Take in the sights and sounds of Darwin's islands on this 8-day cruise aboard 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, either in Quito or Guayaquil, and take an included transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. In Quito, guests may choose from several hotels, including a convenient airport hotel. In Guayaquil, guests stay at Hotel del Parque, a 44-room Relais & Châteaux property. Quito sits at an elevation of 9,350 feet and is recommended if you plan to add extra hotel nights or take pre-voyage tours of the city. All Galápagos flights begin in Quito and stop in Guayaquil.
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 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, the 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 the Galapagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant and the largest marine iguanas.
San Cristobal: 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.
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 8: Guayaquil or Quito | Return Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your 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.
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.
$8,8192-3 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
7 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 and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Onboard physician consultations (where available)
24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
Complimentary reusable water bottle
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Hotels Ashore as Indicated in the Itinerary
Presentations and Guest Speakers in the Lounge
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
Gratuities
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, 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); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
Private transfers (except when indicated as included)
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
