The Perfect Family Trip

Stepping foot on these lands for the first time, it's hard not to stare in disbelief as hundreds of sunbathing iguanas block your path, completely unphased by human interference. Here the tortoises are older than the radio, lava oozes from ocean floors, and folklore says that lost treasure might still be found thanks to the pirates and buccaneers who prowled the waters in the 16th century.

This isn’t an excerpt taken from a mythical legend, these are the Galápagos Islands.

George Butterfield called on his family of 13 to join him on a trip, the challenge was to find a destination and itinerary that appeals to everyone – from 83-year-old George and 9-year-old granddaughter Ellie. But when you travel to the Galápagos, you’ll find it’s a place that keeps families together. Or in George’s words: “the perfect family trip.” 

“There are very few perfect family trips,” George says. “You must have something that appeals to everyone, so it's hard to encompass something that’s interesting for all age groups. Animal life and bird life are two of them, and that’s why the Galápagos is the perfect trip. It’s just like an African safari. There’s life on land and life in the water, and you’re all together exploring at the same time. There are no diversions.”

Over 17 days, the Butterfields were able to reconnect after being straddled across the globe for the first time in two years thanks to a certain pandemic. By day they spotted rare animals like the blue-footed boobie; snorkelled, surfed, kayaked and hiked through white sand beaches and turquoise waters; and learned about Charles Darwin’s rare discoveries alongside naturalist guides. By night they motored to the next island via a 16-passenger private yacht, allowing the freedom to explore the lesser-known islands, each with its own unique wildlife (which is in fact our favourite way to see the Galápagos!). When they weren't cruising the waters, the Butterfields also stayed at Galápagos Safari Camp, an intimate glamping experience comprising luxury tented camps, similar to what you would see in Africa.

While the Galápagos can be compared to an African safari, the animals here are much more up-close-and-personal; because of the harmonious existence with humans, the animals are not afraid of us. Iguanas mingle with sea lions, 600 lb giant tortoises meander along in groups and the various birds observe it all from above (or below in the penguin's case!).

“I don’t think I know a place in the world where human beings haven’t taken it and changed it,” George said. “On these islands, there’s nothing except the way life was thousands of years ago. It’s very primeval. When you step around the iguanas, they don’t move. They don’t even scatter. That’s because human beings haven’t been predators to them, whereas in so much of the world human beings have killed them off.”

But maintaining one of the world’s last Shangri-La is no easy task. The islands are 97% National Park and governed by a special law that restricts the number of travellers that can visit. And with more and more travellers looking to explore far-flung, remote, bucket-list destinations, it’s often advised to book a full year in advance for normal travel and 2 or more years in advance for festive dates and school holidays.

For George, the exclusivity of the island was what made it so appealing for a family trip in the first place. People should want to visit the Galápagos because they limit the number of visitors. The privacy is in fact one of the best parts, and sharing that special magic with loved ones is bound to create memories to last a lifetime. 

But you don't have to take it from George, take it from the grandkids themselves! From snorkelling among hammerhead sharks to watching unique birdlife at Darwin's Research Centre, we asked George’s family to share their most memorable trip highlights.