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Central Islands
Sites such as North Seymour, Bartolomé or Santiago can bring seabird colonies, sea lions, volcanic landscapes and shoreline exploration.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions · Galápagos
Exploring Galápagos
Ten days in Darwin’s living laboratory, where every landing, paddle and snorkel brings you closer to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Duration
10 days
From
Rates upon request
Region
Ecuador · Galápagos
Style
Expedition Cruise
The Journey
An overview
Galápagos is not a cruise built around ports; it is an expedition built around wildlife, water and the changing possibilities of each day. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions combines a small expedition ship with veteran naturalists, Zodiac landings, kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling in the protected Galápagos Marine Reserve. The ten-day program begins and ends on mainland Ecuador, with a full week devoted to the islands. The exact island sequence varies by departure and National Park regulations, but the experience stays consistent: remarkably close encounters with sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, seabirds and the volcanic landscapes that shaped Darwin’s thinking.
Zodiac landings, kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling as core parts of the experience.
Close encounters with sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, seabirds and other endemic species.
Expert naturalists and photography guidance, including National Geographic photography expertise on the expedition team.
A choice of National Geographic expedition vessels depending on departure.
Best time
Year-round. Galápagos does not have one single “best” month; wildlife behavior, water temperature and sea conditions shift through the seasons, so the ideal departure depends on what matters most to the traveler.
Expedition Style
Small-ship expedition travel; vessel and guest capacity depend on the departure selected.
Pace
Active but flexible, with multiple ways to explore each day and options that vary by landing site and conditions.
The expedition route
How the journey unfolds
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Western Galápagos
Isabela and Fernandina are associated with dramatic volcanism, marine iguanas, penguins and rich upwelling waters.
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Southern / Eastern Islands
Depending on the assigned route, islands such as Española or San Cristóbal can add distinctive seabird and coastal wildlife encounters.
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Santa Cruz Highlands
A chance to experience giant tortoises in the wild and see the greener highland ecosystem away from the coast. PUBLIC ROUTING RULE: never promise that one departure visits every island named above. Present them as representative expedition possibilities and confirm the exact circuit only from the selected sailing.
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The Expedition Experience
Exploration comes first The strongest reason to choose this product is the field experience: expert interpretation, multiple daily activities and access to wildlife-rich sites.
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National Geographic Expedition Ships
Purposeful small-ship platforms designed to support active exploration in the islands; the exact vessel depends on departure.
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Zodiac, Kayak & Snorkel
The journey moves off the ship repeatedly, using Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear to explore coastlines and marine life.
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Naturalists & Photography
Veteran expedition staff and photography guidance help guests understand — and capture — the wildlife and geology they are seeing.
Included in your journey
- Accommodations aboard ship and included hotels as specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Meals and standard onboard beverages as provided by the selected expedition program.
- Expedition activities and excursions with the destination-specific exploration equipment supplied for the voyage.
- Guidance of the expedition team, naturalists and photography experts.
- Park / site entrance fees, special permits and port taxes included by the operator.
- Basic Wi-Fi and other standard expedition amenities as specified by the confirmed departure.
Not included
- International airfare and any recommended group flights unless specifically stated as included in the confirmed booking.
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions or extra hotel nights not listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Crew gratuities where not included by the specific program.
- Spa treatments, laundry, premium personal purchases and other optional services.
- Travel protection, passports, visas and personal expenses.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.
+1 210 303 9960Make it your own
A voyage rewritten in your name
BookTravel can add extra nights in Quito, a cloud-forest stay, a Peru / Machu Picchu extension or private arrangements before and after the expedition.