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Land Iguana in the Galapagos

Exploring Galapagos: One Week Sailing the Islands

Ecuador Roundtrip - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Gemini
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Experience a 10-day cruise through the Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Gemini.  Embark on a voyage that includes kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling along volcanic shores. Visit islands like North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Santiago, Genovesa, and San Cristobal. Encounter a variety of wildlife, from blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas to giant tortoises and sea lions. Explore the silvery forests of North Seymour, witness the volcanic landscapes of Isabela, and snorkel at Gardner Bay on Española. Discover the lush highlands of Santa Cruz and the rare Galapagos penguins on Bartolome. This expedition offers an opportunity to explore the legendary wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, making it perfect for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Galapagos beachSea lions bask in the sun on the beachFloreana IslandGetting up close with a crab in the GalapagosThe Frigatebird puffs up its bright red chest.Curious blue footed boobyGiant TortoiseLand Iguana in the Galapagos
Highlights
  • Experience wildlife encounters on land and sea
  • Explore Genovesa, home to over one million seabirds and diverse marine life
  • Climb Bartolome for stunning views and a chance to see Galapagos penguins
  • Visit the giant tortoise breeding corrals on Santa Cruz
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Upon arrival in Ecuador, either in Quito, the capital city in the Andes or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, enjoy a transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are accessible via major international carriers, with Galapagos flights departing from Quito and stopping in Guayaquil. In Guayaquil, stay at the locally-owned Hotel Oro Verde, while Quito offers various hotel options, including a convenient airport hotel.

Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 2: Fly to the Galapagos | Embark

In the morning, fly to the Galapagos and board the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini. After lunch, start exploring the islands and their extraordinary wildlife.

Day 3-8: Galapagos Islands

Below are a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galapagos National Park regulations.
 
North Seymour
Follow coastal trails past playful Galapagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Isabela
Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.

Fernandina
One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galapagos — and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.

Española
See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach, and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay. 

Floreana
Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz
Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness the giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

Bartolome
Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim, and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.  

Santiago
Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa
Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galapagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays. 

San Cristobal
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard — found only on this easternmost island. Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

Day 9: Galapagos Islands | Disembark | Guayaquil or Quito

Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where we transfer to Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, and have several options in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. 

Day 10: Guayaquil or Quito | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.

Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Gemini

Ship

National Geographic Gemini

National Geographic Gemini is part of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Galapagos fleet, and offers year-round weeklong voyages for up to 48 guests, departing on Fridays. Launched in 2001, this highly maneuverable ship is designed for exploring remote areas. Guests can choose from suites, balcony cabins, and various room configurations. All ocean-facing cabins feature ample storage, configurable beds, a sofa, a desk, a TV, and a mini fridge.
Upper Deck
Lounge
Outdoor Cafe

Guayaquil - Hotels

Grand Hotel Guayaquil

Grand Hotel Guayaquil

The Grand Hotel Guayaquil is unique; it shares a whole city block with the largest and the most spectacular Cathedral in Guayaquil. The Grand Hotel Guayaquil has a long tradition of personalized friendly service. The hotel's 175 rooms are generously sized, handsomely decorated and full of amenities. And the hotel's restaurants combine local history with tasty cuisine.
Wyndham Guayaquil

Wyndham Guayaquil

Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, and minutes to the vibrant Malecon 2000, our 100% non-smoking high-rise hotel offers an ideal location near Guayaquil’s many attractions and offices, and convenient extras that both business and leisure travelers love.
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Hotel Petrohue

Hotel Oro Verde

Whether you are visiting Ecuador for leisure or business, Oro Verde is your ideal destination in Guayaquil, which is strategically located in the downtown commercial and banking heart of the city - the perfect place to begin an Ecuador tour.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Air Included up to $1200 25241
Book your Galapagos expedition by October 31, 2024, and take advantage of the roundtrip airfare included up to $1200 per person on select departures. Offer is valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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2026-2027 Early Booking Offer 25363
Book by November 1, 2024, to lock in current rates on all 2026 and 2027 departures. The deposit must be made by Nov. 1, 2024. Valid for new bookings only on departures from Jan. 1, 2026, through Mar. 31, 2027, subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, and not applicable on airfare or extensions. Pricing will increase on Nov. 2, 2024. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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National Wildlife Day Sale 25627
Book an expedition by September 18, 2024, and save 25% on cabin fare on select 2024 and 2025 departures when you pay in full within 48 hours at the time of booking. Offer is valid for new bookings and select cabin categories only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Per person starting at
$6,725 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cabin Category 01,02 and 2S
Category 01
Located at the Lounge Deck, forward cabins, outside facing with a large window, queen or two twin beds, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. 160 square feet.
Cabin Category 01,02 and 2S
Category 02
Located at the Lounge Deck, mid-ship, outside facing with a large window, queen or two twin beds, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. 160 square feet.
Cabin Category 01,02 and 2S
Category 2S
Located at the Lounge Deck, outside facing with a large window, choice of either a queen or two twin beds, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. Equal in size and amenities to other Category 2 cabins. 160 square feet.
Cabin Category 04
Category 04
Outside facing with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, 50-square-foot balcony with seating, queen or two twin beds, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. 205 square feet.
Cabin Category 5S
Category 5S
Outside facing with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, 50-square-foot balcony with seating, one queen bed, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. 175 square feet.
Cabin Category 5
Category 05
Located on Upper Deck, outside-facing with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, 50-square-foot balcony with seating, queen or two twin beds, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. 205 square feet. Connects to 604 as a family suite.
Cabin Category 06
Category 06
Located on Upper Deck, forward-facing with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, 195-square-foot forward-facing balcony with seating, queen or two twin beds, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. 250 square feet. Connects to 602 as a family suite.
Cabin Category 7
Category 07
Located on Upper Deck, forward-facing with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a separate living room with a sofa bed for triple occupancy, and a 195-square-foot forward-facing balcony with seating. Private jacuzzi on deck. Bedroom with queen or two twin beds, 50-square-foot side balcony, ample storage, mini fridge, and television. Two bathrooms with a glass shower and suite amenities. 460 square feet.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 9 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 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
  • 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)

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