South & Central America, Galapagos

Wild Galápagos Escape

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Pack a ton of adventure into one action-packed week aboard the 48-guestNational Geographic Islander. With multiple adventures each day on land and undersea—including options for walks and hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling—you’ll be assured of the full Galápagos experience, but in less time. Get close to the iconic wildlife that has no instinct to flee human presence, making for magical encounters. Snorkel with sea lions, hike the highlands among giant tortoises, and see blue-footed boobies and other seabirds up close. As with the classic, 10-day expeditions, honed over the last 50 years, each voyage is crafted to offer you a diverse experience of the archipelago.

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

DAY 1: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the 44-room Hotel del Parque. Call for recommended international flights or additional nights at the hotel.

DAY 2: Guayaquil / Galápagos / Embark

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)

DAY 3-6: Galápagos

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. Each of our itineraries offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations. (B,L,D Daily) North Seymour: Encounter nesting frigatebirds, plus land and marine iguanas, and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk. Santa Cruz: Call at Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. Head to the lush, green highlands to see 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 you ply these rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates. Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, it’s the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—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. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town. Española: Home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at Punta Suarez. 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 barrel at Post Office Bay.

DAY 7: Disembark / Baltra / Guyaquil / Depart

Return by air to Guayaquil, where we enjoy dayrooms at the Hotel del Parque before flights home—or continue to Quito for an optional two- night extension. You may also opt to overnight and fly home on Day 8 at no additional cost. Ask your Expedition Specialist for details. (B)

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change

04 January, 2024 to 10 January, 2024
National Geographic Islander II

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