Tour Package Reef Explorers

3-Day Family Reef Adventure in Galápagos

3 days / 2 nights

3-Day Family Reef Adventure in Galápagos

Overview

Reef Explorers is a 3-day family adventure that combines marine education, guided snorkeling, citizen science and hands-on coral restoration activities in Galápagos.

Adapted from the Galápagos Reef Revival program, this experience invites children and adults to explore the underwater world together while learning how coral reefs function, which animals depend on them and why healthy marine ecosystems matter to island communities.

Families will explore Concha y Perla, participate in reef observation activities, learn about coral restoration and visit a coral nursery where they can see restoration work in action. The program is designed to make marine science engaging and accessible for families, with opportunities for children and parents to observe, ask questions and participate together.

Day 2 includes an optional beginner-friendly surfing experience. Families who prefer not to surf can participate in an alternative family activity or enjoy free time.

Throughout the program, activities are led by the Galápagos Reef Revival educational team and accompanied by a certified naturalist guide. Water-based activities maintain a ratio of one instructor for every four participants.

FROM OUR GALLERY

Highlights

Coral Reefs:

Discover the corals of Galápagos and learn how they form living communities that support a remarkable diversity of marine life.

Concha y Perla:

Explore the clear waters of Concha y Perla with a guided family snorkel, learning to observe and identify reef fish and other marine organisms.

Citizen Science:

Practice simple reef monitoring techniques and discover how observations collected by families can contribute to understanding marine ecosystems.

Reef & Waves:

Discover the connection between coral reefs, waves and coastal ecosystems through an interactive ocean experience that brings science to life.

Reef Guardians:

Turn exploration into action by learning how families and visitors can help protect Galápagos reefs and becoming a Junior Reef Guardian.

Activities

Nature Hike
Snorkeling
Visit to a pristine beach
Wildlife and landscape navigation

Wildlife

BIRDS
- Galápagos Penguin
- Blue-footed Booby
- Magnificent Frigatebird
- Great Frigatebird
- Great Blue Heron
- Brown Pelican
MARINE LIFE
- Reef sharks
- Galápagos Sea Lions
- Green Sea Turtles
- Sea Stars
- Sea Urchins
- Reef Fish
- Rays
REPTILES
- Marine Iguanas
- Lava Lizards
- Galápagos Tortoises
- Galápagos Racer
- Green Sea Turtles
- Hawksbill Turtles

Day 01 :

Discover the Reef

Breakfast

Introduction Class — What is Reef Revival and What Do We Do?

Begin the program with an introduction to Galápagos Reef Revival and its work in coral reef education and conservation. Families learn about the importance of coral ecosystems and the role they play in the marine environment.

Introduction to the Corals of Galápagos

Discover the corals found in Galápagos and learn about the reef communities and marine animals associated with them.

Reef Revival Workbook & Safety Talk

Families receive an introduction to the Reef Revival workbook and prepare for their first water-based activity with an ocean-safety briefing.

Lunch

First Snorkel at Concha y Perla

Take part in a guided family snorkeling experience at Concha y Perla. Participants begin exploring the underwater environment while learning responsible wildlife observation.

Fish Monitoring Practice

Families practice observing and identifying reef fish as an introduction to marine monitoring and citizen science.

Monitoring Safety Talk

A safety briefing prepares participants for responsible participation in reef monitoring activities.

Dinner

Day 02 :

Reefs, Waves & Island Connections

Breakfast

Surfing Safety Talk

Begin the morning with an introduction to surfing safety and responsible ocean practices.

Surfing Class

Families participate in a beginner-friendly surfing class and gain practical experience in the water.

Reef and Waves

Explore the relationship between reefs, waves and coastal ecosystems, connecting the morning's ocean experience with the science of reef environments.

Lunch

How Do We Connect with Coral Communities?

Explore how coral organisms interact with other species to form complex marine communities.

What Are Corals, Reefs and Associated Communities?

Learn how coral ecosystems function and discover the organisms that depend on healthy reef communities.

Concha y Perla Data Analysis & Species Recognition

Review observations collected during the Concha y Perla snorkeling experience and practice recognizing the species observed in the field.

Dinner

Day 03 :

Reef Revival in Action

Breakfast
Coral Nursery Visit — Bay Tour
Visit a Galápagos Reef Revival coral nursery as part of a bay tour. Families learn how coral restoration works and discover how coral fragments are maintained and monitored.
Introduction to Identification Guides & Sampling Techniques
Learn how researchers and conservation teams collect information about reef ecosystems. Participants are introduced to identification guides and basic sampling techniques, including CoralWatch cards, quadrats, transects and Remote Underwater Video (RUVs).
Lunch
Connecting with Coral Communities
Continue exploring the relationships between corals, reef organisms and the wider marine ecosystem.
Data Analysis & Citizen Science
Learn how observations collected in the field can contribute to understanding reef ecosystems and how families can participate in citizen science.
Concha y Perla Data Analysis & Species Recognition
Revisit the observations from Concha y Perla and continue practicing species recognition and interpretation of the data collected.
Dinner