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.
An 8-day cruise option is available. Please contact us for more information.
- 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
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
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Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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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
National Geographic Gemini
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Passenger Capacity: 48
The newly christened National Geographic Gemini joins the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Galápagos fleet with a heritage of small-ship expedition cruising. Launched in 2001 from the same shipyard as National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Gemini is a highly maneuverable, shallow-draft expedition ship purpose built to explore remote areas with ease.
Sailing year round with a maximum of 48 guests on weeklong voyages departing Fridays, National Geographic Gemini offers guests the choice of larger suites, cabins with balconies, and a mix of doubles, solos, and triples. All cabins are ocean facing with ample storage, beds that can be configured as a queen or two twins, a sofa, desk, television, and a well-stocked mini fridge. Bathrooms are large and feature glass showers. Suite 601 on the Upper Deck (Category 7) is the largest in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Galápagos fleet with a separate living room, forward-facing balcony, private jacuzzi, side balcony, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cabins on the Bridge Deck (Category 4 & 5S) all have private balconies with seating.
Enjoy the outdoors on the Upper Deck, which features a whirlpool hot tub, and windowed fitness center and spa. An outdoor café on the Lounge Deck accommodates all guests in a single open seating, as does the restaurant on the Marina Deck. The open, windowed lounge for presentations and informal gatherings has a large bar, well-stocked library, and adjacent reception area.
Carrying a fleet of quick-to-deploy Mark VI Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, the ship is well-equipped for exploring the islands and marine reserve. It is also stocked with snorkeling gear for all guests, including shortie wetsuits.
An authentic, immersive experience in the Galàpagos
National Geographic Gemini provides an authentic sense of place informed by our decades-long relationships with local communities and conservation groups. Contributing to the fully immersive Ecuadorian experience on board is the passionate and knowledgeable Ecuadorian crew. Meals are designed to support the community—comprising locally sourced farm-to-table and ocean-to-table ingredients.
National Geographic Islander
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 49 metres
Passenger Capacity: 48 guests (in 24 cabins)
Built: 1982
The National Geographic Islander is a versatile 164-foot twin-hulled vessel with 24 spacious cabins comfortably accommodating 48 guests. She is a sturdy expedition ship, designed for year-round discovery and active exploration of the Galápagos and can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. During your time with us, our expedition staff likes nothing better than to surprise and delight you by directing the ship toward alluring coves or bow-riding dolphins. Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and local field expertise are sure to enhance your experience. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wildness, but being out there, in it.
Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with hammocks, chairs and tables; Doctor's Office; Fitness Center; Global Market; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; and Sky Deck. Our Ecuadorian Captain and Officers welcome guests to the Bridge in accordance with our "Open Bridge" policy.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair. Cabins: All cabins have a window with an outside view, private facilities, and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, wet suits, and Zodiac landing craft. Special Features: Guest internet access, laundry service, LEXmarket, and Wellness Program. A ship's doctor, Undersea Specialist, and Video Chronicler are also onboard.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
