Final Week: End-of-Year Savings: 25% Off All 2023 Departures
Book August 14 - September 29, 2023. Save 25% on the cabin fare when booking any Category 1 cabin, including solo cabins, or Category SU on National Geographic Islander II, for departures in 2023 when you pay in full at time of booking. Valid for new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking, cannot be combined with other offers, and is not applicable on airfare or extensions. To qualify for the discount, non-refundable payment in full is due at the time of booking. Call for details.
We're a winner of Conde Nast Traveler's 2022 Readers Choice Awards
Best Cruise Line in the Galápagos (Expedition Category)
Sail the iconic archipelago with the pioneers of modern expedition travel
Lindblad Expeditions pioneered expedition travel to the remarkable Galápagos Islands more than 50 years ago. Today, we lead expeditions year-round to this magical archipelago famed for its vibrant wildlife. Encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and charismatic sea lions in their natural habitats, unfazed by your presence. Enjoy multiple adventures each day on land and undersea, including walks and hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, in the company of local expert guides.
In Galápagos, one thing is certain: expect the unexpected! Surrounded by wildlife on land and at sea, you never know what might happen. And that’s been the draw since Darwin landed in 1835.
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New 7-Day Wild Galapagos Escape
Lindblad Expeditions is delighted to offer a new option to see the Galapagos in 7-days, departing on Tuesdays. Our active exploration of the legendary archipelago offers multiple adventures daily on the latest addition to our Galapagos fleet, National Geographic Islander ll.
Remain into the late afternoon at fabled Machu Picchu, introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine
Soak in the scenery and culture of the Sacred Valley of the Inca
Journey between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu by Inca Rail
Voyage aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II with a team of naturalists
Maximize your time in Galápagos with options to hike, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel every day
Dive in and experience Galápagos with all your senses. Choose how you want to explore—hike, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, or arrange to dive (on select departures). Take a long hike or just relax on the beach. Our generous staff-to-guest ratio means you can always find a naturalist whose interests and approach you share whether you want to focus on birding, human history, photography, the undersea, or more. Since the first international tourist expedition cruise to the Galápagos Islands in July 1967 with Lars-Eric Lindblad, we’ve introduced generations of guests to these strange and wonderful islands, the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
Henry David Thoreau called it the “tonic of wildness.” It’s what a cruise to Galápagos, with its beauty and wildness, gives you—a spirit lift. To compound this healthful effect, we provide a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness to relax and rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit.
National Geographic Global Explorers Program
One of the most rewarding sights on an expedition is witnessing the gleam of discovery in a child’s eyes, whether they’re walking alongside a grazing giant tortoise or watching blue-footed boobies perform an elaborate courtship dance. Moments like these are abundant in the Galápagos—and they’re especially meaningful when complemented with the learning opportunities offered through our exclusive National Geographic Global Explorers Program for kids and teens 18 and under.
See, do and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades.
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Our naturalists, passionate about the islands where most of them were raised, illuminate each facet of natural and human history here through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us.
See what lies beneath the waves—even if you choose to stay dry with the help of your undersea specialist. These pros snorkel or dive to shoot footage of sea life and share it in the lounge. They lead snorkeling outings and glass-bottom boat excursions, offering voiceover on all you see.
Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings and the basics of composition, and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.
Wild places like the Galápagos hold infinite learnings for young travelers who are nurturing new relationships with the natural world. The certified field educators at the helm of the National Geographic Global Explorers program are experts at interpreting the fascinating stories of species and their habitats so that kids and teens can return home inspired by the planet and primed to protect it.
Visit itinerary dates to view additional staff and guests
Rich Reid
Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Rich Reid has specialized in environmental and adventure photography for over two decades. North American Nature Photography Association elected Rich as a Fellow for his significant contributions to the nature photography industry, and he was a finalist for the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his time-lapse video documenting forest fire ecology.
Underwater photographers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes are married partners who work together as a team to produce National Geographic stories from equatorial coral reefs to beneath the polar ice. David estimates he has spent nearly half his life in the sea since taking his first underwater photograph at the age of 12 with a Brownie Hawkeye camera sealed in a bag.
Lucas Bustamante is a biologist and conservation photojournalist. He co-founded Tropical Herping and Savia Fund, an Ecuadorian nonprofit that works in the legal defense of nature, environmental and cultural conservation, and visual storytelling. His photographic work has been featured in National Geographic, Audubon, BBC Wildlife, GEO, Smithsonian, and many other magazines, books, photo exhibitions, and articles.
Krista Rossow began her career as a photography editor at National Geographic Traveler magazine. She has shot feature stories as a contributing photographer for Traveler in Japan, South Africa, Morocco, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and various U.S. cities. She regularly judges Instagram contests for @NatGeogTravel and edits photos for National Geographic Books.
National Geographic Islander II: Take a Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of the newest member of our Galápagos Fleet, the all-suite National Geographic Islander ll.
National Geographic Islander II's Maiden Voyage
Enjoy this glimpse of the new, all-suite National Geographic Islander ll welcoming the first guests aboard the August 18, 2022, maiden voyage sailing the Galápagos. She is purposely outfitted to reduce impact, build community on board, and foster authentic connection to the people and culture of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
Embark on a sweeping adventure that encapsulates all the wildness of Galápagos balanced with the cultural and historic experiences of Machu Picchu & Peru's Land of the Inca. Explore Galápagos in depth aboard either of our ships, then discover the culture and history of Peru and the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu.
National Geographic Islander II: A Truly Ecuadorian Ship
Our new ship for the Galápagos Islands, the National Geographic Islander II, celebrates the cultures of Ecuador and the islands themselves. Join Vice President of Hotel Operations Ana Esteves as she finds inspiration around the country—meeting acclaimed local artisans, chefs, and artists who showcase the beauty and wonder of Ecuador.
‘Good Morning America’ Reports Live from National Geographic Endeavour II
In February 2022, Good Morning America's Amy Robach joined Lindblad Expeditions in the Galápagos, where GMA became the first U.S. television show to broadcast live from the islands. View clips from the show, see our daily photo diaries, and explore even more.
A true gem in the crown of conservation and sustainability, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) has worked for six decades to protect the Galápagos and ensure that its pristine ecosystems and incredible biodiversity will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Lindblad Expeditions supports stewardship efforts in the places we explore, and one way we do that is through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund. Traveler contributions to the LEX-NG Fund in Galápagos currently support our regional partners—the Charles Darwin Foundation, Galápagos National Park Directorate, Island Conservation, and the Scalesia Foundation—in their efforts to research and conserve the unique wildlife of the islands and promote education in the region.
National Geographic Endeavour II rounds the north of Isabela to reach Fernandina, the westernmost island of the Galapagos and the youngest. Still navigating, we wake up to see the majestic shield volcanoes of these islands all around us. These waters are very rich in life of all kinds, from small creatures to large. Landing on Fernandina is like visiting a zoo where animals are everywhere except that there are no walls or cages. Packs of marine iguanas bask in the sun at every step, and sea lions chill on the sand and rocks. Later, we enjoy more wildlife on Isabela. We take a Zodiac tour to observe the imposing Ecuador Volcano. We celebrate as we cross the equator at the end of another wonderful expedition day.
The first melody of our journey was orchestrated on the serene and beautiful North Seymour Island, which greeted us with a dry landing and the varied harmonies of its enchanting inhabitants. The creatures here don’t just exist; they sing the songs of the island, songs etched with secrets of timeless love and whispers of the winds. It was not a universal chorus but rather a selective symphony, where the male frigatebirds were the primary composers, inflating their radiant, red pouches and filling the air with soulful calls to attract their mates. Each call was a vibrant note in the air, echoing the unspoken tales of the island. The blue-footed boobies, the graceful dancers of the island, were harmonizing with their symphony, their feet—a brilliant reflection of the boundless blue sky—whistling to the females soaring above. This was not merely witnessing; it was like being a part of a delicate courtship dance, where every call, every flutter, every dance step was a clandestine expression of love and attraction. The land iguanas were the silent spectators to this musical. Their distinct yellow bodies basked in the warmth of the rocks, seemingly aloof from the harmonic spectacle unfolding around them. Each sunray absorbed by them seemed to whisper another secret of the island, another tale of its timeless beauty. The sea lions, playful spirits, rested beside the rocks, their silhouettes perfectly etched against the rugged beauty of the islands. Their silent presence was a gentle reminder of the playful essence of nature, of the innocent joys that reside in the simple moments. The rhythm to this island symphony was provided by the click-clack of the swallow-tailed gulls. Each sound was a beacon, guiding their partners through the sea of creatures, a rhythmic whisper in the musical air, adding another layer to the intricate symphony of North Seymour. The next chapter of our expedition unfolded on the mesmerizing Rabida Island, where we were welcomed by the unique red sands with a wet landing. The oxidation of the sands painted the island in distinctive shades, creating a stunning tapestry against the pristine azure waters and opening up a spectacle of nature’s vivid palette. Our snorkeling adventure off the beach was like plunging into a living, breathing canvas of colors, where schools of tropical fish darted around, playing games of hide and seek among the rocks, and sea lions displayed their acrobatic grace in the water, reminding us of the boundless joy residing in nature’s heart. After the aquatic dance with nature, we retreated to National Geographic Endeavour II only to be lured again by the beckoning of a hidden lagoon, a sanctuary revealing the ethereal elegance of pink and white flamingos. Observing them in their realm, existing in perfect harmony, was like witnessing the exquisite balance and grace of life. It was a dance of shadows and lights, a melody of colors and sounds, painting the silent tales of the islands. As we made our journey back, the shores were painted with the sight of sea lions returning from their expeditions and females nurturing their young, a poignant spectacle in the raw beauty of the islands. Every sight, every sound was a whisper from the islands, a secret note in the symphony of North Seymour and Rabida, etching the timeless tales of nature in our hearts.
Today we visited South Plazas to the north of Santa Cruz and Bowditch Beach on the west side of Santa Cruz. The former is home to Galapagos land iguanas, which we observed feeding on prickly pear cacti and basking on rocks. We also observed a variety of seabirds and sea lions playing on the shore. Bowditch Beach was a great place to relax and observe the beautiful scenery on our last full day in the Galapagos.
Today we woke up in one of the most spectacular settings found in the Galapagos, right in front of popular Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island. We started our morning with a pre-breakfast hike all the way to the top of the island. Non-hikers had the chance to take a Zodiac tour. By 8:00 am, we had seen penguins, toured alongside dolphins in the Zodiacs, and witnessed the most amazing geological formations. Bartolome Island is a volcanic islet located in the Galápagos Islands. It is known for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. The island is relatively small and covers an area of just 1.2 square kilometers (0.5 square miles). It is famous for its iconic landmark, Pinnacle Rock, which is a distinctive volcanic formation rising from the ocean. The area is also known to hold a small population of Galápagos penguins, the only penguin species found in the Northern Hemisphere. These penguins have adapted to the warm climate of the islands and are the second smallest penguin species in the world. They primarily inhabit the western part of the archipelago, including Bartolome Island. We spent the entire morning here. During lunch, we navigated to Chinese Hat. Also known as Sombrero Chino, Chinese Hat is another small, volcanic island located near Santiago Island in the Galápagos archipelago. It derives its name from its appearance, as the shape of the island resembles a traditional Chinese hat. Similar to Bartolome, Chinese Hat is characterized by volcanic formations. Once we arrived, we got ready for water activities. Guests went kayaking and snorkeling, and others boarded Zodiacs for a coastal exploration during sunset. The geology here is so interesting. The islands were formed through volcanic activity millions of years ago. They are located on the Nazca Plate, a tectonic plate in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Volcanic eruptions occurred over time and shaped the islands, creating a diverse range of landscapes and geological features. What a great day we had in the Galapagos!
This morning, we explored the northern side of Santa Cruz Island, and our first outing took us to see the Galapagos dragons. This land iguana inhabits the palo santo dry forest. As soon as we disembarked, marine iguanas greeted us as they sunbathed on the Sesuvium carpetweed found along the shoreline. We walked along the trail and found a brackish water lagoon that is usually visited by birds like white-cheeked pintail ducks, black-necked stilts, and sometimes flamingos. Later, we passed through the dry forest of palo santo and breathed in its fragrant aroma as we headed to observe the eroded volcanic ash on the trail. Land iguanas are endemic to this archipelago and can be found nesting in the area or just relaxing under a prickly pear cactus tree. We saw a spectacular number of iguanas, counting twenty during our walk. The bright colors of the iguanas make them a very exciting sight, which our guests enjoyed very much. Later in the afternoon, our younger explorers took Zodiac driving lessons in the company of their parents and a naturalist guide. It was the highlight of the day for them. The rest of our guests opted between getting some exercise while kayaking along the shoreline of Borrero Bay or simply took it slower and joined a Zodiac tour in the area. During the afternoon, we observed big flocks of blue-footed boobies, which are not often seen in high numbers. We also observed brown pelicans, striated herons, baby blacktip sharks, a small eagle ray, and lava gulls. We ended our day by enjoying a glass of wine while circumnavigating Daphne Major and observing the stunning sunset.
It will never leave you if you go to the Galápagos islands. You will have stories for the rest of your life—I can promise you.
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