Wild Galápagos Escape 7 Day Adventure
Departs Tuesdays year round. 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 one week, with departures on Saturday and Thursday
• Add a two-night post-expedition extension in Quito, Ecuador
• Snorkel and kayak in rich waters among shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions
• 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
We meet you on arrival 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 Galapagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the Hotel del Parque, a 44-room Relais & Châteaux hotel set along the river in lush tropical gardens. And in Quito guests have the choice of several hotels including a convenient airport hotel. You may opt to reserve additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.
Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, 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. (B,L,D)
Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our expedition. Our expeditions begin and end at Isla Santa Cruz and include 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.
Santa Fe: Snorkel and kayak in the secluded cove at Barrington Bay. On shore, a trail leads us 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.
Plaza Sur: Sea lions greet us 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 Galápagos penguin, sometimes spotted along the coast.
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.
Santa Cruz: Journey to the lush, green highlands, where we see giant Galápagos tortoises roaming wild at a local ranch. Continue to Baltra for a flight back to the mainland.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where we 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 7, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 6.
Departure City: Quito or Guayaquil
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.
Quito & Otavalo Post-Voyage Extension. From $1,440 AUD
Follow the mystery and magic of Galápagos with a three-day cultural experience in the Andes of Ecuador on this post-voyage extension. 4 Days
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
