Galapagos small ship cruises offer an extraordinary opportunity to explore one of the world’s most unique and biodiverse regions, where you can encounter fascinating wildlife, stunning landscapes, and pristine ecosystems. Here’s what you can expect from a small ship cruise in the Galapagos Islands:
Unique Species: The Galapagos Islands are home to an incredible array of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins. Small ship cruises provide ample opportunities to observe these animals up close in their natural habitats.
Snorkeling and Diving: Discover the vibrant underwater world of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, where you can swim alongside sea lions, turtles, sharks, and rays. Small ships often include snorkeling and diving excursions led by expert guides.
Birdwatching: The Galapagos Islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise, with numerous species of seabirds, including albatrosses, frigatebirds, and waved albatrosses. Many small ship cruises visit bird-rich islands and nesting sites, offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities.
Volcanic Landscapes: Explore the unique geology of the Galapagos Islands, with their volcanic craters, lava fields, and otherworldly landscapes. Hike to the summit of volcanoes, such as Sierra Negra on Isabela Island, for breathtaking views of the archipelago.
Beaches and Coves: Discover secluded beaches, hidden coves, and pristine coastal habitats, where you can relax, swim, and kayak in crystal-clear waters. Some small ship cruises include visits to remote islands accessible only by boat.
Giant Tortoise Reserves: Visit conservation centers and reserves dedicated to the preservation of the Galapagos giant tortoise, such as the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts and see these iconic creatures up close.
Naturalist Guides: Small ship cruises in the Galapagos typically include expert naturalist guides who provide informative lectures, guided excursions, and insightful commentary about the islands’ wildlife, geology, and conservation.
Interactions with Locals: Visit local communities and learn about the culture and way of life of the people who call the Galapagos Islands home. Some cruises offer opportunities to meet fishermen, artisans, and other residents.
Conservation Initiatives: Gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges facing the Galapagos Islands and learn about initiatives aimed at protecting the fragile ecosystems and biodiversity of the archipelago.
I loved how active we were and how many opportunities we had to experience the islands in different ways.
On this 7-day Wild Galápagos Escape cruise aboard the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II, explore Darwin’s islands in one action-filled week. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands.
On this 8-day Wild Galápagos Escape cruise aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II, witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands.
On this 10-day Galápagos cruise aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II, zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea.
On this 11-day Wild Galápagos & Peru Escape cruise aboard the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II, experience the best of Galápagos, and Machu Picchu too.
On this 12-day Ultimate Galápagos Holiday Voyage aboard the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II, travel from Santa Cruz south to Floreana, east to Española and San Cristóbal, and north across the Equator to Genovesa. Make the expedition as active as you choose with options to snorkel, hike, kayak, and paddleboard.
On this 16-day Galápagos + Peru’s Land of the Inca cruise itinerary aboard the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II, experience all the wildness of Galápagos and the sublime archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu.
On this 8-day Darwin’s Discoveries Galapagos Islands cruise itinerary aboard the 48-guest La Pinta, experience wildlife which is unafraid of the human presence. From millions of years ago to now, each island is filled with discoveries and its own endemic species.
