Galapagos Escape

Galapagos Escape 7 Days

Prices From £4,304pp
Year round | 6 nights

Galapagos Escape 7 Days

Aboard: National Geographic Islander II National Geographic Gemini

Set sail on an unforgettable express expedition through the Galapagos Islands, a living showcase of evolution where wildlife and landscapes exist in their purest form. Aboard your expedition vessel, you’ll journey across this remote Pacific archipelago, discovering a world shaped by fire and sea and teeming with unique species found nowhere else on Earth.

Each day brings a new adventure, from snorkelling beside sea lions and penguins to walking among land iguanas and giant tortoises, and witnessing the aerial displays of blue-footed and red-footed boobies. Explore lava-sculpted shores, paddle through crystalline coves, and experience the rare intimacy of encounters that have inspired naturalists since Darwin’s time.

Guided by a team of expert naturalists, this voyage reveals the Galápagos in all its diversity and wonder, uncovering one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet.

Various departures available throughout the year, including 8 day variations.

Highlights

  • Explore the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands
  • Snorkel, kayak, and hike alongside expert naturalist guides, encountering sea lions, iguanas, penguins, and giant tortoises in their natural habitats
  • Explore dramatic volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches by Zodiac, glass-bottomed boat, kayak, or paddleboard
  • Discover Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santiago, Genovesa, and Santa Cruz, each island offering unique wildlife, landscapes, and experiences
  • Walk over lava-sculpted terrain at Sullivan Bay and paddle through turquoise coves alive with marine life
  • Enjoy expert-guided hikes and nature walks with seasoned naturalists and certified photo instructors
  • Observe remarkable bird colonies, including red-footed and Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls, in one of the world’s most important sanctuaries

What's Included

  • Pre- and post-cruise overnight hotel stays in Quito (or Guayaquil)
  • Transfers between hotel, airport and ship
  • All meals onboard
  • Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and snacks
  • Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddleboards, full complement of snorkelling gear, glass-bottom boat rides, where relevant
  • Guidance and expertise of expedition staff
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • 24-hour access to shared spaces, such as the lounges and fitness centres
  • Complimentary WiFi

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Quito
1Day

Quito

Your Galapagos itinerary begins in the historical Ecuadorian capital city of Quito where upon arriving independently, you will join your transfer to a conveniently located hotel for an included overnight stay. Enjoy some time to explore some of the highlights of this vibrant city, or take advantage of a number of optional tour options and extensions. Alternatively, you can begin your itinerary in the coastal city of Guayaquil.

Fly to Galapagos
2Day

Fly to Galapagos

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will board your impressive ship, and your Galapagos cruise adventure will truly begin. Settle in as we set sail and soak up the wonderful views from your cabin or from deck.

Please note: Flights between Ecuador mainland and the Galapagos are not included in the shown rates. Please enquire for flight costs and details.

Cruise the Galapagos Islands
3 - 5Days

Cruise the Galapagos Islands

Over three extraordinary days in the Galápagos Islands, experience a journey through one of the planet’s most captivating wildlife sanctuaries, with each island revealing its own distinct character and natural wonders. Below is a list of areas we may visit and is not limited.

On Santa Fe, snorkel and kayak in the tranquil waters of Barrington Bay, surrounded by towering cliffs and the largest cactus trees in the archipelago. Walk among Santa Fe land iguanas, found nowhere else on Earth, and look to the skies for the majestic Galápagos hawk. At South Plaza (Plaza Sur), sea lions welcome you to their rocky home, a vibrant island carpeted in red and green succulents and alive with bird calls. Here, colonies of land iguanas bask in the sun while bachelor sea lions bellow from the shore.

On Santiago Island, trace the otherworldly landscape of Sullivan Bay, walking over smooth pahoehoe lava flows frozen in time since an eruption in 1897. Then take to the water by Zodiac, kayak, or snorkel, exploring the turquoise coves of Sombrero Chino, where you may spot the elusive Galápagos penguin.

Sailing north across the Equator, reach Genovesa, a remote volcanic caldera and haven for seabirds. Paddle beneath dramatic cliffs and encounter thriving colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls, while fur seals and sea lions rest along the rocks. Finally, on Santa Cruz Island, venture into the island’s lush highlands, where giant Galápagos tortoises roam freely across verdant meadows and offer a fitting finale to your unforgettable exploration of this living natural wonder.

Back to Quito
6 - 7Days

Back to Quito

On day 6, your Galapagos cruise will sadly come to an end, and it will be time to bid farewell to the crew and expedition team. Disembarking in Baltra, you will join your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil where a transfer will be provided to a convenient hotel for an included overnight stay. After breakfast the following morning, transfer back to the airport for onward or homeward flights, or spend some further time exploring mainland Ecuador.

Please note: Flights between Ecuador mainland and the Galapagos are not included in the shown rates. Please enquire for flight costs and details.

A view from Above

All Aboard

National Geographic Islander II
First class vessel

National Geographic Islander II

Purpose-built for exploration, the National Geographic Islander II combines modern elegance with the adventurous spirit of the Galapagos. Accommodating just 48 guests, this graceful expedition vessel feels more like a private yacht, offering spacious teak decks, panoramic lounges, and a remarkable 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio. Year-round voyages reveal the islands’ unique wildlife and landscapes in comfort, supported by a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, and even a glass-bottom boat for effortless discovery above and below the water’s surface.

On board, Ecuadorian hospitality shines through locally inspired design and cuisine. Two open-seating dining venues showcase sustainable, farm- and ocean-to-table ingredients, while public spaces such as the plunge pool, observation deck, library, and open Bridge keep guests connected to the islands at every moment. The ship’s 26 staterooms and suites feature panoramic windows, elegant marble bathrooms, and thoughtful details that reflect the character of the region.

National Geographic Gemini
First class vessel

National Geographic Gemini

The newly christened National Geographic Gemini is a purpose-built expedition ship designed for exploring the wonders of the Galapagos. Carrying just 48 guests, this nimble, shallow-draft vessel offers an intimate experience deeply rooted in decades of local collaboration and conservation. With expansive outdoor decks, a whirlpool, and panoramic lounges, Gemini blends small-ship warmth with modern elegance. The fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear ensures guests can explore the islands’ diverse habitats with ease and spontaneity.

Inside, 28 thoughtfully designed cabins, including some of the largest suites in the Galápagos fleet, feature large windows or private balconies, comfortable sitting areas, and modern amenities. The inviting lounge hosts daily recaps and relaxed gatherings, while the restaurant and open-air café serve regionally inspired, sustainable cuisine in a single, social seating. Whether watching marine iguanas on deck or gliding past volcanic shores by Zodiac, the National Geographic Gemini offers a refined yet adventurous way to experience the archipelago’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Ecuador, Galapagos adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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