Wild Galápagos Escape
Enchanting and wonderfully wild, no other corner of the world delivers the kind of exhilarating encounters Galápagos can. Experience all the magic of the archipelago in one action-packed week aboard the sleek and elegant National Geographic Islander II with Shedd Aquarium.
We’ll walk among lively colonies of wildlife, seeing marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, the beloved giant tortoises and more. Plus, explore the dazzling aquatic world as we paddleboard, kayak, Zodiac cruise and snorkel in rich waters teeming with fish, sea turtles, penguins and curious sea lions.
Hosted by Shedd’s Vice President of Conservation Research Dr. Chuck Knapp, we will discover the islands’ array of interesting habitats — from lush green highlands and stark volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches and mangrove thickets — through the eyes of someone who has dedicated his life to studying and protecting wild animals and imperiled ecosystems. Dr. Knapp cannot wait to experience this special place with you.
Ways to Register
To register, please email Lindblad Expeditions at [email protected] or call 1-833-985-1261, or email Shannon Fuller at [email protected] for more information.
Limited Capacity
Sold out!
Dates
August 12 – 19, 2023
8 days / 7 nights
Cost
Pricing starts at $9,790 PER PERSON double-occupancy. Please contact Lindblad Expeditions at [email protected] for more information about available suites and solo suites.
Ship
Photo by: Lindblad Expeditions
Highlights
- Walk among the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution
- Snorkel and kayak in rich waters among shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins and playful sea lions
- Hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands
- Live aboard the new all-suite National Geographic Islander II, a best-in-class expedition vessel that feels like a private yacht
- Travel with Dr. Chuck Knapp, Shedd’s Vice President of Conservation Research and member of the board of directors for the Galápagos Conservancy
- Learn from experts, including Dr. Knapp, about the complex ecosystems of the archipelago
Your Expert Trip Host
You will be accompanied by Dr. Chuck Knapp, Shedd Aquarium’s Vice President of Conservation Research. Dr. Knapp oversees Shedd’s conservation research programs with the goal of saving wild animals and imperiled ecosystems. In addition to overseeing research programs in the Caribbean and Great Lakes regions, Dr. Knapp has been studying endangered iguanas for 25 years throughout the wider Caribbean. In 2020, he joined the board of directors for the Galápagos Conservancy where he uses his vast experience with iguanas to help inform their work to protect and restore the complex ecosystems of the archipelago. His 25+ years of research and leadership in the conservation space make him the perfect host for this expedition, and he will add a richness to the itinerary that is incredibly special.
Photo by: Marco Ricca
Itinerary
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Upon arrival in Guayaquil, Ecuador, transfer to the 44-room Hotel del Parque, a tranquil haven surrounded by lush gardens, set in a lovingly-restored 19th-century building. Most flights arrive in the late evening. Choose to arrive early for an optional extra night to rest, relax and prepare for your voyage. Ask our expedition specialist about options, including flying into Quito, Ecuador's capital, instead of Guayaquil.
Sunday, August 13
Guayaquil / Galápagos / Embark
Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. We are welcomed by our naturalist staff and start exploring the islands.
Monday, August 14- Thursday August 17
Galápagos
Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our expedition. Our voyage begins and ends at Baltra and includes a visit to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands. Our itinerary offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes and experiences. All 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: Call at Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. 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 rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates.
Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, it’s the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos — and home to the strange flightless cormorant and the largest marine iguanas.
San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard —found only on this easternmost island. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.
Española: Home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at Punta Suarez.
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.
Friday, August 18
Disembark / Baltra / Guayaquil
Return by air to Guayaquil, where we transfer to the Hotel del Parque, or continue to Quito for an optional two-night extension. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights. Ask our expedition specialist for details.
Saturday, August 19
Guayaquil / Depart
Stay and relax or take an early flight home today.
Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Includes
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary or similar
- All meals, nonalcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages (except certain super-premium brands) aboard ship
- One hour of Wi-Fi per person per day aboard ship
- Meals on land as indicated, accompanied by nonalcoholic beverages
- All shore excursions
- Sightseeing, entrance fees and special access permits
- Transfers to and from designated flights
- Use of snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
- Tips (except to ship’s crew)
- Taxes and service charges
- Services of the ship physician and our expedition staff
- Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
Not Included
- Air transportation
- Extensions
- Passport, visa or immigration fees
- Meals not indicated
- Travel protection plan
- Items of personal nature such as select premium alcoholic beverages and laundry
Photo by: Lindblad Expeditions
Getting There and Getting Home
You will need to make your own travel arrangements to and from Guayaquil.
Lindblad Expeditions can assist in making your international air arrangements for a $50 per person service fee. Book by April 30, 2023 for Free Round-Trip Air from Miami/Galápagos—or from $249 and $349 from popular home cities for this departure. Business class upgrade starting at $750. New bookings only and subject to availability. Air offer is based on economy group flights that must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. Baggage fees may be additional.
Cancellation and Refunds
From confirmation of booking date up to 120 or more days prior to expedition start, there is a per person cancellation fee of $350
119-90 days there is a per person cancellation fee of the advance payment cost of $750
89-60 days there is a per person cancellation fee of 25% of trip cost
59-45 days there is a per person cancellation fee of 50% of trip cost
44-0 days there is a per person cancellation fee of 100% of trip cost
We recommend travel insurance in the event of unforeseen circumstances. The Travel Protection Plan offers comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damage or loss of baggage, medical assistance and evacuation during your travels. The Travel Protection Plan is available for U.S. residents only and may be purchased any time prior to final payment due date. Travel Protection premiums are non- refundable once plan is purchased.
Learn More about the Travel Protection “Plus” Plan:
www.expeditions.com/terms-cond...
Questions
Email Shannon Fuller at [email protected] for more information or call 1-833-985-1261