Take in the sights and sounds of Darwin's islands on this 8-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Islander II. Discover a new level of style and comfort onboard this all-suite catamaran. Swim with sea lions, snorkel with turtles, and stroll through black-sand beaches and verdant hills to see the iconic animals that spurred Darwin's theory of evolution in the Pacific. Each journey has been fine-tuned over more than 50 years to provide you with a unique viewpoint of the archipelago and a variety of activities on land and at sea.
Highlights
Snorkel and kayak in rich waters among shimmering fish & playful sea lions.
Walk among colonies of wildlife and seabirds unfazed by your presence.
Admire a tangle of mangroves under the famous Pinnacle Rock.
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard.
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.
Arrive in Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador, the capital city nestled in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil. You'll receive a complimentary transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galapagos flights begin and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. In Guayaquil, you'll stay at the Hotel del Parque, a 44-room Relais & Châteaux hotel set along the river amidst lush tropical gardens. In Quito, you can choose from several hotels, including a convenient airport hotel. You also have the option to book additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.
Fly to Baltra in the center of the Galápagos, a unique world in the Tropical Pacific. You'll be welcomed by the naturalist staff and begin exploring the islands.
Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. Your journey begins and ends at Baltra and includes visits to Isla Santa Cruz and a carefully selected range of diverse islands. No two days are alike. Each itinerary offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to change.
North Seymour
Look for nesting frigatebirds, 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, the northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as you navigate these nutrient-rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates.
Fernandina
Explore one of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world. Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in the 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.
Española
Visit this island in the extreme southeast of the archipelago, home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatrosses 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 wooden barrel at Post Office Bay and learn about its unusual postal system.
Disembark this morning for your return flight to the mainland, where you will transfer to Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil. In Quito, you have several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure. You may consider taking 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.
Day 8: Guayaquil or Quito | Depart
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,8642-3 travelers
Category SU
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Category IS
515 sq. ft. with four windows, dining area, separate living room with sofa, two chairs, large bath with rain shower and tub.
Category SO
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Initial deposit is depending on the destination and expedition you are reserving, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by Accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
7 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
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
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12. Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
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)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.9 | 306 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 306 reviews on
4 weeks ago
Jess was very responsive and quick to address questions. She was patient when we wanted to make changes. We did check the BBB and found good reviews. We look forward to a fabulous Machu Picchu and Galapagos trip and hope to book many other trips with Adventure Life. Thank you.
Mary Westphal
4 weeks ago
Adventure life made it so easy to plan my trip. They were very professional and answered all of my question promptly and completely. They were also flexible in accommodating my changes to the trip.
J Rugg
4 weeks ago
Excellent information by company . Easy to book trip.
Jay Cohen
1 month ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 month ago
Jess was very easy going and answered all our questions. It’s not easy dealing with 6 people at once but she did an outstanding job!
