Wild Galápagos Escape 8 Day Adventure
Explore Darwin’s islands in one action-filled week aboard our new National Geographic Islander ll. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands. As with our classic, 10-day expeditions, honed over more than 50 years, each voyage is crafted to offer a diverse perspective of the archipelago with multiple adventures daily on land and undersea.
Highlights
• Experience all Galápagos offers in just over one week, with departures on Saturday and Thursday
• 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
• Maximize your time in the islands with options for exploration every day including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more
• 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.
• 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
Upon arrival in Guayaquil, Ecuador, transfer to the 44-room Hotel del Parque, a tranquil haven surrounded by lush gardens set in a lovingly restored 19th-century building. Most flights arrive in the late evening. Choose to arrive early for an optional extra night to rest, relax, and prepare for your voyage. Or opt for the full-day excursion from Guayaquil to Hacienda La Danesa. Ask your expedition specialist about options, including flying into Quito, Ecuador's capital, instead of Guayaquil.
Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador
Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. We are welcomed by our naturalist staff and start exploring the islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our expedition. Our 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 of our itineraries 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 we ply 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 rose 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
Return by air to Guayaquil, where we transfer to the Hotel del Parque—or continue to Quito for an optional three-night extension. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights. Ask your Expedition Specialist for details.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stay and linger in Guayaquil or return home today.
Departure Time: Anytime on day 8, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 7.
Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 49 metres
Passenger Capacity: 48 guests (in 26 cabins)
Lindblad Expeditions is thrilled to welcome the new, all-suite National Geographic Islander II to our fleet in August 2022. Sleek and elegant, she will sail year-round in the Galápagos Islands and elevate the guest experience to an entirely new level.
A best-in-class expedition vessel that feels like a private yacht, National Geographic Islander II is a spacious all-suite ship. With only 26 suites and accommodating just 48 guests, she sails with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio.
Special features include teak decks, indoor-outdoor dining options, an impressive observation deck, and new amenities like a climate-controlled Marina and a high-tech Science Hub.
The new, all-suite National Geographic Islander II provides an authentic sense of place, drawing on our decades of partnering with local communities and conservation groups. 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.
All-Suite Accommodations
18 Suites, 4 Solo suites, and 4 Islander Suites accommodating just 48 guests—all with large windows, convertible king/twin beds with 600-thread count bedding, ample closets, sofa, and marble double-sink bathrooms with a collection of organic amenities crafted exclusively for Lindblad Expeditions. In addition, a stocked mini-bar can be customized to guests’ preferences, and there’s in-room coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV.
Indoor-Outdoor Dining
Fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable farm-to-table cuisine representing all the regions of the country is developed in partnership with Ecuadorian chefs. Plant-based options are available as well and cocktails and mocktails are crafted with ingredients from the islands.
Enjoy meals in the expanded al fresco Patio Café, sophisticated Yacht Club Restaurant on the Promenade Deck, or Grill on the Observation Deck, where there’s also a bar and ample seating to host events. Here, guests gather for wine tastings, chocolate tastings, and Bubble-Qs—BBQs made extra celebratory with Champagne. The convenient 24-hour beverage and snack stations in the Bar and Library are other welcome amenities.
The Cove
The newly reimagined Cove is a gathering spot for pre-dinner Recaps, camaraderie with like-minded travelers, and craft cocktails. Four flat-screen TVs are part of a state-of-the-art communications system for engaging and informative audiovisual presentations. A forward-facing viewing platform invites you to step outside to take in the beauty of the islands.
Science Hub
Outfitted with scientific equipment, the exciting new Science Hub continues the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic legacy of supporting conservation and research. Equipped for underway oceanography, interactive video presentations, and an enhanced photo experience, the Science Hub is also a place for young guests in the National Geographic Global Explorers Program to experience hands-on learning.
Expedition Tools
National Geographic Islander II carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a glass-bottom Zodiac, an expanded flotilla of versatile Zodiac boats, complete snorkel gear for adults and children, video microscope, Science Hub, and remote ocean view cameras.
The newly refitted teak-appointed marina is spacious and climate-controlled, designed for guests to comfortably get in and out of expedition gear.
Expanded Expedition Staff
The Expedition Team, led by a veteran Expedition Leader, includes a five Naturalists, Undersea Specialist, Certified Photo Instructor, and Certified Field Educators who run our exclusive National Geographic Global Explorers Program for kids and teens.
Public Spaces
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.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• 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 our 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
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine, spirits and cocktails on all 2024 departures aboard NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, and NG Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, and The Jahan
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard NG Islander II and NG Endeavour II
• 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
• 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
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard NG Photography Expert (NG Endurance, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Exclusions
• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, NG Sea Lion, and Delfin II
Luxury Expedition
Our Associates Include
