Take in the sights and sounds of Darwin's islands in one week onboard the National Geographic Islander II. Discover a new level of style and comfort onboard this all-suite catamaran. Swim with sea lions, snorkel with turtles, and stroll through black-sand beaches and verdant hills to see the iconic animals that spurred Darwin's theory of evolution in the Pacific. Each journey has been fine-tuned over more than 50 years to provide you with a unique viewpoint of the archipelago and a variety of activities on land and at sea.
Highlights
Snorkel and kayak in rich waters among shimmering fish & playful sea lions.
Walk among colonies of wildlife and seabirds unfazed by your presence.
Admire a tangle of mangroves under the famous Pinnacle Rock.
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard.
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Ecuador via Quito, the capital in the Andes, or Guayaquil, a coastal city. A transfer takes you to your hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galapagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. In Guayaquil, guests stay at Hotel del Parque, a 44-room hotel in a garden setting by the river. Quito offers several hotel options, including one near the airport for convenience.
Fly to Baltra in the center of the Galapagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific, where you are welcomed by your naturalist staff as you begin exploring the islands.
Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. Expeditions begin and end at Isla Santa Cruz and include 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 Galapagos National Park regulations.
Santa Fe: Snorkel and kayak in the secluded cove at Barrington Bay. On shore, a trail leads you through the largest cactus trees in Galapagos. The Santa Fe land iguana is found only on this island, where Galapagos hawks are also thriving once again.
Plaza Sur: Sea lions greet you at South Plaza, an uplifted block carpeted in salt-loving succulents and teeming with wildlife, including a noisy group of bachelor sea lions and a population of land iguanas.
Santiago: Hike over the smooth pahoehoe lava and admire spatter cones, little miniature hornitos, and the wild riot of black lava at Sullivan Bay, the result of an eruption recorded by passing buccaneers in 1897. Snorkel and explore by kayak and Zodiac the crystalline water surrounding Sombrero Chino. Keep a keen eye for the Galapagos penguin, sometimes spotted along the coast.
Genovesa: Sail north across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galapagos, bathed in warmer tropical waters and home to the red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, great frigate birds, and other nesting seabirds. Paddle and kayak along the cliffs of this flooded caldera, where Galápagos fur seals and sea lions haul out to rest.
Santa Cruz: Journey to the lush, green highlands, where you can see giant Galapagos tortoises roaming wild at a local ranch. Continue to Baltra for a flight back to the mainland.
Day 6: Galapagos Islands | Disembark Ship | Guayaquil or Quito
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where you 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.
Day 7: Guayaquil
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,8642-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category SU
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Category IS
515 sq. ft. with four windows, dining area, separate living room with sofa, two chairs, large bath with rain shower and tub.
Category SO
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Initial deposit is depending on the destination and expedition you are reserving, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by Accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
6 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Ecuador and The Galapagos Island. From the very first conversation with Adventure Life until my return, everything went smoothly. It was a great trip! Adventure Life excels at communication and organization. Every detail was considered, which made the preparation for my trip really easy. In country, my guides were outstanding...friendly, knowledgeable, on time, professional. I really can't say enough good things about how well I was taken care of during my trip. When flying to a new country it's comforting to be met by a friendly face at the airport who knows where you're going! All of my hotels were well-located and thoughtfully selected for comfort and historic interest. The yacht I sailed on through the islands exceeded my expectations in every way. My cabin was very comfortable, the food we were served was excellent and the crew was first-class. Our Park Guide found the perfect balance between fun and education. His passion for the Galápagos Islands was evident in every activity on every island. I look forward to planning my next trip with Adventure Life, and thank their entire team for making this adventure wonderful!
Tracy Heuermann
2 months ago
Kevin had first hand experience of Ecuador and The Galapagos which helped us plan time before and after our visit to the Galapagos by water. We always plan our travel independently, but since we needed a guide in the galapagos, this was a perfect blend of self plan and assistance.
Lori
2 months ago
Adventure Life helped guide us toward just the right trip for us and then made all the planning super easy. We absolutely loved our time at Hacienda Jimenita in Quito and on the Anahi in the Galapagos and would recommend both to anyone. Everything went so smoothly from start to finish because Adventure Life took care of all the arrangements.
Marla Zucker
2 months ago
Jane went out of her way to help accommodate my what's and needs.
Walt LIGHTFOOT
2 months ago
Adventure Life (with partner Adventure Journey) got us the real experience that we were hoping for. The food was definitely above what we expected, as were the accomodations. Gabriel S. (our Galapagos guide) was so very personable and tuned in that we felt we had the premium of experiences (food, activities, people to meet and interact with). Our experience in the Cloud Forest was an impressive "birding" experience with great accomodations and wonderful food.
