Curiosity-Inspired
By Lola Méndez
Curiosity-Inspired
By Lola Méndez
Experience the Galápagos Islands with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic.
The best way to experience the eco-diverse and rich wildlife destination of the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador is on an expedition cruise. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic offers fascinating expedition activities throughout the region: hikes, photo walks, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and scuba diving on select departures. Every day reveals new discoveries interpreted by a team of veteran local guides. After all, Lindblad Expeditions was the first— they brought the very first group of citizen explorers more than 50 years ago. Lindblad-National Geographic’s expedition activities allow guests the chance to learn about the destination and its history and leave the archipelago with more knowledge, thanks to hands-on learning and nightly Recaps of what was seen during the day.
Guided Nature Walks & Hikes
Every naturalist guide and expedition leader is a local Galápagueño or from mainland Ecuador and has intimate knowledge of the Galápagos Islands that they’re eager to share with guests. They know about the history of the land and all its inhabitants. Small groups head out on guided nature walks and hikes at various landings in the Galápagos. Go out with a different naturalist on each landing to hear different perspectives.
Guided Nature Walks & Hikes
Every naturalist guide and expedition leader is a local Galápagueño or from mainland Ecuador and has intimate knowledge of the Galápagos Islands that they’re eager to share with guests. They know about the history of the land and all its inhabitants. Small groups head out on guided nature walks and hikes at various landings in the Galápagos. Go out with a different naturalist on each landing to hear different perspectives.
Wildlife Viewing
This magical archipelago is home to many fascinating creatures —some of which can only be found in the Galápagos, including marine iguanas. They can swim in the Pacific Ocean— and then sneeze out excess salt water they’ve inhaled once they get back to land. In the sunlight, they stack on top of each other in massive piles to retain heat as their body temperature drops significantly after being in the ocean. You’re also likely to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, sea lions and seals, the technicolored Sally Lightfoot crab, sea turtles and so much more.
Wildlife Viewing
This magical archipelago is home to many fascinating creatures —some of which can only be found in the Galápagos, including marine iguanas. They can swim in the Pacific Ocean— and then sneeze out excess salt water they’ve inhaled once they get back to land. In the sunlight, they stack on top of each other in massive piles to retain heat as their body temperature drops significantly after being in the ocean. You’re also likely to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, sea lions and seals, the technicolored Sally Lightfoot crab, sea turtles and so much more.
On the Water
While on your expedition sailing in the Galápagos, you’ll have the chance to join Zodiac cruises, glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Take kayaks or a custom-made stand-up paddleboard out on the ocean to secluded coves. On snorkel excursions, all gear is provided, and you may even swim with playful sea lions and Galápagos penguins. The guided Zodiac cruises will provide you with the chance to watch how wildlife interacts on the shore. Glass bottom boat tours are perfect for those who aren’t confident swimming in the ocean but still want to see marine life. On a glass bottom boat, you’ll benefit from learning about the wildlife you’re seeing from the naturalist on board who will identify and share information about each species.
On the Water
While on your expedition sailing in the Galápagos, you’ll have the chance to join Zodiac cruises, glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Take kayaks or a custom-made stand-up paddleboard out on the ocean to secluded coves. On snorkel excursions, all gear is provided, and you may even swim with playful sea lions and Galápagos penguins. The guided Zodiac cruises will provide you with the chance to watch how wildlife interacts on the shore. Glass bottom boat tours are perfect for those who aren’t confident swimming in the ocean but still want to see marine life. On a glass bottom boat, you’ll benefit from learning about the wildlife you’re seeing from the naturalist on board who will identify and share information about each species.
Guidance of National Geographic Photography Experts & Certified Photography Instructors
On Galápagos sailings, guests wanting to photograph their experiences can learn from the guidance of National Geographic Photography Experts and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructors. These visual storytellers will help you capture memories forever on camera and give you top tips for photographing wildlife.
Guidance of National Geographic Photography Experts & Certified Photography Instructors
On Galápagos sailings, guests wanting to photograph their experiences can learn from the guidance of National Geographic Photography Experts and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructors. These visual storytellers will help you capture memories forever on camera and give you top tips for photographing wildlife.
Farm-To-Table Dining
The Galápagos farm-to-table dining program ensures ingredients for meals are sourced from local sustainable suppliers such as organic farms that provide cocoa, amaranth, quinoa, chilies, kale, cilantro, and edible flowers. The program helps ensure that your meals on board support the local economy and are delicious.
Farm-To-Table Dining
The Galápagos farm-to-table dining program ensures ingredients for meals are sourced from local sustainable suppliers such as organic farms that provide cocoa, amaranth, quinoa, chilies, kale, cilantro, and edible flowers. The program helps ensure that your meals on board support the local economy and are delicious.
Into the Highlands
You’ll head ashore to the island of Santa Cruz, the economic capital of the archipelago as well as the most populated island with close to 20,000 residents. But that’s not counting the thousands of Galápagos giant tortoises that populate the island and that you will encounter. You’ll journey into the lush, green highlands to visit a local farm known as Manzanillo Ranch where you can witness giant Galápagos tortoises roaming wild and have the opportunity to engage in up-close encounters with these gentle giants.
Into the Highlands
You’ll head ashore to the island of Santa Cruz, the economic capital of the archipelago as well as the most populated island with close to 20,000 residents. But that’s not counting the thousands of Galápagos giant tortoises that populate the island and that you will encounter. You’ll journey into the lush, green highlands to visit a local farm known as Manzanillo Ranch where you can witness giant Galápagos tortoises roaming wild and have the opportunity to engage in up-close encounters with these gentle giants.
Step onboard National Geographic Islander II
Get to know your new home in the Galápagos Islands that will truly up-level your trip.
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Jessika's enduring passion for travel began on Pine Island in South Florida, where the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and later the majestic mountains of Wyoming instilled in her a love for exploring new horizons. Growing up near Yellowstone National Park fueled her adventurous spirit, embracing places others dream of visiting. Her journey commenced in 2001 with Cody Trolley Tours, sharing the charm of her hometown in Wyoming.
Her career took a transformative turn in 2010 with Holland America Line, where she thrived as a Librarian, Travel Guide, and Assistant Shore Excursion Manager, traveling across all seven continents, and visiting nearly seventy countries. Meeting her Dutch husband, Marcel, along the way, Jessika embraced life on land and at sea, driven by a shared passion for cultural immersion and exploration.
By 2024, Jessika embraced her role as a Travel Advisor, with a focus on world cruise travel. She revels in crafting seamless back-to-back itineraries for retirees and s ...