Galápagos Escape Aboard National Geographic Islander II 2–9 July Where Evolution Comes to Life

Galápagos Escape Aboard National Geographic Islander II

2–9 July

Where Evolution Comes to Life

Few destinations capture the imagination quite like the Galápagos Islands. Scattered across the Pacific Ocean, some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this remarkable archipelago is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, and pivotal role in Charles Darwin‘s theory of evolution.

Exploring the islands aboard National Geographic Islander II, operated by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, offers far more than a luxury cruise. It is a genuine expedition, combining close wildlife encounters, expert naturalists and exceptional hospitality with the comfort of a beautifully appointed expedition yacht.

From kayaking alongside sea lions and snorkelling with penguins to hiking across lava fields and watching albatross courtship displays, every day revealed another side of one of the world's most remarkable ecosystems.

Journey to the Galápagos

Our journey began in London, followed by an overnight stay near Heathrow ahead of flights with Iberia via Madrid and Quito. For anyone travelling this route, Premium Economy on the long Madrid–Quito sector is well worth considering, offering noticeably greater comfort on the eleven-hour flight.

On arrival in Quito, the Lindblad Expeditions team met us at the airport and transferred us to the nearby Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel. After dinner and a good night's sleep, we completed the Galápagos National Park formalities before boarding our onward flight via Guayaquil to Baltra Island.

From the moment we landed, the wildlife made its presence known. Pelicans and sea lions greeted us at the dock before we boarded a Zodiac for the short transfer to National Geographic Islander II. Even before stepping aboard, cameras were already in constant use.

Boutique Luxury Meets Expedition Cruising

Although purpose-built for exploration, National Geographic Islander II feels more like a boutique yacht than a traditional expedition vessel.

Our spacious suite featured generous storage, an elegant bathroom with double sinks and a large walk-in shower, while premium toiletries and thoughtful design created an immediate sense of comfort. One particularly welcome touch was the seamless logistics: luggage travelled directly from the airport to our suite, allowing us to begin exploring immediately.

Meals quickly became one of the highlights of each day. Lunches were often served al fresco on deck, while evenings brought beautifully presented three-course dinners featuring locally inspired cuisine alongside international favourites. Every detail reflected the ship's commitment to understated luxury.

Before sailing, guests attended a welcome briefing with the Captain before cruising around Daphne Major, the volcanic island made famous through decades of Darwin's finch research. As the sun disappeared below the horizon, it became clear this was going to be an unforgettable week.

Bartolomé Island – An Iconic Introduction

Our first full day introduced us to one of the Galápagos' most recognisable landscapes.

A morning Zodiac landing revealed Blue-footed Boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions and a Galápagos Hawk before we climbed the famous 380-step boardwalk to the summit ofBartolomé Island.

The reward was one of the archipelago's defining views: Pinnacle Rock rising dramatically from turquoise water, framed by volcanic cones and ancient lava flows stretching towards the horizon.

Back at sea level, the adventure continued beneath the surface. Snorkelling from the beach brought encounters with reef sharks, blacktip sharks and playful sea lions that darted effortlessly through the clear water. During a Zodiac cruise along the coastline, we were rewarded with one of the trip's most memorable sightings—a Galápagos Penguin diving into the sea before chasing a curious sea lion through the surf.

Later that afternoon, resident naturalists explained the volcanic origins of the islands, transforming the dramatic scenery into a fascinating geological story.

Dragon Hill – Conservation in Action

Our afternoon landing at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island highlighted another important aspect of the Galápagos story: conservation.

Walking through forests of giant prickly pear cacti and incense trees, we encountered the striking Santa Cruz Land Iguana, a species that has recovered thanks to decades of conservation work. The opportunity to see these remarkable reptiles thriving in their natural habitat demonstrated the ongoing success of carefully managed protection programmes throughout the islands.

That evening, under exceptionally clear skies free from light pollution, the stars provided another spectacular display before guests celebrated both American Independence Day and the anniversary of the Galápagos National Park, established in 1959 to protect almost 97% of the archipelago.

Floreana Island – History Beneath the Mangroves

A pre-dawn kayaking excursion through the mangroves of Floreana offered one of the most peaceful experiences of the voyage. Blue-footed Boobies perched overhead while sea lions effortlessly swam alongside our kayaks.

For those not wanting to kayak, an up-close and personal zodiac ride to the coast, where 6 flamingos were seen,n along with playful sea lions

Later, we visited the famous Post Office Bay, where sailors have left letters inside a wooden barrel since the late eighteenth century. Visitors continue the tradition today, personally delivering postcards by hand whenever possible. It remains one of the Galápagos' most charming customs.

The day's snorkelling proved unforgettable.

Sea lions approached with remarkable curiosity, spinning through the water, balancing shells on their noses and investigating cameras with complete confidence. Sharing their underwater world at such close quarters was one of the defining moments of the expedition.

The afternoon combined Zodiac exploration with walks along contrasting green and white sand beaches, where flamingos, shorebirds and nesting sea turtles completed another exceptional day.

Española Island – Wildlife at Its Finest

If one island truly captures the richness of Galápagos wildlife, Española is surely it.

Morning snorkelling brought more encounters with green sea turtles and playful sea lions before an afternoon hike around Punta Suárez showcased one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles.

Española is home to virtually the entire breeding population of the Waved Albatross, making it one of the few places on Earth where visitors can observe their elaborate courtship dances. Alongside them were Blue-footed Boobies, brilliantly coloured Hood Lava Lizards and marine iguanas whose vivid red and black breeding colours contrasted dramatically against the volcanic landscape.

Every turn of the trail revealed another extraordinary species.

San Cristóbal – A Perfect Farewell

Our final full day began before sunrise with a hike to Punta Pitt, one of the very few places where all three Galápagos booby species can be seen together.

Watching Red-footed, Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies nesting within the same landscape was an unforgettable finale for bird enthusiasts.

One final snorkel delivered more close encounters with sea lions before an Ecuadorian lunch onboard preceded a peaceful yoga session on Cerro Brujo's pristine white beach.

As evening approached, we boarded the Zodiacs for a final cruise around the dramatic volcanic cliffs of Kicker Rock. Bathed in the warm glow of sunset, it was a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary week.

Giant Tortoises and Farewell

Before returning to Quito, our final excursion took us into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

The cooler climate contrasted sharply with the coastal heat as we visited a local ranch where giant Galápagos tortoises migrate freely through the surrounding farmland. Watching these gentle giants grazing peacefully in their natural environment provided the perfect final wildlife encounter before our journey home.

Throughout the expedition, every aspect of the experience was delivered with effortless professionalism. The crew, expedition leaders, naturalists and hospitality team consistently exceeded expectations, creating an atmosphere that was both relaxed and exceptionally well organised.

Traveller's Notes

Dress throughout the voyage is comfortably casual, including dinner.

Laundry services are available on board, making it easy to pack light.

Wetsuits, snorkelling equipment and flotation devices are provided.

A GoPro or similar underwater camera is invaluable for capturing marine wildlife.

Travellers who wear prescription glasses may wish to invest in a prescription snorkel mask before departure.

Premium Economy on the Madrid–Quito flight significantly improves comfort on the long-haul sector.

Final Verdict

The Galápagos are unlike anywhere else on Earth, and National Geographic Islander II provides an exceptional way to experience them.

More than simply visiting the islands, this expedition offers genuine immersion. Expert naturalists bring every landing to life through fascinating insights into wildlife, geology and conservation, while luxurious accommodation, outstanding cuisine and impeccable service ensure every moment between excursions is equally memorable.

Whether hiking across ancient lava fields, kayaking through mangrove forests, snorkelling alongside sea lions or watching albatrosses perform their intricate courtship rituals, each day delivers experiences found almost nowhere else on the planet.

For travellers seeking meaningful adventure without sacrificing comfort, few expedition voyages achieve such a rewarding balance of exploration, education and understated luxury.