Galapagos Safari Camp
Galapagos, Ecuador
At a Glance
Nine exclusive safari-style tents with views over Santa Cruz island and the Pacific
Guests can choose from a range of packages and safaris including land and sea excursions, trips into the rainforest or to neighboring islands and even diving safaris
Perfect chill-out before or after a Galapagos cruise, or as part of a Galapagos land-based visit for guests who don't have good sea legs
Infinity pool and fine restaurant in the central lodge
The owner's house, (which isn't a tent!) is also available as a family suite, with picturesque views from a wraparound terrace
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
There's never a bad time to visit the Galapagos. The peak season lasts from mid-June through early September and from mid-December through mid-January. The national park limits the number of visitors to each island and coordinates each ship's itinerary, so the Galapagos will never feel like Disney World. But if you visit in the summer, you are less likely to feel a sense of solitude and isolation.
From December through to May the water and the air are warmer, but this is the rainy season. It drizzles almost daily for a short period of time. Ironically, this is also the sunniest time of year.
June through November, the Humboldt Current makes it way up to the Galápagos from the southern end of South America. The current brings cold water and cold weather, but it also brings water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attracts fish and birds. During this season there always seem to be clouds in the air, but it rarely rains. It's also quite windy, and the seas tend to be rougher.
Insider's View
Whenever they can buy fresh fish the chef will give guests a lesson in how to make ceviche
Call us on 858 345 1763 to start planning your vacation to Galapagos Safari Camp or take a look at our itineraries to Galapagos
Description
A new concept to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp situated on a ridge in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, bordering the national park offering magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean.
Galapagos Safari Camp is a 55-hectare farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island bordering the national park, 30 minutes from the sea. The farm is rich in birdlife with finches, warblers, mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, egrets and owls — tortoises also make frequent visits.
The camp has nine safari tents perched on a hill, providing comfort and privacy in the breathtaking wilderness. All tents have a balcony with views of the park and the ocean — they are spacious, attractively decorated and each has a private bathroom with hot shower.
Guests can gather by the fireplace in the main living room to view the sunsets in the evening, taste the chef´s creative dishes in the panoramic dining room or enjoy the tranquility of the infinity pool with fabulous ocean views.
The camp is a perfect base from which to explore the islands where private guiding, full day excursions to other islands, inland walks, horse trekking and diving can all be organized. Similarly, it can offer a relaxing and peaceful extension after a Galapagos cruise.
Accommodation
Accommodation at the Galapagos Safari Camp comprises nine safari tents, elevated on wooden platforms and sheltered by three protective layers, plus a stone-built Family Suite. The tents are both spacious and comfortable and are tastefully decorated with custom-made furniture. All tents have cupboards, a writing desk, fan/heater, en suite bathroom and a large balcony with hammocks and chairs, perfect for relaxing and taking in the panoramic views.
Childcare
Children are very welcome to come and stay at the Galapagos Safari Camp and one extra bed can be provided in each tent for an additional charge. There are also kids' activities available including treasure hunts, movies, art classes and story-telling.
Facilities
The main lodge at the Galapagos Safari Camp has a dining area serving delicious cuisine, an intimate elegant lounge and bar with a cosy fireplace. Outside there is a spacious veranda and an infinity pool, perfect for enjoying the nature and calm.
Activities
Galapagos Safari Camp makes an excellent base from which to explore the islands. Private guiding, full day excursions to other islands, inland walks, horse trekking, snorkeling, diving and kayaking can all be organized from the camp.
Visits to the islands are strictly regulated to ensure minimal impact on the wildlife, so it is important for us to know if there are any particularly animals that you would like to see because they are not on all of the islands.
Reviews
Katie Aston (Staff)
The Galapagos Safari camp is set up in a remote spot in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island on the Galapagos, so suits guests looking for privacy and a natural experience. The main lodge with its lofty ceilings, fireplace and wrap around deck and fireplace, books and games is the central focus for guests and before and after a day's exploring the island or visiting another island by boat, you enjoy delicious Ecuadorian influenced food out on the deck or inside. Some guest like to join others to share their experiences over meals. The unique feature of Galapagos Safari Camp are the nine spacious canvas tents which are set on platforms for minimum impact on the vegetation. The deck looks out over the island and ocean below and are the perfect place to sip a cup of delicious local coffee and look out for the Darwin finches and mockingbirds. The tents come with double or twin beds and a private bathroom with hot water, flushing loo, so no comfort is compromised. For families with younger children the 3-bedroom family suite, each with its own bathroom is a great option because none of the tents connect. Popular places to take in the views are the infinity edged pool and the sunset deck for sundowners. The lovely host Katrien and her team are on hand to discuss how best to make the most of your time. Most guests alternate between a day exploring Santa Cruz such as seeing the giant tortoises, visiting coffee farms or Tortuga Bay where you share the sand with hundreds of sea iguanas or the sunken volcanic craters with a day on a boat to one of the nearby islands such as Bartlolome, Plazas, North Seymour or xx each with its unique wildlife. The benefit of staying on land is that you have more space, privacy and flexibility with timings than if you stay onboard a boat
(Press)
Owners Stephanie and Mesdag visited these islands before they married, and while cycling in the highlands of Santa Cruz – the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago – found a farm with panoramic views of the Pacific and islands to the north and west. They bought it, moved here and turned a farm of coffee, guavas and bananas into South America’s first luxury tented safari camp.
Guests are housed in nine beautiful tents, and there is an infinity pool and a central pavilion with a fireplace.
Who goes: Outdoorsy couples.
Top tip: Stay a few nights onboard one of the yachts exploring other islands.
Must-do: See the giant tortoises.
Downside: It’s 30 minutes inland – though this means even more seclusion.
Experiences
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Family activities at Galapagos Safari Camp
The kids club at Galapagos Safari Camp offers a superb range of family activities, both customizing the activities on and around Santa Cruz, and when you're back at the camp, ranging from beach explorations with a guide to t-shirt painting.
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Full day Scuba Diving from Santa Cruz Island
Scuba diving in the Galapagos is world-class, thanks to the abundance of tame marine life. You will typically come up lose with large rays, green turtles, sea lions and schools of sharks. The diving is suitable for intermediate and experienced divers.
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Mountain biking Santa Cruz
Enjoy a full-day mountain biking adventure and explore the volcanic landscape of the Galapagos Islands, encountering wildlife and speeding down rugged paths for a fun-filled alternative to the sea-based activities.
Location & directions
Galapagos, Ecuador
Galapagos Safari Camp is located on a ridge in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, bordering the national park and offering magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean.