GalápagosAn in-depth 10-day cruise of the Galápagos Islands

Your Travel Itinerary

Special Offer!
BRING THE KIDS: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the regular-rate double-occupancy price for each person under 18.

Overview
The Galápagos Islands comprise a mysterious landscape of wonder, beauty, and the most unusual wildlife found anywhere on Earth. Each day this fascinating World Heritage site offers fresh vistas and astounding wildlife, including Blue-footed Boobies, sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, penguins, flamingos, and giant land tortoises. Enjoy this amazing experience, made famous by Charles Darwin, according to your personal interests—take long hikes or short nature walks along the beach; explore the water by Zodiac, kayak, snorkeling, or behind a viewfinder; engage in active days, unwind with a massage, or relax on deck in a hammock. Cruise aboard our comfortable expedition ship and travel with an experienced team of experts, whose deep knowledge adds to your understanding. An optional Peru/Machu Picchu extension is available.

Don't forget to check out our photo slide show to glimpse the excitement of this special program!
View photos by clicking "Next Photo" at top of page!

Itinerary
Day 1 — U.S. and Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel Hilton Colón.

Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos
This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands (a World Heritage) and board National Geographic Islander. After lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands and their diverse wildlife. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - 8 — Exploring the Galápagos
We will explore a new island every day over the course of our expedition — with the promise of genuine discovery. Routing is subject to Galápagos National Park approval — but our in-depth knowledge of the geography guarantees days steeped in joy, wonder and engaging activities. (B,L,D daily)

Listed below are some of the islands we visit during our expedition.

Isla Bartolomé: Walk to the top of Bartolomé’s volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding golden sand beaches. After the hike, immerse yourself among schools of multicolored reef fish. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.

Isla Santiago: Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, shore birds and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Isla Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding station for endangered tortoises. Learn about their giant Galápagos tortoise breeding program. Later, travel into the highlands where wild tortoises forage to observe and photograph these tortoises in the wild.

Isla Isabela: Spend the early morning on the lookout for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and the only penguin species that inhabits the equator. Explore caves and hidden lagoons by Zodiac, and snorkel among sea turtles.

Isla Floreana: At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, or peer into an underwater world in a glassbottom boat (Endeavour only) while keeping an eye out for the endangered Floreana mockingbird. Those interested can visit Post Office Bay, founded by whalers in the 18th century—if you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, the tradition is to deliver it by hand.

Isla Fernandina: Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as we hike over lava flows. Galápagos hawks, sea lion nurseries and the rare Galápagos flightless cormorant will be found as we explore this island.

Isla Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, boobies, and waved albatross on this birder’s paradise. Walk among vivid green and red marine iguanas and unique lava lizards, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white-sand beach.

Day 9 — Galápagos /Guayaquil
After breakfast, disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The evening is at your leisure at the Hotel Hilton Colón. (B)

Day 10 — Guayaquil and U.S.
Depart Guayaquil this morning, arriving home the same day. (B)


Optional visit to the colonial city of Quito is available. Call for details.

Optional post-voyage extension to “Peru’s Land of the Inca” and Machu Picchu. See Tour Extension for more details.