Expedition Advisory · Galápagos · National Geographic-Lindblad
Exploring Galápagos
Quito to Quito · 10 days / 7 nights aboard
Operator-published starting fare for selected dates and categories, per person sharing. Not a January 2027 cabin quote. Flights are additional. Checked 4 October 2026; subject to availability and change.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Why we picked this voyage
An expedition worth considering
A full week aboard gives time for the Galápagos to reveal its contrasts: lava shores, seabird colonies, giant tortoises and rich marine life. Lindblad combines daily guided exploration with photography support and an informal expedition atmosphere. Endeavour II offers a larger floating basecamp; Gemini and Islander II give a smaller-ship alternative.
A first Galápagos expedition with a full week in the islands, strong natural history and photography support.
Explore above and below the water with naturalists, photography guidance and a choice of expedition activities.
The ship and island sequence vary. Choose the exact departure rather than expecting every island listed here.
Let’s match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities.
Talk to an expedition guideThe Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other expedition options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our expedition guiding experience helps you understand sea conditions, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Get practical flight, packing and preparation guidance, plus a pre-departure call with a regional guide. We can book your hotels and transfers with no extra booking fee.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
The voyage
Voyage overview
A full week aboard gives time for the Galápagos to reveal its contrasts: lava shores, seabird colonies, giant tortoises and rich marine life. Lindblad combines daily guided exploration with photography support and an informal expedition atmosphere. Endeavour II offers a larger floating basecamp; Gemini and Islander II give a smaller-ship alternative.
- Giant tortoises and conservation on Santa Cruz
- Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and other seabirds
- Marine iguanas and volcanic island landscapes
- Snorkelling, kayaking and small-boat exploration
- Naturalist-led interpretation and photography support
Your expedition
Day-by-day plan
The mainland travel sequence is fixed, while the island circuit varies by ship and departure. The island examples below are possibilities, not a promise that every departure visits them.
Arrive in Quito
Transfer to the programme hotel and settle into Ecuador’s highland capital. Consider arriving earlier if you would like more time to adjust to the altitude.
Fly to the Galápagos and embark
Take the recommended flight to the islands, an additional cost, and board your expedition ship. The first briefing introduces the park-approved route and exploration choices.
Days 3-8
Seabird islands and coastal wildlife
Your departure follows its own island circuit. Possible visits include North Seymour’s boobies and frigatebirds, Genovesa’s bird colonies, or Española’s distinctive wildlife. Guided walks bring the ecology into focus.
Days 3-8
Volcanic shores and marine exploration
Depending on the route, explore islands such as Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago or Bartolomé. Look for marine iguanas, penguins and flightless cormorants where present. Snorkelling and paddling depend on conditions and the ship’s programme.
Days 3-8
Santa Cruz and giant tortoises
A typical circuit combines a conservation visit with time in the Santa Cruz highlands to look for giant tortoises. Floreana or San Cristóbal may feature on other parts of your island route.
Disembark and return to Quito
Leave the ship and take the recommended mainland flight, an additional cost. Transfer to the included programme hotel for the final overnight.
Depart Ecuador
Transfer to the airport for onward travel. We will help align international flights with the final programme timings.
Wildlife sightings, landings and water activities depend on conditions and park permissions. Your confirmed departure programme controls the final travel plan.
Choose your season
Dates and departures
| Departure | Programme |
|---|---|
| 1-10 January 2027 | National Geographic Endeavour II |
| 8-17 January 2027 | National Geographic Endeavour II or Gemini |
| 15-24 January 2027 | National Geographic Gemini |
| Later 2027 / 2028 | Ask EA to check the exact ship and island circuit |
Selected programmes for travel from now through October 2028. Exact dates, ship and cabin availability require confirmation. Starting fares above apply to selected departures across the operator’s programme.
Find the right departure and cabin for you.
Check dates with EAPlan your voyage
Your ship and life aboard
National Geographic Endeavour II, Gemini or Islander II
The programme operates across three ships. The images below show National Geographic Endeavour II, which carries 96 guests in 52 cabins. It has a lounge for talks, library, open observation deck, spa and expedition equipment including a glass-bottom boat, kayaks and paddleboards. Gemini and Islander II each carry 48 guests; their cabins and public spaces differ.
The ship experience
Life aboard
Explore the cabins, shared interiors and spaces for relaxing between outings.
Representative ship photography supplied in the operator’s published material. Confirm your chosen ship, category and bedding with EA.
Cabins and suites
Endeavour II cabins
Outside cabins have private facilities. Compare deck position, bedding and window arrangement for the actual category.
Endeavour II suites
Bridge Deck suites add sitting space and larger windows. Suite B has two floor-to-ceiling windows; Suite C has a separate seating area. This gallery represents Endeavour II, not the other two ships.
Watch the experience
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Explore with your guides
Activities and exploration
- Giant tortoises and conservation on Santa Cruz
- Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and other seabirds
- Marine iguanas and volcanic island landscapes
- Snorkelling, kayaking and small-boat exploration
- Naturalist-led interpretation and photography support
Guided walks, small-boat outings and snorkelling are central to the Galápagos experience. Kayaking, glass-bottom boat outings and other activity choices vary by ship and conditions. We will check your interests and mobility needs when matching a departure.
The voyage package
What the voyage includes
Published inclusions
- Seven nights aboard with onboard meals
- Naturalist-led island exploration and talks
- Published mainland hotel nights and programme transfers
Additional costs and exclusions
- International flights and recommended mainland-Galápagos flights
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Optional extensions and services outside the confirmed package
Confirm all inclusions for the specific departure and offer with EA before booking.
Expedition Advisory guidance
Make the whole journey work
Allow for international flight days beyond the 10-day programme. Quito is at altitude, so an extra arrival night can make the journey more comfortable. We will compare the exact ship, park-approved island route, flight arrangements and cabin before recommending a departure.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your dates, party size and what matters most. We’ll compare the ship, cabin and complete travel plan.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees