Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea. Experience the Galápagos aboard two elegant and nimble ships, well-equipped for up-close exploration. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers. Encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises and more. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for being without fear in the presence of humans.
We meet you on arrival in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galapagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the locally owed Hotel Oro Verde and have the choice of several hotels in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension to Mashpi Reserve in the tropical Andes outside Quito, a biodiversity hotspot. Or choose to reserve additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.
Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
In the morning we will fly to the Galápagos and embark the National Geographic Endeavour II. After lunch, our journey begins as we explore the islands and their remarkable wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Below are a selection of islands we may visit during our expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.
North Seymour:
Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where we may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.
Isabela:
Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.
Fernandina:
One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos — and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.
Española:
See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach, and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay.
Floreana:
Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.
Santa Cruz:
Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness the giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.
Bartolomé:
Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim, and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.
Santiago:
Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.
Genovesa:
Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays.
San Cristobal:
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard — found only on this easternmost island. Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where we transfer to Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, and have several options in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about Peru, Quito, and other post-voyage options. Many guests upon arrival in Guayaquil continue on a flight to Lima, Peru, for Exploring Galápagos + Peru's Land of the Inca.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.
Departure Time: Anytime on day 10, or anytime after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 9.
Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
|
Book now |
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 73 metres
Passenger Capacity: 96 guests (in 53 outside cabins)
Built: 2005; Newly Launched: 2016
Our newest 96-guest ship replaced Endeavour and continues to operate the exact same itineraries, with the same tools for exploration, including a glass-bottom Zodiac, and the same top team. Quiet, maneuverable with a shallow draft to get you up close, this purpose-built expedition ship was completely refitted in 2016 for Galápagos service.
She is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with great viewing from all public spaces, large windows in cabins and suites, state-of-the-art tools for exploration, and a fast, seamless twin Zodiac loading platform.
Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; doctor’s office; fitness centre; LEXspa; global gallery; library; lounge with full-service bar and facilities for viewing and presentations; and sun deck. Our Ecuadorian captain welcomes guests to the bridge in accordance with our ‘open bridge’ policy.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Kayaks, glass-bottom Zodiac, snorkeling gear, underwater video camera, video microscope, wet suits, and Zodiac landing craft.
Special Features: Guest internet access, laundry service, and wellness program. Ship’s doctor and video chronicler are also on board.
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Passenger Capacity: 48
The newly christened National Geographic Gemini joins the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Galápagos fleet with a heritage of small-ship expedition cruising. Launched in 2001 from the same shipyard as National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Gemini is a highly maneuverable, shallow-draft expedition ship purpose built to explore remote areas with ease.
Sailing year round with a maximum of 48 guests on weeklong voyages departing Fridays, National Geographic Gemini offers guests the choice of larger suites, cabins with balconies, and a mix of doubles, solos, and triples. All cabins are ocean facing with ample storage, beds that can be configured as a queen or two twins, a sofa, desk, television, and a well-stocked mini fridge. Bathrooms are large and feature glass showers. Suite 601 on the Upper Deck (Category 7) is the largest in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Galápagos fleet with a separate living room, forward-facing balcony, private jacuzzi, side balcony, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cabins on the Bridge Deck (Category 4 & 5S) all have private balconies with seating.
Enjoy the outdoors on the Upper Deck, which features a whirlpool hot tub, and windowed fitness center and spa. An outdoor café on the Lounge Deck accommodates all guests in a single open seating, as does the restaurant on the Marina Deck. The open, windowed lounge for presentations and informal gatherings has a large bar, well-stocked library, and adjacent reception area.
Carrying a fleet of quick-to-deploy Mark VI Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, the ship is well-equipped for exploring the islands and marine reserve. It is also stocked with snorkeling gear for all guests, including shortie wetsuits.
An authentic, immersive experience in the Galàpagos
National Geographic Gemini provides an authentic sense of place informed by our decades-long relationships with local communities and conservation groups. Contributing to the fully immersive Ecuadorian experience on board is the passionate and knowledgeable Ecuadorian crew. Meals are designed to support the community—comprising locally sourced farm-to-table and ocean-to-table ingredients.