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The perfect blend of activity and education. The 48 passenger National Geographic Islander features Expedition Leaders and naturalist staff are renown experts from National Geographic. This cruise is perfect for travelers seeking an intellectual experience and is willing to pay extra for National Geographic expertise.

A Galapagos Cruise aboard the National Geographic Islander features nimble Zodiacs and kayaks that cruise to the volcanic shores and pristine beaches of Galápagos, and an undersea program utilizes underwater video, glass-bottom boat and hydrophone that bring seldom seen or heard worlds to life. Every expedition in Galápagos is led by a team of Naturalists, (including an Underwater Specialist), a videographer, and Expedition Leader, providing a multitude of resources for a rich and unmatched understanding of all that you’ll see.

The moment you step foot on your first island here you'll see that freedom and fearlessness are a way of life. Whether strolling the islands' pristine beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a "chat" with a particularly friendly sea lion, or snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, a glorious feeling of freedom abounds. And, thanks to the legacy of Jacques Cousteau, we are able to keep that feeling alive as we make wide use of our fleet of nimble Zodiacs that can nose into landfalls and cruise along reefs, which afford us intimate views of "the action." Meanwhile, our expert naturalists are always there to point out particularly unusual wildlife behaviors and characteristics so that you may observe, inquire and react as it unfolds before your eyes. Their specialized knowledge and interests - marine biology, zoology, botany, and geology - will transform your experience into a biology class in real-time. Here in Darwin's natural laboratory, the animal world is your oyster.

Day 1 - Guayaquil, Ecuador

Galapagos cruises aboard the National Geographic Islander begin in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Group flights from Miami are available. We’ve found that Miami is a convenient gateway for most, but other air alternatives are available. Arrive Guayaquil by late evening. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, it’s a short drive to the Hotel Hilton Colón.

Accommodations: Hotel Hilton Colon
Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Fly to Baltra, Galapagos and Embark Ship

This morning fly to the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Flying time from Guayaquil is approximately one and a half hours. Upon arrival, transfer immediately to the National Geographic Islander. After settling into your cabin, gather in the ship's lounge for a refreshing welcome drink and a general orientation. By dinner time, you will have already made the acquaintance of some of the exotic animals you've come here to fraternize with.

Accommodations: Islander
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3-8 - Galapagos Islands

Although exact routing depends on the National Park Service, we may visit the following islands:

Bartolome

This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks and views abound, with a chance to snorkel with Galápagos penguins.

Santiago

Santiago offers close encounters with Galápagos fur seals along with an opportunity to study the inhabitants of the island’s countless tide pools.

Santa Cruz

Learn about vital preservation work being done at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, head up into the highlands to roam the moss draped landscape where wild giant tortoises forage.

Isabela

Walk the streets of the picturesque port of Puerto Villamil and nearby saltwater lagoons. Explore Isabela’s caves, shoreline, and stroll along a beautiful beach.

Fernandina

This is the youngest island in the Galápagos. Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza and take in the dramatic backdrop of Isabela’s volcanoes off in the distance.

Floreana

Snorkel among sea lions in the clear waters off Champion Islet. We may also find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Hike to a pristine white-sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.

Española

The exclusive home to waved albatross (Apr. - Dec.) and particularly colorful marine iguanas, Española is also a paradise for Darwin’s finches, sea lions galore, and the famous blue-footed boobies. Snorkel and stroll along the island’s lovely beaches.

Accommodations: Islander
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Baltra/Disembark Ship/Guayaquil

This morning arrive at Baltra Island and disembark the ship. Transfer to the airport and fly to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening free to explore the city and prepare for your journey home. If you would to visit Quito, please inquire about our optional Quito extensions.

Accommodations: Hotel Hilton Colon
Meals: breakfast

Day 10 - Guayaquil/Home

This morning fly home - or anywhere else you might have decided to go.

Accommodations: n/a
Meals: none


Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins available at "Sole Occupancy" rate listed above. Single travelers willing to share accommodations may participate in our share program where we will match you with another same sex traveler and guarantee you the double occupancy rate - even if we are unable to find a same sex match by the time of departure. This share program is available in Cabin Categories 1 and 2 only.

Family Travelers: No minimum age for children. Children under 18 receive a $500 discount. Select triple cabins are available.

Cost Includes: Two hotel nights accommodations with breakfast included, all airport/ hotel transfers, Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100: adult, $50: child), Galapagos transit card, Galapagos cruise including all meals while aboard, Expedition Leader and experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guides, use of snorkel equipment and wet suits.

Not Included: Airfare from US to Guayaquil; Roundtrip flight to Galapagos, excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as emails, alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Arrival and Departure: This trip begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Plan flights to arrive at any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on the final day. Airport transfers are included for travelers arriving and departing on scheduled arrival/departure days. This trip can also be arranged to begin and end in Quito, Ecuador.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: We charge a deposit of $500 for our Galapagos trips at the time of booking with the final payment due 90 days from departure. A special cancellation policy applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. If you cancel your voyage:

-120 or more days out, you receive a refund of your deposit minus $250 which is given to you in the form of a travel certificate.
-between 119 and 90 days out, you forfeit your deposit amount.
-between 89 and 60 days out, you forfeit 25% of the total voyage cost.
-between 59 and 30 days out, you forfeit 50% of voyage cost.
-29 days or less, you forfeit the entire voyage cost. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard the National Geographic Islander: The National Geographic Islander is owned and operated by our partners at Lindblad Expeditions. She accommodates 48 guests. Accommodations are in double cabins, each with toilet and shower. The crew includes: the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, barman/waiter, cook, engineer and deckhands. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic drinks and beer are available for purchase on board.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

Extending Your Trip: This trip combines well with our Peru, Machu Picchu 6 Day Explorer Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations "Terms & Conditions". Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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