Explore the Galápagos Islands

But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7–10 ESV)

What comes to mind when you think of “the trip of a lifetime”? How about an epic adventure to a beautiful and remote corner of God’s creation—a string of islands rising up out of the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador? Come explore the famous Galápagos Islands with Answers in Genesis and discover an amazing piece of wilderness through the lens of a biblical worldview!

Explore Galápagos

A “Laboratory” for Created Kinds—Not Evolution

When people think of the Galápagos Islands, most immediately picture Charles Darwin (him and giant tortoises—and, yes, you get to see giant tortoises on the trip!). After all, Darwin made this isolated archipelago famous with his ideas about natural selection and the evolution of “Darwin’s finches.” But these islands are far from the laboratory of evolution that so many scientists consider them to be. Rather, they’re a tremendous confirmation of the biblical worldview and created kinds!

Discover the truth about the Galápagos Islands for yourself as you snorkel in crystal-clear waters among creatures as diverse as sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, reef sharks, rays, and a whole host of reef fish; meet giant (and we do mean giant) tortoises; birdwatch for exotic species; explore 1,200 species within the orchid kind in an orchidarium; and so much more.

During this guided trip, in partnership with Living and Learning International (L&LI), you’ll learn from Answers in Genesis’ Dr. Jennifer Rivera (Director of Educational Programs) and Jessica DeFord (Education Specialist, wildlife ecologist), along with Galápagos botanical expert Vivian Rivera. It’s an exciting time of adventuring and learning in the most incredible classroom of all—God’s creation!

If you have any questions, please contact our Explore Team at explore@creationmuseum.org.

Dates: May 28–June 7, 2024. The program begins upon your arrival at the Quito International Airport on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. You must arrive in Quito no later than Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The trip concludes the evening of June 7, 2024, in Quito, Ecuador.

Ages: 14 years and up. Children ages 14 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Bring: For details on what to bring and wear for this event, view the checklist.

Age and Physical Requirements

L&LI participants must possess the necessary physical capacity to safely perform the essential functions of the program itinerary with reasonable accommodations. L&LI is limited in providing reasonable accommodations as Ecuador has its own unique physical barriers and structural obstacles in natural and man-made environments that prevent or block mobility and/or access.

L&LI travelers must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk for sixty minutes uninterrupted, snorkel for forty-five minutes, possess the ability to transport themselves from one place to another in a timely manner (specifically from land to boat), and be able to carry at least fifty pounds (weight of luggage). While the following is not an exhaustive list, participants will need to navigate these and other environments: uneven roads, dirt paths, stairs, steps, boarding and deboarding a boat, boarding and deboarding city transportation with a short window of time that doors stay open, etc. Due to the fast pace and rigorous itinerary, this program is limited to travelers 14 years and older. Additionally, any minor 14 years and older joining the program must be accompanied by an adult.

Pricing & Registration

The package price includes:

• Complete logistics from arrival to departure in Quito, Ecuador
• All food, lodging, and transportation
• Regional airfare to/from Galápagos Islands only
• Dedicated Living and Learning hosts for entire experience
• Language translation
• Orientation and debrief
• Schedule of educational events within Ecuador
• Local tourism and shopping opportunity
• All program tips

Plus the following activities:

• Quito Botanical Garden
• Mitad del Mundo
• Teleférico Gondola
• Six-Island All-Inclusive Galápagos Excursion
• Meeting with Darwin Center Scientist
• Multiple snorkeling opportunities
• (1) Lecture in Quito, Ecuador
• (3) One-hour presentations: Dr. Jennifer Rivera (Science/Biblical Worldview), Jessica DeFord (Feathered, Flying, Ferocious Birds of the Galápagos with a focus on bird/dinosaur ideas), Vivian Rivera (Galápagos botanical expert, with a focus on botanical specimens, botanical transport after the flood, biblical worldview)

The package price does NOT include:

• International airfare to and from Quito, Ecuador
• Travel insurance (required for all travelers)
• Laundry during the program
• Cost to acquire passports
• Anything not listed in “The package price includes”
• Optional hotel accommodations the evening of May 28 or June 7, 2024, based on flight schedule

Itinerary

*Please know that itinerary details are subject to last-minute changes as weather, availability, travel delays, and so on all impact a program.

Galápagos FAQs

Q: Where does the official guided trip begin?
A: The trip officially begins when all travelers arrive at the Quito (UIO) airport on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. All lodging is included in the price quote, including the first night in Quito before flying to the Galápagos.

Q: Can my child under 18 attend without an adult?
A: No.

Q: Should I bring snorkeling gear?
A: Yes, it is recommended that you bring your own snorkeling gear.

Q: Can I get a refund for my deposit?
A: No, there is no refund for the deposit. The remaining balance that is paid can be refunded up to February 19, 2024. After February 19, 2024, there are no refunds.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Meals are included only during the guided trip. You are encouraged to bring snacks and a water bottle with a filter.

Q: Can I room by myself?
A: Yes, but there is an additional fee of $250 for those accommodations.

Q: What are the hotel rooming arrangements?
A: All hotels are land-based. Depending on the hotel, rooms will be mostly arranged with two people per room. When possible, and upon request, a family can be together in a room of four. If this is not possible, we will do our best to have two rooms next to each other for families.

Q: Are there any registration discounts?
A: No, there are no discounts for lifetime members, annual members, or staff members.

Q: Does my registration cover all transportation once in Ecuador?
A: Given that this is a unique trip with travelers arriving from various airports, arrival times will likely vary. When airlines release their flights (11 months out), travelers will find flights arriving in Quito around 2:00/2:30 p.m. with American Airlines and around 8:00 p.m. with Delta/other airlines. L&LI will arrange the pickup times as needed and group the travelers with the same general arrival window. L&LI will include all transfers for travelers arriving in the afternoon/evening of May 28th. For example, if any traveler decides to arrive a day early to explore on their own, transfers will be at their own expense (additional airport transfers will incur a $150 fee each), and they can meet the group at the hotel that first night. All other transfers are included in the program.

Q: Will there be any boat excursions?
A: Yes, there will be boating excursions during the program.

Q: Are there recommendations for vaccinations for this trip?
A: Please see the CDC Travel Destinations website.