Amazing, enchanting, and wonderfully wild—no other corner of the world delivers the kind of exhilarating encounters like the Galápagos. Experience all the magic of the archipelago in one action-packed week aboard the sleek and elegant, 48-guest/all-suite, new National Geographic Islander II. You’ll walk up-close among lively colonies of wildlife, all legendary for their lack of fear—see marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, the famous giant tortoises, and more. Plus, explore the dazzling undersea as you paddle board, kayak, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel in rich waters teeming with fish, sea turtles, penguins, and curious sea lions. And discover the islands’ array of interesting habitats—from lush green highlands and stark volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches and mangrove thickets.
You’ll share the adventure with an exceptional expedition team whose knowledge and passion for the islands is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’ll go above and beyond to ensure you see, do, and learn more. A certified photo instructor helps you capture all the unforgettable moments at the heart of your voyage; while an undersea specialist provides video footage from their dives to further illuminate the fascinating underwater world. Kids and teens are invited to join our exclusive Global Explorers’ program. With multiple options to choose from each day, this thrilling itinerary is crafted to offer you a diverse experience of the islands.
- Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Embark the National Geographic Islander ll
Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during the expedition. Our expedition begins and ends at Baltra and includes a visit to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands and an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.
- North Seymour: Encounter nesting frigatebirds, plus land and marine iguanas, and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.
- Santa Cruz: Head to the lush, green highlands to see 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 ply 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 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 and learn about its unusual postal system.
- Disembark ship in Baltra and return by flight to Guayaquil
- Return to the U.S.
Moderately active:
- Daily onshore excursions require walking on uneven land
Faculty
Zaneta Thayer '08 is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Dartmouth. Her expertise lies in exploring the impact of human evolutionary history on health, with a specific emphasis on maternal and child health. She has conducted fieldwork and led Dartmouth student off-campus programs around the Pacific, including New Zealand and Hawai'i. When not on campus, Thayer can be found enjoying the Upper Valley outdoors with her family.
