Galápagos Escape: An 8-Day Voyage
Explore Darwin’s islands in one action-filled week aboard the elegant 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.
Expedition Gallery
Overview
Explore Darwin’s islands in one action-filled week aboard the elegant 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 Details
- Operator: Lindblad Expeditions
- Ships: National Geographic Gemini,National Geographic Islander II
- Region: GALAPAGOS
- Duration: 7 nights
- From AUD 10,386 per person
Places Visited
- Quito, Ecuador
- Quito / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship
- Galápagos Islands
- Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Quito
- Quito
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, where guests are met and transferred to a hotel for an overnight stay. At 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito’s elevation makes early arrival beneficial for acclimatization. Additional nights in Quito may also be reserved to further enhance the journey.Arrival Time: Anytime.Arrival City: Quito, Ecuador
Day 1
Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, where guests are met and transferred to a hotel for an overnight stay. At 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito’s elevation makes early arrival beneficial for acclimatization. Additional nights in Quito may also be reserved to further enhance the journey.Arrival Time: Anytime.Arrival City: Quito, Ecuador
Day 2
Quito / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship
Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific, where you'll be welcomed by your naturalist staff as you begin exploring the islands.
Day 2
Quito / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship
Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific, where you'll be welcomed by your naturalist staff as you begin exploring the islands.
Day 3-6
Galápagos Islands
Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. 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 itinerary 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 you explore 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 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 3-6
Galápagos Islands
Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. 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 itinerary 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 you explore 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 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 / Quito
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland. In Quito there are several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about joining a culturally rich post-voyage extension to Quito and Otavalo, a celebrated market town.
Day 7
Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Quito
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland. In Quito there are several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about joining a culturally rich post-voyage extension to Quito and Otavalo, a celebrated market town.
Day 8
Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.Departure Time: Anytime on day 8, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 7.Departure City: Quito, Ecuador
Day 8
Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.Departure Time: Anytime on day 8, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 7.Departure City: Quito, Ecuador
Ship & Suites
National Geographic Gemini
Marina Deck
Lounge Deck
Bridge Deck
Upper Deck
01
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; sofa; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; closet; and a bathroom with a glass shower.
02
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; sofa; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; closet; and a bathroom with a glass shower.
2S
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; sofa; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; closet; and a bathroom with a glass shower.
04
Cabins feature a private 50-square-foot balcony with two chairs and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; sofa; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; closet; and a bathroom with a glass shower. Cabins 503/505 and 504/506 are interlocking with a connecting door. Cabins 500 and 505 contain a sofa that converts to a single bed.
5S
Cabins feature a private 50-square-foot balcony with two chairs and a table; queen bed; bedside table; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; closet; and a bathroom with a glass shower.
05
Cabins feature a private 50-square-foot balcony with two chairs and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; two armchairs; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; closet; and a bathroom with a glass shower. Cabin connects to Category 06 Cabin 604 to create a family suite.
06
Cabin features a private 195-square-foot balcony with two lounge chairs, two chairs, and a coffee table; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; sofa; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; closet; and a bathroom with a glass shower. Cabin connects to Category 05 Cabin 602 to create a family suite.
07
Cabins feature a private 195-square-foot balcony with two lounge chairs, two chairs, and a coffee table; a 50-square foot side balcony with two chairs and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; sofa that converts to a single bed; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; espresso maker; walk-in closet; and a spacious bathroom with a rain shower.
Restaurant
Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating for a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Outdoor Café
Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating for a relaxed and informal atmosphere in the outdoor café on the Lounge Deck.
Lounge
The open, windowed lounge features a bar, well-stocked library, and an adjacent reception area.
Library
The library features a well-stocked collection of Galápagos books and board games, along with a coffee and water station with snacks available.
Global Gallery
The Global Gallery offers a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, as well as expedition gear like hats, jackets and sunshirts.
Bridge
The fleet's open bridge policy allows guests to visit anytime to chat with the captain and crew, conditions permitting.
Hot Tub
Relax in the hot tub, located on the Upper Deck.
Fitness Center
The fitness center offers cardio equipment, weights, and resistance bands.
Spa
Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.
National Geographic Islander II
Marina Deck
Main Deck
Promenade Deck
Bridge Deck
Observation Deck
IS
Suites feature four windows; two single beds that convert to a king; two bedside tables; sofa; two armchairs; dining table with three chairs; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; espresso maker; walk-in closet with vanity and stool; and a spacious bathroom with rain shower and soaking tub. Suite 303 connects to Suite 301 to create a family suite. Both suites are available for triple occupancy with the sofa converted into a bed. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
SO
Suites feature two windows; two single beds that convert to a king; two bedside tables; sofa; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; espresso maker; closet; and a bathroom with a rain shower.
SU
Suites feature two windows; two single beds that convert to a king; two bedside tables; sofa; writing desk with chair; coffee table; mini fridge; espresso maker; closet; and a bathroom with a rain shower. Suites 301/303 and 302/306 are interlocking with a connecting door.
Mudroom
Wetsuits, snorkeling gear, and other expedition equipment are stored in the mudroom.
Library
The library features a well-stocked collection of Galápagos books, along with a coffee and water station with snacks available.
Global Gallery
The Global Gallery offers a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, as well as expedition gear like hats, jackets and sunshirts.
Yacht Club Restaurant
Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating for a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
The Cove
The lounge and bar are the main social hub of the ship, where all the briefings, talks, and evening Recaps take place.
Patio Café
Select meals can be enjoyed al fresco at the Patio Café.
Bridge
The fleet's open bridge policy allows guests to visit anytime to chat with the captain and crew, conditions permitting.
Spa
The LEXSpa features a quartz massage table and a full menu of treatments, available by appointment.
Science Hub
The Science Hub features an interactive video display, onboard television network, three photo kiosks, versatile lab facilities, and board games.
Pool
Take in the scenery as you unwind in the top-deck plunge pool.
Fitness Center
The fitness center offers cardio equipment, weights, and resistance bands.
Special Offers
SUITE EXCLUSIVES
Spacious living areas and incredible views immerse you in the beauty of your marine surroundings. Our new Suite Exclusives package helps make your voyage all the more memorable. Learn more
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
Celebrate a milestone with a group of eight or more and enjoy a special amenity package including: 5% savings on voyage fares, custom group photo, US$150 shipboard credit for the group, and other special gifts. Milestone celebration to be communicated at time of booking.
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Valid for new bookings only on select departures, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
COMBINING OFFERS
Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
FFL-Eligible
For a limited time, guests who join a qualifying voyage booked by May 1, 2026, will automatically be enrolled in Friends for Life* upon disembarkation.
10% Donation
Lindblad Expeditions will donate 10% of expedition fare to the National Geographic Society on select voyages booked between May 7, 2026 and June 19, 2026 using code NGS10. Donation valid on new bookings only for select departures, subject to availability and offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and may not be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Call to book or for additional details.
Departures & Pricing
Real-time pricing pulled directly from Lindblad Expeditions. Prices shown are per person in AUD.
What's Included
Costs Include
All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare
For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note
Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.
Terms & Conditions
Effective October 1, 2007, all Lindblad voyages departing from and returning to ports outside the United States will be operated by Lindblad Maritime Enterprises, Ltd., a subsidiary of Lindblad Expeditions, Inc.Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program as outlined is required at the time of reservation and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check. The per person amount due is noted on each dates and rates screen.Final Payment: For expeditions of eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For expeditions of nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are available at extra cost. Ask about our comprehensive guest travel protection plan for a worry-free expedition. Learn more about Lindblad Expeditions Travel Protection "Plus" Plan.Smoking: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and the National Geographic Society’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship’s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available where within this site or upon request. By registering for a trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions.CANCELLATION POLICY:For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less:Number of Days to Expedition Start / Prior Per Person Cancellation Fee90 or more days / $150*89–60 days / Advance payment cost59–30 days / 50% of trip cost29–0 days / No refundFor Expeditions 9 Nights or More:Number of Days to Expedition Start / Prior Per Person Cancellation Fee120 or more days / $150*119–90 days / Advance payment cost89–60 days / 25% of trip cost59–30 days / 50% of trip cost29–0 days / No refund
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