Expedition Details
On the Galápagos Archipelago, sea lions loll and frolic, 100-year-old giant tortoises roam, blue-footed boobies strut their stuff, and pre-historic-looking iguanas pile themselves on lava rocks to soak up the sun. The magic of these islands is that their creatures are full of personality and unafraid—of people or each other. Travel aboard the National Geographic Endeavour or National Geographic Islander and join our team of local naturalists to learn about the unique wildlife and geology of the islands.Trip Highlights
- Snorkel amid shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions.
- Cruise to pristine islands and walk among colonies of animals and birds unfazed by your presence.
- Gaze into the old eyes of a giant tortoise and sit among a colorful band of marine iguanas.
- Explore the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac.
Itinerary - 10 Days
Day 1 — U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos
This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. During lunch, sail to North Seymour Island for a magnificent introduction to the diverse wildlife of the islands that will transcend any classroom lesson. This afternoon, walk along the sandy shoreline looking for land iguanas, sea lions, and rare birds.
(B,L,D)
Days 3 through 7 — Exploring Galápagos
In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our itinerary is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists who are skilled at working with explorers of all ages and teaching them about conservation, as well as science. You will also have many chances to swim, snorkel, and explore the waters by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac.
(B,L,D) - Daily
We plan to make the following stops during this voyage:
Isla Bartolomé
Bartolomé's landscape is an enchanting convergence of lava flows, mangroves, and beautiful white-sand beaches. Here you may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.
Isla Santiago
Santiago offers some of the best "tide pooling" in the islands. Follow a path along a series of pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Isla Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding station for endangered native species. Join a staff member of the research station for an introduction to the Darwin Foundation's ecological studies and giant Galápagos tortoise breeding program. Later, travel into the highlands and roam the moss-draped landscape where wild tortoises often forage.
Isla Isabela
Anchor off the picturesque port of Puerto Villamil. Walk the streets of this small town, and stroll along the nearby saltwater lagoons, home to flamingos and shore birds. Visit the island's tortoise breeding center. Explore Isabela's caves and shoreline, and search the waters for dolphins; whales; sea turtles; and the astonishing ocean sunfish, the Mola mola.
Isla Fernandina
Discover Punta Espinosa on Isla Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos. Through a thicket of white mangroves lies the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galápagos. Sea lions play along the coast and flightless cormorants hunt from their nesting site against the dramatic backdrop of Isla Isabela's volcanoes.
Isla Floreana
At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions in clear waters, or peer into an underwater world in a glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only) while keeping an eye out for flamingos, pintail ducks, and shorebirds. Hike to a pristine white-sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Those interested can take a Zodiac ride to Post Office Bay. If you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, the tradition is to deliver it by hand.
Isla Española
A paradise for bird lovers, Isla Española is home to Darwin's finches, Hood mockingbirds, and blue-footed boobies. You'll also see Española marine iguanas, which develop vivid green and red coloration from their food, a coastal seaweed that blooms in iguana-mating season.
Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil
After breakfast, disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The evening is at your leisure.
(B)
Day 10 — Guayaquil/U.S.
Depart Guayaquil this morning, arriving home the same day.
Related Trips
View LargerExpedition Team
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Mike Heithaus
An assistant professor at Florida International University, marine biologist Mike Heithaus has traveled extensively as a research fellow for National Geographic's Remote Imaging Program. He has completed more than 100 successful Crittercam deployments on creatures such as tiger, nurse, and hammerhead sharks; leatherback, green, and loggerhead sea turtles; and humpback, pilot, and false killer whales.
Mike will join the following departure:
Jun 17 - 26, 2011
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
2011
- Jun 17 - 26, 2011
![[END]](/images/icon_ship-end.png)
- Jul 01 - 10, 2011
- Jul 09 - 18, 2011
![[ISL]](/images/icon_ship-isl.png)
- Jul 23 - Aug 01, 2011
- Aug 12 - 21, 2011
National Geographic Islander National Geographic EndeavourExpedition Costs
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
2010:
For a single cabin on the Islander, add $2,700 in Category 1 and $3,100 in Category 2. For a single cabin on the Endeavour, add $1,240 in Category 1 and $1,390 in Category 2.
2011:
For a single cabin on the Islander, add $2,770 in Category 1 and $3,190 in Category 2. For a single cabin on the Endeavour, add $1,300 in Category 1 and $1,460 in Category 2.
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Miami and Guayaquil is from $660, and between Guayaquil and Galápagos is $420 for adults and $210 for children under 12 (subject to change).
Special Offer
Book a 2011 expedition before October 29, 2010 and pay 2010 rates.
