Wild Galápagos Escape | National Geographic Islander II | IExpedition

Wild Galápagos Escape (8-Day)

  • Overview

    Explore Darwin’s islands in one action-filled week aboard our new National Geographic Islander ll. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands. As with our classic, 10-day expeditions, honed over more than 50 years, each voyage is crafted to offer a diverse perspective of the archipelago with multiple adventures daily on land and undersea.

    Expedition Highlights

    • Experience all the Galapagos has to offer in one week with departures on Tuesday

    • Snorkel and kayak among colorful fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions, and walk among colonies of wildlife and seabirds unfazed by your presence

    • Maximize your time in the islands with options for exploration every day including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more

    • Add a three-night post-expedition extension in Quito, Ecuador

    • Have more time? Take back-to-back voyages and see more of the archipelago—because no single site in Galápagos National Park can be visited by the same ship more than once in two weeks, consecutive voyages call on different islands.

    • With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this fascinating part of the world—from “sneezing” iguanas to giant tortoises

    Duration: 8 days
    Passengers: 48 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Guayaquil, Ecuador
    Disembarkation Point: Guayaquil, Ecuador
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Guayaquil, Ecuador

      Upon arrival in Guayaquil, Ecuador, transfer to the 44-room Hotel del Parque, a tranquil haven surrounded by lush gardens set in a lovingly restored 19th-century building. Most flights arrive in the late evening. Choose to arrive early for an
      optional extra night to rest, relax, and prepare for your voyage. Or opt for the full-day excursion from Guayaquil to Hacienda La Danesa . Ask your expedition specialist about options, including flying into Quito, Ecuador’s capital, instead of Guayaquil.

    • Day 2 - Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship

      Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. We are welcomed by our naturalist staff and start exploring the islands.

    • Day 3/6 - Galápagos Islands

      Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our expedition. Our expeditions begin and end at Baltra and include visits to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands. No two days are alike. Each of our itineraries offers
      an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

      North Seymour: Look for nesting frigatebirds, plus land and marine iguanas, and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.

      Santa Cruz: Head to the lush, green highlands to look for giant tortoises roaming in the wild.

      Isabela: Toast crossing the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins as we ply these nutrient-rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates.

      Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant and the largest marine iguanas.

      San Cristóbal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island.

      Española: Located in the extreme southeast of the archipelago, this island is home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatrosses at Punta Suárez.

      Floreana: Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous wooden barrel at Post Office Bay, and learn about its unusual postal system.

    • Day 7 - Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil

      Return by air to Guayaquil, where we transfer to the Hotel del Parque—or continue to Quito for an optional three-night extension. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights. Ask your Expedition Specialist for details.

    • Day 8 - Guayaquil

      Stay and linger in Guayaquil or return home today.

      Departure Time: Anytime on day 8, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 7.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Services of a physician
    - One hour of Wi-Fi per person per day aboard ship
    - Assistance by the Expeditions-National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor
    - Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins)
    - Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
    - Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
    - All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
    - Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
    - 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
    - Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
    - Complimentary reusable water bottle
    - Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
    - Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
    - Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
    - All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Laundry, spa treatments, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
    - Crew gratuities
    - Passport, visa, and immigration fees
    - Travel protection plans
    - Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
    - Pre- and post-expedition extensions
    - Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
    - Private transfers
    - Mandatory transfer package
  • Map
    Screenshot 2023 10 17 at 13.57.51
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    National Geographic Islander II - sleek and elegant, she sails year-round in the Galápagos Islands and elevate the guest experience to an entirely new level. This ship provides an authentic sense of place, drawing on our decades of partnering with local communities and conservation groups. Contributing to the fully immersive Ecuadorian experience on board are Ecuadorian staff and locally sourced and sustainable farm-to-table and ocean-to-table culinary ingredients, as well as artisan spa elements and handcrafted textiles, art, and décor all regionally created.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 48
    Crew #:
    Ice Class:
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 269m
    Width: 45
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 3264
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Category SU

03 May 2025 - 10 May 2025
280 sq. ft. with two panoramic windows, twin/king convertible beds, seating area with sofa, lounge chair, and marble double-sink bathrooms with rain shower.
USD$ 9,180pp
USD$ 9,180pp

Category SO

03 May 2025 - 10 May 2025
280 sq. ft. with two panoramic windows, twin/king convertible beds, seating area with sofa, lounge chair, and marble double-sink bathrooms with rain shower; dedicated solo but otherwise identical to SU category.
USD$ 11,934pp
USD$ 11,934pp

Category IS

03 May 2025 - 10 May 2025
These 515 sq. ft. Islander Suites feature four panoramic windows, twin beds that can convert to a king, separate living area with sofa, table and chairs, two lounge chairs, espresso maker, and larger bathroom with rain shower and soaking tub. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
USD$ 12,797pp
USD$ 12,797pp