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Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands

Ultimate Galapagos Holiday Voyage

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Islander II
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Celebrate the holidays on a 12-day Galapagos voyage aboard the National Geographic Islander II. This immersive Galapagos expedition visits more islands than most cruises, including Española, Floreana, Genovesa, and Santiago. Enjoy daily opportunities to snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and hike among stunning landscapes and fearless wildlife like sea lions, iguanas, and nesting seabirds. Families love the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, where kids engage in hands-on learning about the region’s unique ecology.  You begin and end your adventure at Guayaquil’s Hotel del Parque, with an optional visit to Hacienda La Danesa for added Ecuadorian charm. This expertly guided voyage delivers the ultimate holiday experience filled with nature, discovery, and adventure.
Blue-footed Booby lands on North Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands.A Marine iguana feeding underwater on algae in the Galapagos IslandsTwo adult Waved albatross courting on Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands.A Marine iguana peaks over a volcanic rock, Galapagos Islands.An aerial view of Bartolomé Island.Kayak through the clear blue waters of  the Galapagos Islands.Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands
Highlights
  • Snorkel with penguins, turtles, and vibrant marine life
  • Hike lava fields on Santiago’s otherworldly volcanic terrain
  • Stroll beside bold wildlife and nesting seabirds in their natural habitat
  • Learn more about wildlife through the Explorers-in-Training program
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, head to Hotel del Parque, a peaceful 44-room retreat set in lush gardens within a restored 19th-century building. Consider arriving early to enjoy an extra night of rest or join a full-day excursion to Hacienda La Danesa. Speak with your expedition specialist for more details.

Arrival Time: Anytime.

Day 2: Fly to Baltra | Galapagos Islands | Embark Ship

Take a flight to Baltra, located in the center of the Galapagos Islands, a unique world in the tropical Pacific. Meet your naturalist guides and board the National Geographic Islander II. In the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail on deck as the ship circles Daphne Island at sunset.

Day 3-10: Galapagos Islands

Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. All ship itineraries are subject to Galapagos National Park regulations.

Bartolome
Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. You may even see Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.

Española
See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this birdy 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 frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous 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. See giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

South Plaza
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. Admire diverse seabirds swooping along high sea cliffs.

Santa Fe
Snorkel and kayak in the secluded cove at Barrington Bay. On shore, a trail leads you through the largest cactus trees in Galápagos. The Santa Fe land iguana is found only on this island, where Galápagos hawks are also thriving once again.

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 an eruption recorded by passing buccaneers in 1897.

San Cristobal
Land on a small, sparkling beach at Punta Pitt for a hike up to a plateau where blue- and red-footed boobies nest. You may also see endemic Cristóbal mockingbirds and lava lizards. On this easternmost island, explore the celebrated expanse of powdery white sand at Cerro Brujo in the afternoon. Circumnavigate iconic Kicker Rock.

Genovesa
Sail north across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos, 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.

Day 11: Galapagos Islands | Disembark | Fly to Guayaquil

Bid farewell to the ship this morning and fly back to Guayaquil, where you transfer to Hotel del Parque. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore. Ask your expedition specialist about Quito and other post-voyage options.

Day 12: Guayaquil | Return home

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for flights home. There are flights in the early morning hours, or relax and take a later flight today.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 12, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 11.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Islander II

Cruising aboard National Geographic Islander II
Observation deck outdoor pool on the ship National Geographic Islander II
National Geographic Islander II, lounge

Guayaquil - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$17,819 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cabin Category Suite and Solo SuiteSuite and Solo Suite standard bathroom
Category SU
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Category Islander SuiteIslander Suite Sitting Area
Category IS
515 sq. ft. with four windows, dining area, separate living room with sofa, two chairs, large bath with rain shower and tub.
Suite and SoloSuite and Solo Suite standard bathroom
Category SO
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 11 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 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
  • Gratuities for the Crew
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Gratuities for the Expedition Leader
  • Scuba Diving
  • Crew gratuities

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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.
Gale Cantor

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