Ultimate Galápagos Escape
Imagine retracing the incredible journey of Charles Darwin in one of the world’s greatest natural classrooms—the Galápagos Islands.
Galápagos Goals: Checked
We’re Jess and Justin from Uprooted Traveler and we just explored Darwin’s legendary islands aboard the elegant National Geographic Islander ll. Now, we’ve partnered with ABC Trips to offer you the opportunity to witness the same iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands.
Nature’s OG Escape
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.
Expedition 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
- 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
- Add a three-night post-expedition extension in Quito, Ecuador
- 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.
- Maximize your time in the islands with options for exploration every day including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more
Itinerary
This adventure offers both 7-day and 8-day itineraries throughout the year, with options for extensions available.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
National Geographic Islander ll is a sleek and elegant expedition vessel. Special features include teak decks, indoor-outdoor dining options, an impressive observation deck and new amenities like a climate-controlled marina and a dedicated science hub.
Ship Highlights
A gracious expedition vessel that feels like a private yacht
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National Geographic Islander ll sails year-round in the Galápagos Islands and elevates the guest experience to an entirely new level. With 26 staterooms and suites, and accommodating 48 guests, she sails with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio.
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The ship’s public spaces enhance the connection to the islands. Guests will find an open Bridge, surrounding teak decks, and a forward-viewing area. Two dining areas accommodate all guests in a single seating. The Cove, which has a bar, is the setting for daily Recaps. Other ship features include a Reception area with glass doors that lead to an open teak viewing deck, a plunge pool, a chart room, the Global Gallery, library, marina, swim platform, and Zodiac boarding area.
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National Geographic Islander II carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a glass-bottom boat, an expanded flotilla of versatile Zodiacs, complete snorkel gear for adults and children, video microscope and Science Hub.
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Contributing to the fully immersive Ecuadorian experience on board are Ecuadorian staff and locally sourced and sustainable farm-to-table and ocean-to-table culinary ingredients, as well as artisan spa elements and handcrafted textiles, art and décor, all regionally created.
Staterooms + Suites
The 26 suites of the Islander II are split between the Main Deck and Bridge Deck.
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280 sq. ft. with two panoramic windows, twin/king convertible beds, seating area with sofa, lounge chair, and marble double-sink bathrooms with rain shower; dedicated solo but otherwise identical to SU category.
Suite: 217, 222, 315, 318
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280 sq. ft. with two panoramic windows, twin/king convertible beds, seating area with sofa, lounge chair, and marble double-sink bathrooms with rain shower.
Suites: 205, 207, 301, 302, 306, 308, 310, 311,312, 316
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These 515 sq. ft. Islander Suites feature four panoramic windows, twin beds that can convert to a king, separate living area with sofa, table and chairs, two lounge chairs, espresso maker and larger bathroom with rain shower and soaking tub. Both suites are available for triple occupancy with the sofa converted into a bed. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
Suites: 209, 218
Get a Quote
To provide accurate pricing and options for sailings, we’ll need to narrow down your preferred travel dates and understand who will be traveling with you (guest ages and solo room occupants can affect prices). Once we have this information, we can typically respond within 24 hours.