Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruises
Table Of Content
Return by air to Guayaquil, and enjoy dayrooms at the Hotel del Parque before flights home—or continue to Quito for an optional two-night extension. Gratuities ($180 recommended per person, per week) and onboard bar and gift shop purchases are tallied at the end of the voyage and can be paid in cash, by credit card or with personal checks if drawn from a U.S. bank. Expedition gear is common during the daytime, and shorts and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable during the evenings, though many cruisers will clean up a little for the evening recap briefings, cocktail hour and dinner.
Travel Types
And they really mean any time — they even gave my mother-in-law a wake-up call in the middle of the night so that she could be on the bridge while the ship crossed the equator. Diving isn’t included in the price, so when it’s available there is an extra cost. The ship was well-equipped with kayaks, paddleboards, zodiacs, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, walking sticks, and even a glass-bottom boat.
Observation Deck
A trip on the Letty promises a 10 guest-per-guide ratio, as well as dinner with the captain. You get a choice between two seven-day itineraries, each including opportunities to snorkel, hike, and learn about the local wildlife from knowledgeable guides. Sea lions greet us at South Plaza, an uplifted block carpeted in salt-loving succulents and teeming with wildlife, including a noisy group of bachelor sea lions and a population of land iguanas. The 8-Day National Geographic Wild Galapagos Escape Cruise begins and ends in Baltra and features a diverse selection of islands optimized for wildlife viewing, landscapes and experiences. Flights from mainland Ecuador (Guayaquil) to the Galapagos are not included in the cruise price, but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Galapagos flight for your particular departure.
Building theworld’s premierexpedition fleet
Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the tropical Pacific. Gather on deck for a welcome cocktail at sunset as the captain circumnavigates Daphne Island. That day ended on a high note with a sunset zodiac ride in the company of sea lions and more of those adorable penguins.
Our Ships in Galápagos
Yes, very professional and serious, but personable, kind and funny! The trip leader (Lynn) and the naturalists were the BEST part of the trip. They knew so much about the region; we would not have had this great an experience with any other leaders. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Due to the active nature of volcanoes in the Western Galapagos, alternate excursions may be offered. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
Galapagos cruises aboard the 16-guest catamaran Endemic are an unforgettable experience. Visit remote islands with top bilingual naturalist guides while enjoying a ship purpose-built for cruising with stability, speed, panoramic views and supreme comfort. Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation.
Live-aboard Dive Boats
Voyages aboard National Geographic Endeavour II cover all shore excursions, including outings aboard the ship's motorized, inflatable skiffs; guided hikes; kayaking; stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling. Complimentary snorkel gear and wet suits are provided, along with walking poles to assist on hikes. Those who need prescription snorkeling masks will want to bring their own. All 10 cabins are on the same deck, there’s an open-bar policy, and Wi-Fi is available on board. A unique hull design means this ship is also one of the most fuel-efficient in the Galápagos.
Grosvenor Teacher Fellows - National Geographic Society
Grosvenor Teacher Fellows.
Posted: Sat, 23 Sep 2023 09:54:23 GMT [source]
Galápagos National Park officials have set a maximum of 100 passengers per vessel, so these are some of the largest ships in the archipelago. Travelers may opt for a larger-capacity cruise ship for more space (such as bigger hallways and staircases for easier movement around the ship) and increased services like an onboard doctor. The downside of traveling on a large ship is the time it can take to complete transfers by zodiac from the boat to the islands. Also, some areas of the Galápagos may be off limits to larger ships. All cabins on the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II have windows, and some even have private patios.
From the first steps on a Galapagos island it’s clear that freedom and fearlessness are a way of life. And, thanks to the legacy of Jacques Cousteau, that feeling is kept alive via a fleet of nimble Zodiacs that can nose into landfalls and cruise along reefs, affording intimate views of the action. Meanwhile, expert National Geographic naturalists are always there to point out particularly unusual wildlife behaviors and characteristics so that guests may observe, inquire and react as it unfolds. The naturalists’ specialized knowledge and interests—marine biology, zoology, botany and geology—will transform this experience into a biology classroom in real-time. Here in Darwin’s natural laboratory, the animal world is your oyster.
A small ship that feels decidedly roomy, it is large enough to offer multiple public rooms and plenty of outdoor deck space -- something that many smaller vessels plying the waters of the Galapagos Islands lack. Window-lined public rooms are tastefully decorated with soft blues, earth tones and polished woods, and the ship's relatively petite 236-foot length means that nothing is ever far from reach. This Galápagos cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II was indeed a bucket-list trip for me and one that I highly recommend if you enjoy active vacations, incredible scenery, and unique wildlife.
Lindblad's expeditions in the Galapagos attract primarily North Americans who are well-educated, successful and curious about the world. The line's pricing is favorable to solo travelers onboard Endeavor II, with dedicated solo categories available. The average age ranges from late 30s to early 80s for most couples, and the overall mood is outgoing and convivial.
Anyone can join this pioneering two-year conservation voyage - National Geographic
Anyone can join this pioneering two-year conservation voyage.
Posted: Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea. Experience the Galápagos aboard our elegant and nimble ship, well-equipped for up-close exploration. Encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises and more. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for being without fear in the presence of humans.
Every expedition in the Galápagos is led by a team of naturalists, a videographer and expedition leader, providing a multitude of resources for a rich and unmatched understanding of all the sights and sounds. Plus, each ship’s unique exploration-based family program, National Geographic Global Explorers, caters to kids and teens, making each an excellent option for Galapagos family cruises. With pleasant temperatures all year long, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you’re ready to go.
Guests could book massages with the ship’s wellness expert/masseuse in the spa room. I wanted to get a massage, but I didn’t want to miss out on any activities, so I skipped it. It was open each day after breakfast, after lunch, and before dinner.
Sailing with Lindblad Expeditions to the Galapagos Islands promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, education, and conservation efforts. Note that this is a booking request only & does not guarantee confirmation. Please complete as many fields as possible & an Adventure Specialist will reply promptly. Be prepared by reading up on AdventureSmith recommendations, packing lists, etc.
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