Exploring Galápagos: One Week Sailing the Islands - National Geographic Gemini Expedition Ship - Galapagos Cruise

Upon arrival in Ecuador, we greet you either in Quito, the capital nestled in the Andes, or in Guayaquil on the coast, providing a complimentary transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are accessible via international flights, with Galapagos flights originating and concluding in Quito with a stopover in Guayaquil. Guests staying in Guayaquil enjoy accommodations at the locally owned Hotel Oro Verde, while those in Quito can select from various hotels, including a convenient airport option.

For those arriving a day early, consider joining the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension. Alternatively, extend your journey with a visit to the Mashpi Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot in the tropical Andes near Quito. Additional options include reserving extra hotel nights and exploring tours in Quito or Guayaquil.

Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

In the morning, we'll take a flight to the Galápagos Islands and board either the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini or the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II. Following lunch, the adventure commences with explorations of the islands and their incredible wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Below are some of the islands we may explore during the expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

North Seymour: Walk along coastal paths past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Venture inland through a forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies perform their mating dances, and where we might spot prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep watch for whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, explore areas where Darwin and Melville once walked, observing wildlife along the rugged volcanic shoreline.

Fernandina: As one of the most active oceanic volcanoes globally, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos. It's home to unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and large marine iguanas. Hikes on recent lava flows provide unique insights into volcanic processes.

Española: Encounter swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and seasonally, the world’s only waved albatross population at this bird paradise. Colorful marine iguanas dot the landscape, and sea lions relax on the white sand beach. Snorkeling at Gardner Bay offers opportunities to explore offshore wonders.

Floreana: Follow trails past a rose-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and diverse fish species, or cruise around Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay, where a unique postal tradition still thrives.

Santa Cruz: Explore Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming freely in the lush, green highlands.

Bartolomé: Climb to the summit of this volcanic wonderland for breathtaking panoramic views. Swim, snorkel, and explore the beach area, keeping an eye out for rare Galápagos penguins.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals in quiet grottos of black basalt. Enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding along Santiago’s picturesque coast. Explore a coastal forest that once hosted Charles Darwin.

Genovesa: Cross the Equator to reach this remote northern Galápagos island, known for its flooded caldera teeming with seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps and encounter a variety of bird species, from Nazca and red- and blue-footed boobies to gulls, owls, and fur seals. Underwater sightings may include hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays.

San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies, endemic mockingbirds, and lava lizards found only on this easternmost island. Walk along powdery white sand beaches near iconic Kicker Rock and explore Baquerizo Moreno, a town where sea lions thrive in the midst of daily life.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we disembark and take a return flight to the mainland, where we transfer to Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil. In Quito, there are various accommodation choices available, including a convenient airport hotel. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure, possibly catching an overnight flight home. Consult your expedition specialist for information on post-voyage options in Peru, Quito, and beyond. Many guests choose to continue their journey by flying from Guayaquil to Lima, Peru, to explore both the Galápagos and Peru's Land of the Inca on the Exploring Galápagos + Peru's Land of the Inca expedition.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your return flights home, unless you have arranged for extra nights or an extension.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 10, or anytime after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 9.

Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast