Expedition Details
On the Galápagos Archipelago, sea lions loll and frolic, 100-year-old giant tortoises roam, blue-footed boobies strut their stuff, and pre-historic-looking iguanas pile themselves on lava rocks to soak up the sun. The magic of these islands is that their creatures are full of personality and unafraid—of people or each other. Travel aboard the National Geographic Endeavour or National Geographic Islander and join our team of local naturalists to learn about the unique wildlife and geology of the islands.Trip Highlights
- Discover the fascinating wildlife and geology of the Galapagos Islands on a family adventure aboard the National Geographic Endeavour or Islander.
- Cruise to pristine islands and walk among colonies of animals and birds unfazed by your presence.
- Snorkel amid sea turtles, quirky penguins, and playful sea lions; gaze into the old eyes of a giant sea tortoise; and sit among a colorful band of marine iguanas .
- Participate in special kids' activities, such as stargazing, scavenger hunts, drawing and poetry workshops, and knot-tying lessons.
Itinerary - 10 Days
Day 1 — U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos
This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. During lunch, we begin our expedition of the islands.
(B,L,D)
Days 3 through 8 — Exploring Galápagos
In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our itinerary is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists; swim; snorkel; or explore the waters by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac.
(B, L, D daily)
Listed below are some of the islands we may visit during our expeditions:*
Isla Bartolomé
Walk to the top of Bartolomé's volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding white sand beaches. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.
Isla Santiago
Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos
fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, and Sally
Lightfoot crabs.
Isla Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding station for endangered native species. Learn about the Darwin Foundation and their giant Galápagos tortoise breeding program. Visit “Lonesome George,” the last surviving
tortoise of his kind. Later, travel into the highlands where wild tortoises forage.
Isla Isabela
Spend the early morning on the lookout for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and the unusual ocean sunfish, the Mola mola. Explore caves and hidden lagoons by Zodiac, and snorkel among sea turtles.
Isla Floreana
At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, or
peer into an underwater world in a glass-bottom
boat (Endeavour only) while keeping an eye out
for the endangered Floreana Mockingbird. Those
interested can visit Post Office Bay—if you see a
letter addressed to someone who lives near you,
the tradition is to deliver it by hand.
Isla Fernandina
Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as we hike over lava flows. Galapagos hawks and sea lion nurseries are also found as we explore this island.
Isla Española
See Darwin's finches, boobies, and waved albatross on this birder's paradise. Walk among vivid green and red marine iguanas, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white-sand beach.
Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil
After breakfast, disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The evening is at your leisure.
(B)
Day 10 — Guayaquil/U.S.
Depart Guayaquil this morning, arriving home the same day.
Optional Extensions
Related Trips
View LargerExpedition Team
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Tierney Thys
National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and documentary filmmaker whose work explores the breadth of animal diversity from pole to pole and chronicles global environmental change. Tierney is a world authority on the giant ocean sunfish, Mola mola, and has led numerous expeditions worldwide from Africa to Baja, Japan, Indonesia, and the Galápagos Islands to study these bizarre jelly-eating behemoths. Tierney has also developed and guided National Geographic student marine biology expeditions in Monterey Bay.
Tierney will join the following departure:
Jun 15 - 24, 2012
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
2012
- Jun 15 - 24, 2012
![[END]](/images/icon_ship-end.png)
- Jul 06 - 15, 2012 (waitlist only)
- Jul 07 - 16, 2012
![[ISL]](/images/icon_ship-isl.png)
- Jul 21 - 30, 2012
- Aug 03 - 12, 2012 (waitlist only)
2013
- Jun 21 - 30, 2013
- Jul 05 - 14, 2013
- Jul 06 - 15, 2013
- Jul 20 - 29, 2013
- Aug 02 - 11, 2013
*Please note: Itineraries vary slightly from week to week subject to the Galápagos National Park regulations. Each itinerary will include Isla Santa Cruz and a selection of the other stops listed on these pages.
National Geographic Islander National Geographic EndeavourExpedition Costs
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin on the Endeavour in 2012, add $1,380 in Category 1 and $1,570 in Category 2. For a single cabin on the Islander in 2012, add $2,965 in Category 1 and $3,340 in Category 2. For a single cabin on the Endeavour in 2013, add $1,260 in Category 1 and $1,440 in Category 2. For a single cabin on the Islander in 2013, add $3,110 in Category 1 and $3,500 in Category 2.
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Miami and Guayaquil is from $660, and between Guayaquil and Galápagos is $450 for adults and $210 for children under 12 (subject to change).
- June 15 - 24, 2012
National Geographic Endeavour - July 06 - 15, 2012
National Geographic Endeavour
(waitlist only) - July 07 - 16, 2012
National Geographic Islander - July 21 - 30, 2012
National Geographic Islander - August 03 - 12, 2012
National Geographic Endeavour
(waitlist only) - June 21 - 30, 2013
National Geographic Endeavour - July 05 - 14, 2013
National Geographic Endeavour - July 06 - 15, 2013
National Geographic Islander - July 20 - 29, 2013
National Geographic Islander - August 02 - 11, 2013
National Geographic Endeavour
