At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
- From:
- $6,460
- Time of Year:
- January - December
Set sail on an unforgettable 8-day Galápagos Escape, where every moment brings you face-to-face with nature’s most iconic creatures, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, curious penguins, and playful sea lions, all remarkably unbothered by human presence.
Through 2026, explore this legendary archipelago aboard the elegant National Geographic Islander II. Then, be among the first to experience the brand-new National Geographic Gemini launching in 2027. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters alongside sea turtles and sea lions, hike otherworldly lava fields and lush highlands, and walk the same shores that inspired Darwin’s groundbreaking theory of evolution.
Backed by over 50 years of expert exploration, Lindblad’s expertly curated itinerary delivers non-stop discovery, offering multiple adventures each day and endless opportunities to see the islands in your own unforgettable way.
8-Day Galápagos Escape Highlights
- Experience all Galápagos offers, with departures on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- Snorkel and kayak among colorful fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions, and walk among colonies of wildlife and seabirds unfazed by your presence
- Maximize your time in the islands with options for exploration every day including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more
- Add a three-night post-expedition extension in Quito, Ecuado
- Have more time? Take back-to-back voyages and see more of the archipelago, because no single site in Galápagos National Park can be visited by the same ship more than once in two weeks, consecutive voyages call on different islands.
- With National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this fascinating part of the world—from “sneezing” iguanas to giant tortoises
Expedition Team
For over 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been more than just a travel company, we’re a community of explorers, storytellers, and passionate guides who bring the Galápagos to life. Their veteran team, from expert naturalists to award-winning photographers, aren’t just here to lead; they’re here to connect, inspire, and share their love for these remarkable islands. Many of our guides are Galapagueños, offering you not only expert knowledge of local wildlife and ecosystems but a heartfelt connection to the culture and people of the region. With multiple naturalists on every voyage, you’ll enjoy a range of perspectives, and because we don’t assign groups, you’re free to follow the voices that speak most to your curiosity and interests.
Galápagos Escape (8-day) Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, and take an included transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galápagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the Hotel del Parque, a 44-room Relais & Châteaux hotel set along the river in lush tropical gardens. In Quito guests have the choice of several hotels, including a convenient airport hotel.
Note that Quito sits at a 9,350 ft elevation. It is an alternative option to Guayaquil, at no additional cost, and recommended if you opt to reserve additional hotel nights and pre-voyage tours of the city.
Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship
Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific, where you’ll be welcomed by your naturalist staff as you begin exploring the islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-6: Galápagos Islands
Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. Expeditions begin and end at Baltra and include visits to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands. No two days are alike. Each itinerary offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.
North Seymour: Look for nesting frigatebirds, plus land and marine iguanas, and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.
Santa Cruz: Head to the lush, green highlands to look for giant tortoises roaming in the wild.
Isabela: Toast crossing the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins as you explore these nutrient-rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates.
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 and the largest marine iguanas.
San Cristóbal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island.
Española: Located in the extreme southeast of the archipelago, this island is home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatrosses at Punta Suárez.
Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous wooden barrel at Post Office Bay and learn about its unusual postal system.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil or Quito
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where you’ll transfer to Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil. In Quito there are several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about joining a culturally rich post-voyage extension to Quito and Otavalo, a celebrated market town.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Guayaquil or Quito
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 8, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 7.
Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador
