At a glance
- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
- From:
- $5,605
- Time of Year:
- January - December
On this 10-day Exploring Galápagos cruise aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II or the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini, 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. Certified and experienced divers on select departures aboard National Geographic Endeavour II can take advantage of the option to scuba dive (divers must be pre-qualified and reserve their space in advance).
Few destinations are more iconic than the Galápagos Islands, where Lindblad Expeditions brought the very first group of citizen explorers more than 50 years ago. Sail among the varied landscapes of this magical archipelago to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and charismatic sea lions, all unfazed by your presence. With multiple ways to explore on land and at sea, including hikes, photo walks, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, every day reveals new discoveries interpreted by a team of expert local guides.
Exploring Galápagos Highlights
- Benefit from our 50+ years of experience in Galápagos and deep knowledge of the archipelago to see all you came for and more
- Adventure by kayak, paddleboard, glass-bottom boat, and Zodiac
- Walk among wildlife unfazed by your presence: lounge on beaches with sea lions, marvel at huge colonies of marine iguanas, and see nesting seabirds
- Snorkel with sea lions, turtles, and abundant fish in the protected waters of the Galápagos Marine Reserve
- Observe giant Galápagos tortoises in the wild on an adventure in the highlands of Santa Cruz
- With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this fascinating part of the world—from “sneezing” iguanas to giant tortoises
Exploring Galápagos Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive 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 Galápagos 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.
Arrive just one day earlier and join the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension. 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.
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands
In the morning, if you’re joining the recommended flight to the Galapagos, transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided.* Upon arrival, embark the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini or 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-8: Galápagos Islands
Below is a selection of islands you may visit during your 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
Day 9: Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil or Quito
Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Guayaquil or Quito; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided.* Unwind at Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil or pick from 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. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, many guests continue on a flight to Lima, Peru, for Exploring Galápagos + Peru’s Land of the Inca.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10: Guayaquil or Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.
Meals Included: Breakfast
