On land
Walk among fearless wildlife
Observe nesting seabirds, photograph sea lions on golden beaches, and encounter marine iguanas and giant tortoises across dramatically different island habitats.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions · Galápagos Islands
Galápagos
Escape.
Walk among the wildlife that helped change how we understand the natural world, then slip beneath the surface to swim with sea turtles, sea lions and brilliant schools of fish.
Starting at
$6,460
Destination
Galápagos Islands
Style
Expedition voyage
2026 ship
National Geographic Islander II
New in 2027
National Geographic Gemini
Darwin’s islands, up close
A place where the wild world still sets the schedule.
Explore the Galápagos aboard the elegant National Geographic Islander II through 2026, and beginning in 2027, aboard the new National Geographic Gemini.
Each voyage is designed to reveal the archipelago from different angles, with multiple adventures each day on land and undersea. Hike black-sand beaches and volcanic trails, explore lush highlands, cruise wild coastlines by Zodiac and snorkel protected waters alive with marine life.
Signature experiences
Every day offers a different way into the islands.
More than 50 years of expedition experience shapes a voyage built around wildlife, active exploration and the freedom to choose the pace that feels right for you.
Undersea
Snorkel the marine reserve
Swim in protected waters among playful sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and schools of colorful fish.
Choose your pace
Hike, Zodiac, kayak or paddle
Choose from multiple adventures each day, from volcanic trails and pristine bays to Zodiac cruises along rugged coastlines.
For curious travelers
Learn from the expedition team
Naturalists, expedition leaders, expert speakers and a certified photo instructor add context to everything you see, on shore and aboard ship.
Wildlife without the velvet rope
The encounters are the itinerary.
The Galápagos is famous for animals that behave as though humans are simply another part of the landscape. That changes the experience: instead of viewing nature from a distance, you move through it carefully and respectfully.
For families with curious kids
A science lesson that happens in the wild.
With National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, the exclusive family program gives kids and teens a deeper way into the Galápagos, from understanding giant tortoises to discovering why marine iguanas appear to “sneeze.”
The result is a family trip where learning never feels like homework because the animals, landscapes and expedition team are right there in front of you.
Your expedition basecamp
Designed to get you closer, then welcome you back in comfort.
The ship is less a floating resort than a launch point for discovery: a comfortable home between Zodiac landings, snorkeling sessions, hikes, photography and time spent learning from the expedition team.
National Geographic Islander II
An elegant expedition ship created for exploring the Galápagos with intimate access to the islands and expert-led daily adventures.
National Geographic Gemini
The next chapter of the Galápagos experience, bringing a new National Geographic-Lindblad ship to the archipelago beginning in 2027.
What’s included
The expedition is built to make exploring simple.
Much of what you need to experience the islands is already woven into the voyage, from expedition gear and meals to expert guidance and access fees.
Hotels, excursions + eligible airport transfers
Hotels and excursions are included as indicated in the itinerary. Airport transfers are included when arriving and departing within the recommended windows, including Ecuador as specified by the operator.
Exploration tools + snorkeling gear
Use Zodiacs, glass-bottom boats where offered, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, masks, fins and other expedition gear.
Meals, snacks + beverages
Enjoy itinerary-included meals, hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour snacks, premium coffee and tea, nonalcoholic beverages and filtered water, with locally sourced ingredients used where possible.
Beer, wine, cocktails + spirits
Alcoholic beverages are included aboard most ships, with operator-specific exceptions and select premium brands available for purchase.
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
Basic Wi-Fi supports email, messaging and social media. Enhanced and premium plans may be available to purchase for higher-bandwidth needs.
Expedition leaders + expert interpretation
Travel with a leading expedition team and expert guest speakers, with destination presentations and guidance throughout the voyage.
Photography guidance
A National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor helps you make the most of the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.
Water bottle, onboard spaces + wellness
Receive a reusable water bottle and enjoy 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks and regionally relevant library materials, plus exercise equipment, morning stretch classes and laundry service on select ships and sailings where available.
Medical support + access fees
Services of a medical professional are included where applicable, along with park and site entrance fees, special access permits and port taxes.
Inclusions can vary by ship, sailing and land program. Premium excursions may be available for purchase on select voyages. The OM System Photo Gear Locker is not offered in the Galápagos. Wisp & Wonder can confirm the inclusions that apply to your specific departure before booking.
Extend the journey
Add three nights in Quito, Ecuador.
Keep the trip going with an optional three-night post-expedition extension in Quito. It is an easy way to add time in mainland Ecuador after days spent immersed in the islands.
A vacation made for exploration
From the Galápagos to Quito, discovery awaits.
Explore the Galápagos archipelago, where volcanic landscapes, protected bays, open coastlines and highland habitats create dramatically different experiences from island to island. For another perspective on Ecuador, consider the optional three-night post-expedition extension in Quito, a city of Andean scenery, historic streets and rich culture.
Explore by Zodiac
Get close to cliffs, coves and coastlines that larger vessels cannot reach.
Go ashore on foot
Walk beaches, volcanic trails and highland landscapes with expert naturalists.
Take to the water
Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and other exploration gear are part of the expedition experience.
Discover Quito
On the optional extension, explore Quito’s historic center, admire its churches and plazas, sample Ecuadorian cuisine or ask about visiting the equator monument. Specific activities depend on the extension itinerary.
Begin your Galápagos escape
Go where the wildlife still owns the place.
Tell Kristy who is traveling, when you would like to go and what kind of experience matters most to you. She can help compare departures, ships, cabin options, flights, the Quito extension and the details that turn an expedition into a seamless vacation.