Guest Impressions: The Galápagos Experience
The Galápagos Islands offer rare proximity to the natural world—where wildlife moves without fear and the story of evolution unfolds in real time. Exploring with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions deepens that connection. Aboard small purpose-built expedition ships designed specifically for these storied islands, guests venture out daily by Zodiac, on foot or with snorkeling gear—guided by expert naturalists who bring insight and context to every encounter. It is active, immersive exploration drawing on more than 50 years of expedition heritage in the archipelago.
In their own words, guests share the wildlife encounters and moments of awe that defined their voyages—and why Galápagos, experienced with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, stays with them long after they return home.
A Look Inside the Journey
Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy recently traveled aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander II to the Galápagos, where she had the opportunity to speak with guests about their voyage highlights. “Galápagos is another world, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is the only way to come here,” shares Trish, a solo traveler. In this video, learn more about why travelers choose to explore with the pioneers of modern expedition cruising and how their experience in this enchanted archipelago lives up to their expectations.
The Lambrix Family, Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey
On our first day in the Galápagos, we boarded Zodiacs just as the sun was setting. Word spread that a large pod of dolphins had been spotted, and we took off, skimming across the open water. Dozens of dolphins began leaping in pairs beside us—a "choreographed dance" they all seemed to know by heart. The sunset, the dolphins, the joy on our kids’ faces—it felt like the Galápagos was "welcoming us," offering a preview of the extraordinary adventure to come.
Beyond that unforgettable beginning, what made the voyage truly special were the people—the crew, naturalists and our fellow travelers, who widened our lens on the world. Our kids loved the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, where they weren’t just tagging along, but participating as young explorers in their own right. We came home with a deeper sense of connection—to one another and to the incredible people aboard who dedicate their lives to exploration, conservation and education.
Andy and Sasha Rice, Middleton, Wisconsin
Photo (top left): Joshua Vela Fonseca
Galápagos was the perfect adventure for me and my 10-year-old daughter Sasha, an animal lover and “want-to-be" explorer. Together we swam with rays, sea lions, sea turtles and penguins. We hiked and experienced the rich diversity of birds and animals found nowhere else on Earth.
While Sasha has never been afraid of the wild or wild things, the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program gave her more confidence to dig deeper into what we witnessed using her new observation and storytelling skills—and in the company of new friends, who she still talks with weekly! Sasha and I are looking forward to another National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyage together, when we sail the Amazon.
Noah and Kiran Thomas, Austin, Texas
I really enjoyed the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, which gave all the kids on board super cool things like hats, colored pencils and notebooks that had checklists for nature. I saw 78 different species of mammals, reptiles, fish, plants and invertebrates. At the end, a naturalist grades your field notebook and you get a prize. I recommend this vacation to everyone! — Noah, Age 10
My favorite experience in the Galápagos was snorkeling. The sea lions were so friendly—they swam right next to me. On the ship, the service for food is great. They remember the drinks you like, and you get ice cream for dessert. I had a blast! — Kiran, Age 8
Dan and Suzy Laur, Holualoa, Hawaii
Some of the “perfect 10” moments in my life happened while exploring with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. We journeyed to the Galápagos with our 11-year-old twins, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and seeing Lonesome George. I watched my daughter settle onto the grass at Rancho El Manzanillo to visit with a giant tortoise, telling him her secrets while he grazed on the grasses. We swam with three penguins feeding on a bait ball while a sea lion competed for our attention. One morning, a sea lion greeted the kids on the beach and led them into the water to body surf together for half an hour. We topped off these moments with breaching mola molas, a super pod of dolphins and an orca encounter. And that’s just one trip!
Rhonda Chapin, Daytona Beach, Florida
Top left photo: Michael S. Nolan. Bottom left photo: Omar Adrian
I love to travel and am a frequent traveler with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions—now over 20 voyages. My first expedition was to the Galápagos Islands 10 years ago, and I returned again last year. There is an intimacy with the animals in the Galápagos; they simply don’t seem to have a fear of humans. The islands were alive with spring reproductive energy, with frigate birds displaying their red throat pouches and drumming them to attract mates. We saw marine iguanas climbing out of the water over sea lions; cormorants with teal eyes; penguins; brown and red- and blue-footed boobies; and ancient giant tortoises, to name a few. A highlight was watching two albatrosses performing their courtship dance right in our path—we had to wait for them to finish before we could return to the ship!
The Stettinius Family, Washington DC
Photos (top and bottom right, bottom left): Michael S. Nolan
As a family, we enjoy taking trips that are immersive and active, and the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages check those boxes in spades. Each day was full of adventure, new knowledge and “wow!” moments—and the entire staff worked tirelessly to ensure we were having a wonderful experience. In the Galápagos, we loved stepping around a sea of iguanas as we traversed one of the islands, watching a blue-footed booby courting ritual and snorkeling alongside the turtles and seals. — Sarah
Getting to be around all the animals in the Galápagos, where they have no fear of us, was unforgettable. The guides are a ton of fun and shared all kinds of cool information with us. We learned a lot, especially how fragile our environment is and how important it is to treat it with respect. We also met other kids and were able to hang out with them for many of the excursions and also on the ship, which was a ton of fun. I’m still in touch with friends from our trips and hope we can see each other again. This was a great trip for our family because we could do stuff with our parents and with other kids our age and have experiences that we would never have at home or in school. — Teddy, Age 13
