Exploring Galápagos - National Geographic Gemini
Explore the Galápagos Islands on a modern, mid-size ship, enjoying pristine beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, and close encounters with fearless wildlife like blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and more.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
48
PASSENGERS
10
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Galápagos: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Gemini
Experiencing the Galápagos Islands on an expedition is an unrivaled experience. Going aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini, 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
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
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.
National Geographic Gemini
The newly christened National Geographic Gemini joins the National Geographic Galápagos fleet with a heritage of small-ship expedition cruising. Launched in 2001 from the same shipyard as National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Gemini is a highly maneuverable, shallow-draft expedition ship purpose built to explore remote areas with ease.
Sailing year round with a maximum of 48 guests on week long voyages departing Fridays, National Geographic Gemini offers guests the choice of larger suites, cabins with balconies, and a mix of doubles, solos, and triples. All cabins are ocean facing with ample storage, beds that can be configured as a queen or two twins, a sofa, desk, television, and a well-stocked mini fridge. Bathrooms are large and feature glass showers. Suite 601 on the Upper Deck (Category 7) is the largest in the National Geographic Galápagos fleet with a separate living room, forward-facing balcony, private jacuzzi, side balcony, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cabins on the Bridge Deck (Category 4 & 5S) all have private balconies with seating.
Capacity: 48 Guests
Cabins: 27 Cabins
Specialists: National Geographic Experts, a veteran Expedition Leader, Undersea Specialist, Certified Photo Instructor, and licensed naturalists.
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 freshly launched National Geographic Gemini is a standout addition to the Galápagos fleet, embodying the essence of small-ship expedition cruising. Expertly designed for exploring remote areas, this vessel ensures an intimate and exclusive experience. The ocean-facing cabins are beautiful, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. The public spaces are modern and inviting. With top-notch amenities and personalized service from world-class experts, the National Geographic Gemini promises an exceptional and luxurious Galápagos adventure."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
CATEGORY 5
Upper Deck #602—Outside facing with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, 50-square-foot balcony with seating, queen or two twin beds, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. 205 square feet. Connects to 604 as family suite.
From in USD:
$16,499pp
CATEGORY 6
Upper Deck #604—Forward facing with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, 195-square-foot forward-facing balcony with seating, queen or two twin beds, ample storage, sitting area, desk, mini fridge, and television. Bathrooms with a glass shower and amenities. 250 square feet. Connects to 602 as family suite.
From in USD:
$17,752pp
CATEGORY 7
Upper Deck #601—Forward facing with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Separate living room with sofa bed for triple occupancy, and 195-square-foot balcony with seating & private jacuzzi. Bedroom with queen or two twin beds, & 50-square-foot side balcony. Two bathrooms. 460 square feet.
From in USD:
$19,649pp
The newly acquired Gemini allows you to experience National Geographic-level guiding on yet another midsize ship. 48 passengers is an outstanding size for meeting other passengers yet you’ll still enjoy a relatively small, efficient group for landings. Gemini's also large enough to include an excellent number of guides, usually 3-4 expert naturalists onboard.
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.
