• 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 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

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.

Note that Quito sits at a 9,350ft elevation. It is an alternative option to Guayaquil, at no additional cost, and recommended if you opt for a pre-voyage extension to Mashpi Reserve in the tropical Andes outside Quito, or take just one extra day on the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension. You can also choose to reserve additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.

Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

DAY 2: Quito or Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands (B/L/D)
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.

Days 3-8: Galápagos Islands (B/L/D)
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 you 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 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 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.

Day 9: Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil or Quito (B)
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.

Day 10: Guayaquil or Quito (B)
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

For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing to captivating places near and far in pursuit of discovery, bringing along adventurous travelers to share in the thrill of uncovering the world’s wild secrets. Every voyage reinforces the core belief that the planet holds infinite potential—for new experiences, enhanced knowledge and increased understanding of humanity’s role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures. 

  This enduring quest for discovery inspires National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to find new ways to help you explore. It’s why they build ships that facilitate exploration with their cutting-edge technologies, design itineraries and assemble expedition teams that inspire and chart courses that take you deeper into remote places to give you a richer picture of our world. Because when it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters. 

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Each ship in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is a destination in its own right, featuring thoughtfully curated amenities and cultural experiences that connect you with the region you explore through culinary delights, performances by local musicians, soothing spa treatments, and more.
Strong relationships with local experts, farmers and artisans help infuse an authentic sense of place into your onboard experiences while creating a more well-rounded story. No matter which ship carries you to your destination, your time on board will be as rewarding as your time on shore.

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National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cares deeply about the planet and is proud to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
From our consistent quest to improve our practices to offsetting 100% of our carbon emissions, supporting conservation, science, and education initiatives around the planet, and investing in the communities in the places we explore, we are guided by our commitment to explore responsibly.

Voyages with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
For more than 20 years, National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions have collaborated to connect curious travelers with transformative experiences. Together, they offer over 100 expedition cruises around the world, in more than 70 countries and on all seven continents.
Every voyage brings together the legacy of National Geographic, with its long commitment to sharing and protecting world wonders, and the unparalleled expertise of Lindblad Expeditions, with its 50+ years of taking travelers to the planet’s remote and wild places.
These pioneers are defining modern expedition travel with immersive and illuminating voyages, where every element of the experience inspires genuine discovery—and every sailing contributes to the preservation of the planet.

• THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC-LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS DIFFERENCE
  When you step on board the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet, you step into the pages of National Geographic Magazine. Meticulously crafted and endlessly refined, each itinerary features immersive activities for every pace and skill level that reveal richer insights on legendary locales. You’ll travel in the company of expert expedition teams—veteran naturalists, cultural specialists, certified photo instructors and other knowledgeable guides who have been discovering your destination for decades with the mission of preserving it for generations to come.
• EXPLORE WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERTS
  For over a century, National Geographic has revealed the beauty and wonder of the world through masterful storytelling—and experts who craft these stories join you on select expeditions to share their insights. From photography and archaeology to history and marine biology, National Geographic Experts are passionate about the world and all that’s in it, and they greatly enrich your experience through onboard presentations and inspiring conversation, giving you the unique opportunity to see your destination through their eyes.