
College of Disney Knowledge Certified
As a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge with Vincent Vacations, I monitor early-booking windows, family promotions, and ideal seasonal wildlife calendars so you never miss out.
End-to-End Concierge Planning
From international airfare into Quito and pre-trip altitude tips to comprehensive travel protection and custom pre- or post-cruise extensions to Machu Picchu or the Amazon, I handle every detail.
Complete Photo Gallery: The Herring Family’s Galapagos Expedition with Adventures by Disney
Browse all 65 photos from our December family adventure across Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Rabida, Santiago (Puerto Egas), and Isabela Island (Urbina Bay & Punta Vicente Roca):
Iconic Wildlife
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Family Expedition
Galapagos Penguins
Island Explorations
Rabida Island
Rabida Island
Puerto Egas
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MV Galapagos Legend
Snorkeling & Marine Life
Punta Vicente Roca
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Punta Vicente Roca
Puerto Egas
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Family Expedition
Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca
Galapagos Penguins
Rabida Island
Family Expedition
Giant Tortoises
Urbina Bay
Puerto Egas
Iconic Wildlife
Urbina Bay
Family Expedition
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Island Landscapes
Rabida Island
Iconic Wildlife
Island Landscapes
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Urbina Bay
Family Expedition
Rabida Island
Iconic Wildlife
Giant Tortoises
Giant Tortoises
Family Expedition
MV Galapagos Legend
Giant Tortoises
Galapagos Penguins
Bartolome Island
Family Expedition
Santa Cruz Island
Bartolome Island
Iconic Wildlife
Bartolome Island
Snorkeling & Marine Life
Snorkeling & Marine Life
Iconic Wildlife
Iconic Wildlife
Island Landscapes
Giant Tortoises
Family Expedition
Family Expedition
Snorkeling & Marine Life
Ready to Give Your Family the Ultimate Galapagos Adventure?
Let Johnnie Herring design your dream Adventures by Disney vacation or luxury Galapagos Islands expedition. Contact us today for complimentary concierge planning, firsthand family tips, and VIP support.
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