Exploring Galápagos - Endeavour II
With National Geographic-level guiding and special features like the glass bottom boat and the underwater viewing device, this is one of the very best Galápagos programs on offer.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
96
PASSENGERS
10
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Galápagos: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Experiencing the Galápagos Islands on an expedition is an unrivaled experience. Going aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II, equipped with tools for exploration, promises an in-depth encounter with all its wonders. Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddle board along volcanic shores, and discover the undersea through daily snorkeling or the glass-bottom boat. You’ll encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for being without fear in the presence of humans. Many islands have their own endemic species, and you’ll see a panoply of Galápagos’ creatures in their native habitats—on land and in the sea.
- • Swim with sea lions and marvel at sea turtles during snorkeling sessions that surprise you with their undersea colors.
• Step onto islands teeming with animals who don't run away and are actually trying to get a better look at you.
• Benefit from this operator's 50+ years of experience and relationships in the Galápagos Islands. They know how to show you this dream-like landscape.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
100% free of single-use plastics!
Food
Sources all food and seafood sustainably and locally
Carbon
Offsets 100% of operations and is carbon neutral
Itinerary
Day 1: U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador
Upon arrival in Guayaquil, transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil. Ask your Travel Curator about extra nights.
Day 2: Guayaquil / Galápagos / Embark
This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board National Geographic Endeavour II. After lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands and their remarkable wildlife.
Day 3-8: Galápagos Islands
Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our expedition. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.
North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where we may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.
Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.
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, Galápagos penguins and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.
Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this birdy paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the wide sand beach, and snorkel offshore, at Gardner Bay.
Floreana: Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous barrel at Post Office Bay.
Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. See the giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.
Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. You might even see Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.
Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.
Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos, surrounded by warmer tropical waters.
San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island, and dig your toes into the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.
Day 9: Galápagos / Disembark / Guayaquil
Return this morning to Guayaquil, where we transfer to our hotel. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore the city. Overnight Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil. Ask your Travel Curator about Peru, Quito, and other postvoyage options.
Day 10: Guayaquil / Home
Transfer to the airport for flights home. (This day includes Breakfast.)
Sample Airfares:
Economy: from $700
Business: from $1,600
Charter(Internal Air ($520-Adult/$350-Child) - Guayaquil/Galápagos) Airfares are subject to change.
Air Note: International and internal Ecuador tickets must be issued separately for all Galápagos voyages.
Children: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.
Special Family Offer: Save 50% on first child under 22 and bring a 4th child for free on select dates!
Special Air Offer: Free round trip air from Miami and low cost air from other cities on select dates!
All air offers are valid for new bookings only, must be ticketed by this operator and are subject to availability at time of booking. In the case that offered Miami flights are no longer available, the operator reserves the right to issue a credit.
National Geographic Endeavour II
Born in the cold waters of Patagonia, National Geographic Endeavour II was built for heavy seas. Now, permanently stationed in Galápagos, she comfortably sails the Equator. A floor-to-ceiling rebuild when she repositioned to the tropics meant she could be crafted to perfectly accommodate the Galápagos style of travel. Where she previously carried 136 passengers, she now accommodates just 96 guests in 52 thoughtfully appointed cabins. She is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draft to get up close, great viewing from all public spaces, an expansive open-air observation deck, large windows in cabins and suites, and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including a glass-bottom boat, underwater cameras, video microscope, plus kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Guests have described being aboard Endeavour II as feeling like a cross between a grand floating hotel and scientific research vessel.
She is beyond comfortable, and welcoming to solos, groups, and kids of all ages, and equipped for the up-close and personal explorations that makes Galápagos the trip of a lifetime.
Capacity: 96 Guests
Cabins: 52 Cabins
Specialists: National Geographic Experts, National Geographic Photo Coach, Full-Time Doctor, Video Chronicler, and Wellness Coach
ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 ”Best Cruise Ships in the World" Conde Nast Traveler Gold List
2023 "Best Expedition Ships" Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards
2022 "World's Best Cruise Line" World Cruise Awards
2022 "GOLD: Best Expedition Line" Reader's Choice Awards, Recommend Magazine
"The National Geographic Endeavour II is both attractive and perfectly outfitted for scientific exploration. Her cabins are beautifully appointed. Her public areas are spacious and inviting, plus her enthusiastic staff includes highly credentialed, National Geographic-level experts ready to offer you an outstanding Galápagos experience. We consider this ship to be offering the gold standard of Galápagos trips."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
I traveled to the Galápagos with this operator and I can confidently say you will be blown away by their expert approach to this extraordinary destination.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, alcoholic beverages (except premium brands) and one hour of Wi-Fi per person per day, 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 wetsuits, use of kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards, tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician and services of our expedition staff.
NOT INCLUDED
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, optional Scuba excursions, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, travel protection plan, items of personal nature, select premium alcoholic beverages, voyage DVD, laundry. Gratuities to ship’s crew are at your discretion.
