Home > Langford Tropical > Galapagos Adventures - Tropical > Galapagos - Aboard the National Geographic Ship Endeavour - Lindblad Expeditions
Overview
A Galapagos cruise aboard National Geographic Endeavour offers all the hallmarks of a Lindblad Expedition, plus the expansive feeling that comes with voyaging aboard this stately ship. Access to Endeavour’s five onboard Naturalists gives you the freedom to gravitate towards any of the expedition team members whose interests in ornithology, geology or undersea life mirror your own. Join them on hikes, Zodiac rides, or the ship’s deck during one of the spontaneous, thrilling wildlife encounters when the Captain spots a pod of orcas or a blue whale and changes course to pull alongside them.
To make the most of your 10-day Galapagos cruise, we offer plenty of choices, including some shore landings before breakfast and long hikes, short hikes or coastal explorations from Zodiacs and kayaks. Go deep water snorkeling in the wetsuit and snorkeling gear we provide – which are yours for the entire expedition – or try snorkeling for the first time in a friendly, patient environment. And if you don’t want to get in the water, simply climb aboard our glass-bottom boat for an undersea experience while staying dry. We have the resources onboard to add depth to your experience at any activity level – and all of them are included in the price of the cruise.
After a day of exploring, relax in one of Endeavour’s comfortable public spaces, including the finest library in the islands, or visit her wellness spa and then take a massage on her unique floating platform.
Testimonial
"This trip was beyond fantastic. The teaming of National Geographic and Lindblad is perfect. Talk about taking customer service to another level. The whole operation is run very professionally. The guides are great – each day you can go on several different explorations – from hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling. Or you can choose to stay onboard, and read, or lounge outside." Trip Advisor
-
Itinerary Highlights
|
DAY 1 — U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart U.S. and arrive Guayaquil by late evening; it’s a short drive to Hotel Hilton Colón, where we spend the night.
|
|
DAY 2 — Guayaquil / Galápagos / Embark
After the 1 1⁄2-hour flight to the Galápagos, we’ll immediately board the ship. Over the course of the week, our exact routing depends on the National Park Service.(B, L, D)
|
|
DAY 3-8 — Galapagos Islands
Galápagos Islands
The following is a representative sample of the islands we may visit during your week on board: (B,L,D) North Seymour Have up-close encounters with colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies (seasonal) and magnificent frigate birds, plus sea lion harems. Spot swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, land iguanas and fur seals along the cliffs. Walks and Zodiac rides to choose from. North Seymour and Rabida Enjoy walks, Zodiac forays, or deep- water snorkeling — with hundreds of fish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, eels and more. Visit rabida’s bright red beach to see wildlife, including a nesting colony of pelicans (sea- sonal), and Galápagos hawks, doves, Darwin’s finches, mocking birds, and more, plus gorgeous scenery. Various walks, kayaking, and snorkeling are on offer. |
|
DAY 3-8 — Galapagos Islands
Fernandina
Fernandina Island is the youngest island and one of the most pristine tropical islands left on Earth. Look forward to hikes over relatively recent lava flows, and to Cormorant point for marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and intriguing tide pools. activities also include Zodiac forays and snorkeling, perhaps with sea turtles, penguins, or cormorants. Isabela A small black sand beach, a sea turtle nesting site, offers wonderful morning swimming. a more challenging hike over a rugged area of shoreline, then inland through a land iguana nesting colony; and a shorter walk within the iguana colony. Walking, birding, kayaking and deep water snorkeling, with Zodiac rides are on offer. |
|
DAY 3-8 — Galapagos Islands
Santiago
A landing on one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in Galápagos. Walks take us past a salt water lagoon to see shore birds; up a small hill to land bird and endemic vegetation terrain. Snorkeling, plus Zodiac rides and kayaking to Buccaneer Cove. Visit puerto Egas (where our cover shot was taken) for a coastal trek to fur seal grottoes, masses of marine iguanas, sea birds, and more against vivid green sea mosses. Swimming and snorkeling from the beach. Santa Cruz Look for fur seals, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sea lions and more. Walks in the El Chato tortoise preserve for encounters with giant tortoises in the wild. return to sea level and explore bustling puerto ayora before embarking the ship. |
|
DAY 3-8 — Galapagos Islands
San Cristobal
Wet landing on a green, olivine beach for a hike and spectacular scenery — tuff stone cliffs “worked” by sea and wind. Zodiac rides along the coastline reveal blue-footed and red-footed boobies. Kayaking, swimming from the beach and snorkeling from Zodiacs off an islet in the bay are all options. In the afternoon — more opportunities for snorkeling and Zodiac adventures. and in between the sights & activities, life aboard our expedition ships is rich and varied — marvelous meals to enjoy in an always-casual ambience. Engaging talks by our Naturalists are part of the Daily recap ritual that binds our expedi- tion community and increases the fun. Socializing with staff and fellow guests, or retreating to one of the ship’s nooks & crannies with a good book is always an option. as is reserving a relaxing massage or revitalizing Wellness treatment. |
|
DAY 9 — Galápagos / Disembark / Guayaquil
Disembark and fly to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore the city. Overnight Hotel Hilton Colón. (B)
|
|
DAY 10 — Guayaquil / Home
This morning fly home. (B)
|
Don’t let her accommodating public and private spaces, the posh quiet and rich collection of books in her Library, or the lavish observation space on her decks fool you — the National Geographic Endeavouris an expedition ship, designed for discovery and active exploration, not just passing-by. The National Geographic Endeavour heads out equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs, enabling us to make landfall in all the remote and riveting locations that beckon! We offer kayaking opportunities wherever possible and frequent walks or hikes. Registry: Ecuador Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; Doctor’s Office; Fitness Center; Global Gallery; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Sauna and small Swimming Pool. Capacity: 96 guests Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with Ecuadorian flair. Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Glass-bottom boat, hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft. Special Features: Guest internet access and laundry service. A ship’s doctor, Undersea Specialist, and Video Chronicler are also onboard. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features an outdoor stretching area and a floating massage platform.
We can set a pace for more demanding walkers and simultaneously provide a rewarding experience for strollers, too. There’s no age limit to our adventurous opportunities — anyone who feels fit and is interested is welcome to participate. And because navigation is an underlying theme, our “Open Bridge” policy will provide you with one of the more gratifying memories of the many you’ll make. The spontaneity and flexibility that characterizes our expedition style means there is literally something new to experience and enjoy daily.